Rodney McAree's empathy for rival boss as he sums up 'all-consuming' job

Photo shows Dungannon Swifts manager Rodney McAree
-Credit: (Image: INPHO/Brian Little)


Rodney McAree admits he can "empathise" with rival manager Stuart King as he reflected on the "all-consuming" world of football management.

Carrick Rangers boss King recently opened up on the pressure that comes with the job, admitting he had endured countless sleepless nights after his side's poor start to the season left them rooted to the bottom of the table.

They have lost seven league games on the bounce since an opening day win against Glenavon, with last week's last-gasp loss to Linfield only compounding King's misery.

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Next up for McAree's Dungannon Swifts is a home clash with Carrick, a game he knows will present a sterner test than the current standings suggest.

"Of course you can empathise with what Stuart is going through. Winning becomes a habit, so does losing. I don't expect Carrick to be in that position come the end of the season," McAree said.

"We have to make sure we are on top form. Carrick have had injury concerns, as we have. You just have to get on with it, and we have had more fortune in picking up results during that.

Photo shows Carrick manager Stuart King
Carrick manager Stuart King -Credit:INPHO/Declan Roughan

"But we won't be taking Carrick coming to us lightly because of the strength of player they have. They went in the summer and signed Seanan Clucas and Luke McCullough, two players I am well aware of. Along with your Danny Gibsons, Paul Heatleys and boys like that.

"So it will be a very tough game."

McAree knows what it's like being in the firing line as manager, having been in the hot-seat at clubs including Glentoran, Coleraine and hometown side Dungannon.

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He tries to abide by the mantra of not getting too high with the wins, and too low with the defeats. But he admits the job can be an emotional rollercoaster at times.

"Management impacts everything. And you try not to let it affect your family and personal life," he says.

"But when you go into management, and even as a coach, it's the first thing you think about in the morning, and the last thing you think about at night. You're constantly mulling over things in your own head.

"It is not a 9-5 job. There is no real switching off with it, but it's what we enjoy. To go through the good times you have to go through the bad times, and I have been in that position before.

"It is difficult when you're not getting results and people are questioning you, and turning against you. But it is part and parcel of the job and you try and deal with it best you can.

"I try to be positive as much as I can. I can blow the lid at times. But I try and stay upbeat. It is difficult.

"You are only one result away from everything picking up again, so you just have to keep your head down and working hard."

McAree and his players are on a high at present, with Dungannon sitting fourth in the Premiership following an impressive start to the season.

He added: "We have had a good start to the season and there have been more highs and lows. I don't expect this season to have more highs and than lows. I still expect us to compete and be competitive, and hopefully that's enough.

"I am always looking over my shoulder."

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