LARNE PLAN AHEAD

FORMER Glentoran commercial director Simon Kitchen has been appointed as executive director as Larne’s board continues to take shape.

Kitchen, who also works for ice hockey side the Belfast Giants and for Belfast taxi company Fonacab, will work with the East Antrim club’s new commerical director, once appointed.

“When I stepped down from my role at Glentoran earlier in the season I had no intention of getting involved anywhere again,” Kitchen explained to Larne’s club website.

“But when Gareth spoke to me 10 days ago I was intrigued by the plans he sold me for the club and I agreed to meet with him and Kenny (Bruce).

“Once I heard and viewed the long-term plans I was sold.

“The passion, energy and belief the boys have in the vision really whet my appetite again and I can’t wait to get involved.” Club chairman Gareth Clements welcomed him to the club, saying: “It is great to have someone of Simon’s calibre on board.

“I got to know Simon well during my involvement with Glentoran where he occupied a similar role.

“He is commercially minded and a really driven individual.

“He is a popular figure and well known throughout the province through his ‘day job’ with Fonacab and his sporting work with Glentoran and the Belfast Giants.”