WINDSOR CASTLE IS NEXT FOR KING

Stuart enjoying a fairytale run at Carrick

ONLY in his wildest dreams might Stuart King have imagined stepping out at Windsor Park for the first time as a manager with Linfield staring up at him in the table.

Yet that’s the scenario confronting the Carrick Rangers boss, who has worked a minor miracle since being appointed manager in June.

Yes, we’re only seven weeks into the new season and yes, David Healy’s (inset) Linfield, the defending champions, boast a game in hand on Rangers, who are a point above them in fourth.

But King’s early season impact with a club that won just five league games last season and finished second bottom in May merits more than passing acclaim.

Four wins from seven in the league, a 0-0 draw at second-placed Larne a fortnight ago and only six goals conceded in seven league outings to date is a notable record.

“Not too many people would have believed we would be above a phenomenal side like Linfield after six or seven games,” said King.

“But the lads have been top, top drawer and have given me absolutely everything since I’ve come in as manager.

“We’re only seven games into the season, but the workrate and desire they are giving me is everything I want as a manager. The challenge now is to keep it

up.”

King, who won two league titles with Linfield in the early2000s, is relishing the prospect of stepping into the Windsor Park dugout as a manager for the first time.

“What more do you want as a young manager?” he said. “This is exactly what you want as a manager, setting up your team to face the league champions at Windsor Park.

“It’ll be a challenge, but it’s one I’m looking forward to.”