McAllister leaves Glenavon

The writing had been on the wall for the former Donegal Celtic gaffer when Gary Hamilton brought in former Glentoran boss Paul Millar near the end of the season.

It has now been confirmed that his contract won’t be renewed and Packie wished everyone at the club well for the future following his departure.

“It’s disappointing but I totally understand where Gary (Hamilton) is coming from,” he told the ‘MAIL.’

“He wants to get his own men in and I understand that. There are no hard feelings and I wish Glenavon all the best because it’s a great club. I couldn’t say a bad word about anyone at the place. The club is crying out for success and everyone there deserves it.

“Maybe in a couple of years I’ll get the chance to return to the club. I would have loved to have been there as a player because you have to be there to realise how well the players and staff are treated.

“There are no sour grapes or anything. We sat down when Gary came in and we said we’d take it to the end of the season and then see.

“I learned a lot about myself during my time at the club and I’ll definitely look to get back into the game. I’m not one for waiting about.”

Hamilton was also quick to thank McAllister and wish him well for the future:

“I’d like to thank Packie for everything he’s done for the club,” he said.

“Unfortunately our budget is tight and cuts had to be made. When I got the job, Paul Millar was always my first choice assistant but Packie was under contract and Paul was at Larne.

“Paul was always a man that I wanted to bring in and unfortunately, with our budget Packie had to be the fall guy. It’s unfortunate because I enjoyed working with him and he was very good for the club.

“I wish him all the best and with his quality, I have every reason to believe he will succeed wherever he goes.”