Colin Malone has agreed a two-year contract with Glenavon

Malone, who guided Armagh to promotion to the Irish Premier League in 2005, has signed a two-year contract with the Mourneview Park outfit.

His assistant Neil Carson has also made the move to Glenavon.

Malone, sacked by Glenavon in 2003, takes over from Jimmy Brown who was dismissed after just one season in charge of the Lurgan Blues.

The news will come as a blow to Armagh who had previously announced that Malone had agreed to stay on a Holm Park for another season.

"I had three great years at Armagh. They are disappointed but we have parted on the best of terms," said Malone.

"People maybe surprised I am going back to the club which sacked me but Glenavon are my hometown club and I have supported them since I was a boy.

"They are a bigger club and it will be a big job for me."

Meanwhile, Marty Verner has been linked with a move to Lisburn Distillery after he said he had left Glenavon last week.

The Whites may offer Darren Armour in exchange for Verner.