Marty Quinn held talks with Newry officials about the job

A Newry official said the club felt "let down" by Quinn but the Coleraine boss later rejected Newry's contention that he had applied for the job.

Quinn insisted Newry had approached him and he reiterated that he had "never fully committed to Newry".

Meanwhile, Donegal Celtic player Gerry Flynn has been handed the task of reviving Newry's fortunes.

Earlier in the week, Newry were clearly convinced that Coleraine boss Quinn had agreed to take the position.

"He agreed terms and had accepted the appointment at this club," claimed Newry spokeswoman Jenny Hughes.

"Basically, after speaking to Coleraine he then let us down at the last minute."

The Newry spokeswoman added that Quinn had held discussions with club directors Alan Williams and Jim O'Brien.

However, Quinn said that he "refuted" Newry's version of events.

"At no time did I apply for any position but I was offered it," said Quinn.

"I asked Newry to come back to me which they did. But even at that stage, I hadn't officially spoken to Coleraine and had never decided that I was leaving Coleraine."