Paul Curran was surprised to be dismissed as Larne boss

Leeman was previously in charge of First Division side H&W Welders and won the Intermediate Cup with the club.

Curran joined Larne just over a year ago and saved the team from relegation.

However, the club has struggled this season and sits two points adrift at the bottom of the Carnegie Premier League after just one win.

"It's a bit of a surprise as I was talking to players I was trying to sign in the January transfer window," said former Derry City player Curran.

"Things were not as they seemed - we were unfortunate in certain games."

The Dundalk-based Curran, who captained Larne in the 2005 Irish Cup final defeat by Portadown, succeeded Jim Hagan at the Co Antrim outfit.

Larne squandered a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 with Dungannon Swifts in Curran's final game on Saturday.

He added: "I had consulted Larne directors and they told me to go ahead and talk to players I wanted.

"I was working in the background in an attempt to strengthen the panel but I got a phone call from the chairman this morning.

"There must have been a board meeting last night but I didn't know anything about it.

"I took over this time last year and we stayed up and fair play to all the players involved in that.

"Last Saturday we were unlucky not to get the three points but I do not think I was sacked over just one match."