Paul Kirk had 13 trophyless years at New Grosvenor

Lisburn Distillery have stunned Irish League football by sacking their long-serving manager Paul Kirk.

The move is bound to surprise many as Kirk had just led the Whites to fourth place in the Premiership which put them into the new Europa League.

Kirk said: "I am shocked at being sacked. To qualify for Europe and not get the opportunity to take the club into Europe is a bitter blow."

Distillery chairman Jim McGrory said they felt it was time for a change.

The Distillery directors will have to find a replacement quickly as the Europa League first round qualifying matches take place on 2 and 9 July.

Kirk said he would expect compensation for the one year left on his contact.

"I felt we were building a team capable of winning a trophy," said Kirk.

"I worked hard all season and had introduced a lot of young players to the club.

606: DEBATE Give your reaction to Paul Kirk's sacking

"I am grateful for the support I have had from Tommy Anderson who is vice-chairman of the club.

"Without his backing it would not have been possible to achieve what we have.

"We all want to win trophies, and I thought I was building towards that."

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