Harry Fay was manager at Dungannon Swifts for two years

Harry Fay has rejected an offer to succeed Paul Kirk as the new manager of Lisburn Distillery.

"It was a great chance to get back into football after eight months out," said the former Dungannon Swifts boss.

"But I believe it is a full-time job now and I really can't devote the time necessary to do the job right."

The turmoil has continued at New Grosvenor with vice-chairman Tommy Anderson resigning in protest against the sacking of Kirk last week.

Anderson said: "The board have made the decision and I accept that, but I could not continue on. They have got it wrong. "

"There are many other clubs in the league who would love to be in our position and have a squad like ours.

"The reasons given for sacking Paul Kirk were that he had 13 years and had not won a trophy.

"I believe he did everything we asked of him. We set him targets each season and he achieved them.

"We have qualified for Europe four times in the last six seasons, a club record, and we also improved our league position year on year and we were so close to getting that first senior trophy."

Fay took Dungannon to the Irish Cup final in 2007 but was sacked by the Stangmore Park club last October after a poor start to the season.

The Whites will play in the Europa Cup next season and Fay has the necessary Pro Licence to manage in Europe.

"I gave the offer a lot of thought," added Fay.

"There are obviously issues going on at the club, but that did not really matter to me.

"I will be back in football again, but only as a coach."

Meanwhile, fitness coach Donald Malmo-paris has turned down the chance to manage the team for the Europa League games in July.

Kirk, who was axed by Distillery despite finishing fourth in the league, has vowed to return to management.

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