Beckett quits as Institute boss

Beckett's side have dropped to near the foot of the table

Liam Beckett has resigned as manager of Carnegie Irish League club Institute.

Saturday's defeat by Glentoran was the club's seventh consecutive reverse and they are only two points ahead of bottom club Limavady.

Club chairman Billy Gillard said that Beckett had stepped down "because of commitments in Ballymena and Ballymoney and other personal reasons".

Beckett's assistant John Gregg is expected to take over as manager for the remainder of this season.

"He intimated to us a couple of months ago that he would be standing down. He also intimated it again two weeks ago," added the Institute chairman.

"He said that we should be looking at (appointing one of) our other coaching staff and that they would maybe take on the role as the manager.

"We parted as good friends. It was no stab in the back or anything like that."

Gillard added that he has already held discussions with Gregg about the vacancy.

"He would be very upbeat about the challenge. John would be up for the job although I am speaking just as chairman and I would have to consult with the committee and the rest of the coaching staff."

Gregg appears likely to be installed in the Institute role on Monday evening when club officials meet to discuss Beckett's departure.