Niall Currie has left his role as Portadown manager with immediate effect after a turbulent tenure. His exit comes just two games remaining in the 2023-24 Irish Premiership season, following a 4-0 defeat to relegation-threatened Crusaders where Currie described his team's performance as "abysmal."

The 53-year-old took charge of Portadown for a second spell in October 2022, having previously managed the club from 2016-2018. During his first return, he secured promotion from the Championship in 2023 before reaching the BetMcLean Cup final in 2024 despite losing to Linfield. Last season saw Portadown finish eighth in the top flight, narrowly missing European play-off spots.

Currently sitting 10th with two matches left, Portadown faces an uphill battle to avoid relegation. The club previously suffered relegation in the 2022-23 campaign but quickly bounced back under Currie's first managerial stint. His departure leaves the team in a precarious position with limited time to reverse their season.

Currie's extensive managerial experience includes stints at Dundela, Carrick Rangers, Ards, Loughgall, and Annagh United. Portadown now faces a critical juncture, with their final fixtures potentially determining their fate in the Irish Premiership this season.