Yahoo Sports Who could replace King as Carrick Rangers manager?
Stuart King's three-year tenure at Carrick Rangers came to an end on Tuesday following a shock cup exit at the hands of third-tier Queen's University.
After qualifying for a first-ever European play-off last season, King's side could not kick on despite investment over the summer.
The cup exit by Queen's was a ninth defeat in 10 games in all competitions and Carrick sit bottom of the Irish Premiership table - without a league win since the opening day of the season.
With King's reign ended by Queen's, BBC Sport NI takes a look at who could be in the running to take over at Taylors Avenue.
Stephen Baxter
After 19 years that saw him hold the record as the world's longest-serving manager, Stephen Baxter stepped away from Crusaders at the end of last season.
Could he be tempted back into management with a fresh challenge?
Carrick's current situation is about revival and getting back on form to avoid the drop.
It's a different situation to where Baxter was consistently challenging for trophies at Seaview, but the 59-year-old helped rebuild the Crues from the brink when he took over in 2005.
A move to Taylors Avenue would see him link back up with former Crusaders players Paul Heatley, David Cushley and Andy Mitchell.
Baxter would bring pedigree to the role and is one of the most respected managers in Irish League history.
He said he would not rule out a future role in management after leaving the Crues, so could this be the prime opportunity?
Gary Hamilton
Gary Hamilton is another manager whose long-term tenure at a club came to an end last season.
After just shy of 12 years at Mourneview Park, Hamilton departed in September 2023 after a disappointing start to the season.
The 43-year-old often had the Lurgan Blues punching above their weight and he helped Glenavon to two Irish Cups in 2014 and 2016.
After a year away from the top flight, could Hamilton be the perfect fit to revive Carrick's season?
Paddy McLaughlin
Paddy McLaughlin has been out of the Irish League since he left Cliftonville in April 2023 to take up an assistant manager's role with Derry City.
However, he left the Brandywell in February and, although he has been linked with a number of clubs, has yet to return to management.
After impressing with Cliftonville and at Institute, who he helped win promotion to the top flight, the 44-year-old has experience at both ends of the table.
With the increased investment and new ownership at Taylors Avenue, could Carrick be the right fit for McLaughlin to return to the Irish Premiership?
Who else could be in contention?
Despite departing the Showgrounds 18 months ago, it's still hard not to think of Darren Mullen when talking about Newry City.
After playing a key role in the rebirth of the club, Mullen took Newry City to the top flight with three promotions in four years.
He stepped away after 10 years at the club in April 2023, and while he has yet to return to the Irish League he is still involved in coaching with Down GAA's minors.
Who else could be in contention for the role? Carrick have an experienced squad with options available if players were to step up, including Albert Watson and the aforementioned Mitchell.
Both are coaches with Larne. Mitchell is the academy's technical director at Inver Park while Watson is coach of the Under-16s, but could be left-field options if they fancy a new challenge.
