Portadown boss Ronnie McFall leaves after 29 years in charge

Ronnie McFall, European football's longest-serving manager, has resigned as boss at Northern Irish side Portadown after more than 29 years in the job.

The 69-year-old was appointed in December 1986 - six weeks after Sir Alex Ferguson joined Manchester United - and won four league titles during his reign.

The Ports, though, were sent crashing out of the Irish Cup at the quarter-final stage by Lurgan Celtic on Saturday which prompted McFall to stand down.

A statement on the club's website read: "Portadown Football Club can confirm that, following today's match against Lurgan Celtic, manager Ronnie McFall offered his resignation to the club chairman Roy McMahon.

"The manager's resignation has been reluctantly accepted. The board would like to thank Ronnie for his invaluable contribution the club and the success that it has enjoyed during his long and distinguished tenure.

"The board will meet shortly to discuss the way forward for the club including the appointment of a new manager."

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger now takes the record having been with the Gunners since 1996.

As a player, McFall played for Dundee United, Ards, Glentoran and Portadown.

McFall cut his teeth in management with Glentoran before taking charge at Portadown.