Peter Clarke is stepping down as Chairman of Carrick Rangers Football Club, to focus on several key strategic projects, including projects in North America and Asia and the re-development of the ground including the Club’s bid for support through the Northern Ireland Football Fund. while John Hood is stepping down as Vice Chairman as part of the transition to a new leadership structure.
Clarke will remain a significant shareholder in Carrick Rangers and will continue to serve as Chairman of the Limited Company, ensuring continuity as the Club advances key strategic projects. John Hood has agreed to a role as non-executive director, working directly with the major shareholders in setting strategy for all aspects of the Club and supporting Clarke.
The Club is pleased to announce that Jody Hill has been appointed as the interim Chairman of Carrick Rangers Football Club. Kel McDermott will serve as interim Vice Chairman, adding further experience and football knowledge to the Club’s leadership team during this next phase of development.
Hill brings deep football experience and a longstanding connection to the game in Northern Ireland. A former Irish League player and Northern Ireland youth international, he represented clubs including Linfield, Larne, and Bangor during his playing career. After moving into coaching and player development, he helped establish youth football structures at Carnmoney, earned his UEFA B License, and joined the Carrick Rangers Academy in 2018. Hill joined the Carrick Rangers Board in 2019. Since then, he has worked across multiple age groups, including the Club’s U15s, U16s and U18s, and has also been involved with the U20 pathway, giving him a strong understanding of player development and the wider future of Carrick Rangers. His appointment reflects the Club’s commitment to leadership rooted in football knowledge, development, and continuity.
McDermott also brings significant football and boardroom experience. He began his career at Manchester United before enjoying a successful senior playing career, including with Linfield, and later served as captain of Carrick Rangers. He is a current board member and has played an important role in strengthening links between the Club and its supporters, serving as the Board’s liaison to supporters while also contributing to football development within the Club. His interim appointment provides stability, experience, and a strong connection to both the Club’s heritage and its supporter base.
Michael Smith, majority shareholder of Carrick Rangers Football Club, said: “I want to sincerely thank Peter and John for their outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to Carrick Rangers Football Club. Their contributions have helped position the Club for the future, and I am grateful that both will continue to play important roles as we move forward. I look forward to continuing to work closely with them in the years ahead. I also want to warmly welcome Jody as our new Chairman and Kel as interim Vice Chairman. Their experience, passion for the Club and deep understanding of football make them the right leaders for this next phase. This is an exciting step into a new chapter of growth and continued success for Carrick Rangers Football Club.”
Peter Clarke added, “having served the Club as Chairman for more than a decade and subsequently acquiring the Club in 2018 the growth of the Club and the workload is such that we need to add more resources to allow us to continue the growth. When we acquired the Club in 2018, the Club had just been relegated and after regaining promotion that year we have maintained Premiership status ever since. I am proud that the strategy that we put in place at the time has resulted in remaining profitable during this time whilst still investing on the pitch. Last year was our best ever season, breaking many records and culminating in winning the County Antrim Shield. We achieved this whilst remaining profitable, which is essential to ensure long-term sustainability. This would not be possible without the immense amount of work and support from everyone involved with the Club but especially our Board. They have worked tirelessly and deserve a huge amount of credit and recognition. This transition will allow John and I to focus on the key strategic priorities needed to achieve our long-term objectives. I also want to thank Jody and Kel for taking on this additional responsibility and helping to drive the Club forward.”
As Carrick Rangers continues to invest in its infrastructure, football operations and long-term sustainability, the Club believes this transition will support continued progress across every area of the organization. With a strong existing Board and new leaders stepping forward, Carrick Rangers enters its next chapter with confidence, ambition, and a shared commitment to success for the Club, its supporters and the wider Carrickfergus community.
