Photo above: City boss Darren Mullen welcomes two of the club’s new signings Keith Johnston and Paddy Magill to the club

Newry City has announced four new signings to the club ahead of the coming season. Strikers Keith Johnston and Sean McMullan have agreed terms to join the club from Orchard City and Warrenpoint Town respectively, left back Paddy Magill has signed from Camlough Rovers while the club have welcomed back experienced central defender Paul Donegan for a third spell at the club.

Speaking to newrycityafc.co.uk, City boss Darren Mullen expressed his delight at the new signings.

“All four lads bring quality and experience in abundance to the squad,” Darren said.

“Three of the lads have already won the Intermediate A league, the league that we will be competing in next season. It shows the progress we are making that we can attract these players to the club but we know the hard work starts in pre-season all over again.

“We already had a strong squad but it’s always good to bring fresh faces into the club. Sean and Keith both enjoyed great success playing together up front for Warrenpoint and I’ve no doubt they will continue that success with us.

“Paddy has been one of the best left backs around for the past five seasons and will give us strength down that left side. Paul has returned for his third spell with the club and brings a wealth of experience that we will need moving forward.

“We are still a very young developing team but these signings give us a great boost going into the new season.”

Newrycityafc.co.uk caught up with all four lads at the weekend to get their reactions to signing with the club:

Paul Donegan

Firstly it’s great to back at Newry. I am very proud to play for my hometown club. Anyone who knows me, especially the ones I work close with on a daily basis will stand testament to this, I’m very fortunate to play for the team I support.

I think it’s great timing for both myself and the club. I’ve still a lot to offer on the pitch and it’ll be great to be back at Newry as a relatively more senior player. I also think the addition of myself, Mully, Jonsy and Paddy to what is already a strong team, can match any side at this level and bring Irish league football back to the Showgrounds where the club rightfully belongs!

I personally would like to win a few trophies this season. My most enjoyable season at Newry was the year we were in the Championship and won the Mid Ulster and Intermediate cups. I hope to emulate that in the coming seasons. These are the things as a player you can look back on with pride in later years.

Sean McMullan

I’m delighted to have signed for such a great club. I intend to do my best to help push the club back to where it belongs in the Irish league.

It was a hard decision to leave my own club after 24 years playing at youth and senior level but I can honestly say that Newry is the only club I would have left Warrenpoint for.

It’s been a while since I’ve had a decent run of games so I can’t wait to get started. Hopefully the Newry supporters will take to me because the one thing I will always give is 100% when I take to the field! 

Keith Johnston

I’m delighted to be back playing at the Showgrounds. I fully enjoyed my first spell at the club and I can’t wait get going again. With the quality in the squad there’s no reason why we can’t get promoted back into the Irish League. 

 

Paddy Magill

I’m delighted to be back at the club and can’t wait to get playing. The Intermidate A league has some strong sides but with the strength in depth at Newry there’s no reason why we can’t win this league. I just can’t wait to get started.