Following the departure of Barry Gray, Newry City AFC are delighted to appoint Darren Mullen as First Team Manager along with Ray Byrne and Jervis McCaul as coaches.

Newry City AFC Chairman Martin McLoughlin commented “After a hectic weekend today became a day of change at NCAFC. Firstly, let me place on record our thanks to Barry, Mark and Ciaran for all of the hard work they have done during their tenure.

“I am well aware of the time that they have put in, in a bid to make the club a success and the sacrifices that they have made to try and make that possible. I have no doubt that circumstances beyond their control in particular injuries to key players has hindered their efforts.

“As a club our aim is to keep NCAFC in senior football and to challenge for league titles. Therefore, we feel it is crucial to appoint a successor who has knowledge of the league and especially the setup at the club.

“With the excitement of our new 4g training facility nearing completion we are in a great position off the pitch but need the results on the pitch that have so far been avoiding us.

“From previous experience of Darren and his backroom staff I know they will be under no illusion about the task ahead and will be keen to get the job started.

Hopefully this change will give us the boost we need and we can restart our season from here.”

Darren Mullen commented “This has all happened very quickly but I had no hesitation in agreeing to help the club. They say you should never go back in football but Raymond Byrne, Jervis McCaul and I all have a huge emotional attachment to this club.

“Results haven’t been good but I believe the squad that’s there is a lot better than the current league position shows. The fans have always been brilliant but we need to start giving them something to sing about. As a group we will be working hard to get Newry City back where they belong and that work starts this Tuesday night.”