Newry City AFC are delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Jamie McDonagh from Cliftonville on a loan deal until the end of the season.

Barry Gray commented “I am delighted to have secured the services of Jamie for the rest of the season, and I’d like to thank Cliftonville for their assistance also. As we build the team and look forward to putting together a fight to stay in premiership, I feel Jamie will really help us deliver on the pitch.

“Jamie is an experienced premiership footballer and his quality speaks for itself, obviously he has played for several very established teams and I’m confident that he will be a good fit for us moving into the remaining games. We look forward to getting him in and working as soon as possible.”

McDonagh commented “I am delighted to come to Newry, I am pleased that Barry has shown faith in me to sign me for the final 6 months of the season. Obviously I went to Glenavon earlier in the season to get my career back on track and unfortunately with the accident I had that didn’t work out, I now have the chance to do that at Newry and I am determined to use my time here both to get my career back on track to where I was at my pinnacle a few seasons ago and also to keep Newry in the Premiership. I think both of those things can go hand in hand and with the resources that we have here at the club that we can do that.

“I was at the match last week with Cliftonville and was able to watch the Newry performance and hear the backing that they got from the fans, I am sure we can put on more performances like that only with a better result and the fans will continue to be behind us. I am just looking forward to get going now.”

Photographs Courtesy of Brendan Monaghan Photography

Newry City AFC are delighted to announce the signing of goalkeeper Conor Mitchell from Dungannon Swifts on a long-term permanent deal.

The 27-year-old moves to The Showgrounds having worked under new Manager Barry Gray at Warrenpoint Town for the last two seasons before moving to Stangmore Park last Summer.

The former Northern Ireland Under-21 international began his career at Premier League side Burnley, a part of the Turf Moor club until 2019, when he returned home to sign for Linfield.

He then joined Larne, helping them secure European football and playing in the Irish Cup Final defeat to Linfield in 2021, before moving to Warrenpoint.

Speaking to the club’s media team, Mitchell said: “I’m delighted to be on board and really looking forward to getting started. My aim is to come in and add something to the group, both on and off the pitch, and I believe I can do that.

“I’m excited to work with Barry again. We both know what to expect from each other and the standards that are required so hopefully I can come in and deliver some strong performances and collectively we can start putting points on the board.”

Manager Barry Gray says he’s delighted to be working with Mitchell once again.

“It’s great to get Conor done and over the line, again another player I have worked with in the past and a player that has much experience in the Premiership.

“The goalkeeping department has been an area that we needed to strengthen, as we only have one senior keeper, so Conor will be a great addition and will provide us with much need depth and experience in that position. I’m really looking forward to working with Conor again.”

Mitchell will go straight into the first team squad for tomorrow’s Sports Direct Premiership match at home to Cliftonville (3pm).

Photograph courtesy of Brendan Monaghan Photography.

First Team Manager Barry Gray is delighted to welcome 25-year-old attacker Brandon Doyle on loan from Crusaders until the end of the season.

Gray commented “It’s great to get Brandon onboard, again another player I have experience working with previously. Brandon is a young player, but has been involved with some great team set ups and is raring to get stuck in and get going. Brandon knows exactly what’s expected from him and I’ve no doubt he’ll make an immediate impact and give us increased depth at the top end of the pitch.”

Speaking to the club’s media team, Brandon Doyle said: “I’m happy to have signed for Newry and I’m excited for the challenge ahead. I’ve worked with Barry before so I know the standards Barry expects from his players. I’m looking forward to getting in and putting the work in with the staff and the players here until the end of the season. Hopefully, I can help do my part to keep Newry in the Premiership where they belong.”

First Team Manager Barry Gray is delighted to add Dermot McVeigh to his coaching staff at The Showgrounds. McVeigh will be first team coach assisted by the coaching staff of Damien Hillen, Michael Mackin and Damian McCorry.

Gray commented “It’s great to get Dermy onboard, we have worked together closely over the last few seasons and previously as a player. Dermy understands my style of management and will have an immediate impact providing guidance to players on many aspects of how we want to move forward. Dermy is a coach that I trust a lot and has always been the upmost professional. I look forward to working with him again.”

Speaking to the club’s media team, Dermot McVeigh said: “I’ve known Barry a long time having both played and worked under him at Warrenpoint so I know the standards he sets and expects from both players and staff to get the best out of the team on the pitch.

“I was delighted to be asked to join him at Newry, firstly to help secure Premiership football for next season and secondly to be part of his bigger plans for the club.

I’m really looking forward to getting in and working with the players. I am familiar with most of the lads having played with or against them so introductions shouldn’t take too long and we can get straight to work.”

Newry City Athletic Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of Steven Ball from Warrenpoint Town on a long-term contract.

The 26-year-old, who can play left-back and in midfield, become new Manager Barry Gray’s first signing since taking over at The Showgrounds.

Ball moves down the dual carriageway and back to the Premiership, having made 119 appearances for Warrenpoint, scoring 16 goals. He has scored 8 times in 9 games so far this season in the Premier Intermediate League.

Speaking to the club’s media team, Steven Ball said: “I’m delighted to have joined Newry City and to be back playing Premiership football.

“It speaks for itself that I have followed the manager here. We have both worked very well together over the last few seasons and I look forward to continuing that progression in a Newry jersey. I know the position the team is currently in, but I believe I can play my part in helping the club retain Premiership status.

“I can’t wait to get into training and playing as soon as possible.”

Commenting on his first signing as Newry City Manager, Barry Gray added: “I’m delighted to have Steven join me at Newry.

“I’ve worked with Steven at Premiership, Championship, and Premier Intermediate League level. He’s a player that has developed so quickly and has been a proven talent for me at Warrenpoint.

“Steven will help me establish the style of football we want to play and is only too familiar with what is expected of him as he comes back into Premiership football.”

Ball is cup-tied for Newry City’s Clearer Water Irish Cup 5^th Round tie at home to Ballinamallard United this Saturday January 6^th .

Photographs Courtesy of Brendan Monaghan Photography