Newry City AFC are delighted to announce that First Team Manager Stuart King has signed a new two-year contract at the club.

 

Having guided the team to promotion in his first season in charge, the 45-year-old has put pen to paper on a new deal to remain at The Showgrounds until at least 2028.

And on the eve of the new season, King admits it was an easy decision to make.

 

“I’m delighted to get it done. The club has been brilliant. Everything about the place is Premiership level and I want to take us back there,” he beamed.

“I loved every minute last season. There were ups and downs, but this a club is on an upward trajectory.

“I’ve managed at a higher level, but I genuinely feel like I’m wanted here, and it’s been a long time since I’ve had that. Me and my staff are delighted to stay, we’ve got a good squad together and hopefully we can keep kicking on.”

 

King, alongside Assistant Ryan Moffatt, believes his current squad can make an impact in the BOYLE Sports Championship this season.

 

“I think we’ve shown that when we played Premiership teams last season in the League Cup and even in pre-season, we’re more than capable of getting results against anybody.

“It’s just basically doing it week in, week out now in the Championship. It’s not going to be easy, we know that. But we’re a big, big football club, potentially the biggest football club in this league.

“We just have to get our head down, get as many results as we can and see where it takes us,” added King, who reserved a special mention for the loyal City supporters.

 

“I think they know how much I care. I’m here every day, doing as much work as I can to make this place as big as and good as it can be.

“We’re all in it together. I want this club to be really successful. They’ve been good to me, so I genuinely hope we can do as best we can. “Everybody is on board and the fans have been outstanding. We have the biggest support in the league. I’ve no doubt about that. Let’s just all keep driving the club forward.”

 

“We’re delighted to get Stuart tied down for another two years. He’s a real fans favourite and has been a breath of fresh air since coming to the club,” added Chairman Gary Wilson.

 

“He has strengthened the squad well in the Summer and we’ll certainly be competitive in the Championship this season.

“I’m really looking forward to continuing to work with him again and keep moving in the right direction.

 

“It’s a reward for the job he has done to date and the hard work he puts in every day. It also ensures stability moving forward and we’re confident that the future is bright for the club.”

Following Thursday night’s Annual General Meeting, Newry City AFC can announce Gary Wilson as our new Club Chairman.

It comes as Darren Mullen steps down after 13 months as Chair.

Having been Vice-Chairman for a number of years, as well as holding the position of Commercial Manager, Gary will lead the club for the foreseeable future.

“It’s a huge privilege to be named as Chairman of the club,” he says.

“Newry City is in my blood and, having served as Vice-Chairman for a number of years, it’s key to continue to build on the fantastic work done by Darren, Martin McLoughlin before him and the Committee.

“I’d like to place on record my thanks to Darren for the diligence, professionalism and leadership he has shown, not just over the past year as Chair, but also during his spells as First Team Manager.
“He leaves an amazing legacy and his status as a club legend is secure,” Gary added.

“Ahead of the 2026/27 season, the most important thing is that everyone at the club moves forward together and in a unified manner.

“Let’s build on the momentum Stuart and his team have created on the pitch and the Committee, staff, coaches and supporters have created off it.

“To our sponsors, your continued backing is invaluable and I look forward to maintaining and adding to the relationships already built to create even more exciting times ahead.

“Last, but certainly not least, our fantastic supporters are the backbone of the club. As a lifelong fan, I know what Newry City means to you all.
“Let’s look forward together and keep backing the club on and off the pitch.”

Outgoing Chairman Darren Mullen expressed his thanks to everyone at the club.
“Being Chairman of Newry City AFC was never a role I envisaged having, but it’s one I have thrown myself into over the past year,” he said. “Thankfully the club are back in the Championship after a successful year on the pitch and, through the hard work of the committee, the club is run in the right manner off the pitch.
“Between work commitments and my desire to get back into coaching, I feel it’s the right time to step down and allow someone else to step into the role.
“I wish Gary all the very best in his new role and would like to thank the committee, fans and sponsors for all their help over the past year.
“I’d also like to wish Stuart, his coaching staff and the players the best of luck for the season ahead.”

Newry City AFC are delighted to announce the signing of striker Ryan Swan.

 

The 30-year-old will join the club on expiration of his contract with Annagh United, becoming Manager Stuart King’s first signing of the Summer.

Swan moves to The Showgrounds, having enjoyed spells with Warrenpoint Town, as well as League of Ireland sides Bohemians and Cabinteely, following a stint with Exeter City earlier in his career.

 

“I’m delighted to be here,” said Swan.

“After speaking to Stuart and Pixie, I felt this was the right move at the right time.

“This is a big club, a sleeping giant. I want to be here to try and get us back to the Premiership.”

 

 

Manager Stuart King added his delight at securing Swan’s services.

“I’m so happy to get Ryan into our club. He’s someone who I’ve admired for years and is quick, strong and scores goals,” he said.

“Ryan’s performances in the play-off recently made him a top target and I’m so glad he has decided to join us when a lot of clubs were interested in having him onboard.

“I’m excited to see him and Lee playing together and I have no doubt our fans will love him.”