Newry City AFC are very pleased to confirm the signing of Adam Salley on expiration of his contract with Portadown FC.

NCAFC Manager Gary Boyle commented “Adam is a statement signing and massive coup for the club. A player who has scored goals at this level and in his prime. He had several other offers and we are delighted he has decided to sign for us.

Adam’s goal scoring return was phenomenal last season; we believe our style of play lends itself to Adams best attributes and know if we create the chances he will put them away.

It’s a fantastic signing for the club and one we are all very excited about.”

 

 

 

Adam commented “I am delighted to be joining Newry City AFC for the next two seasons, I have played at The Showgrounds against Newry so I’m familiar with the players & management and from speaking to them I think the club will suit me. I really enjoyed my football at Ards last season and thankfully the goals were flowing so I am looking forward to getting stuck in and hopefully hit the ground running here too.”

 

 

 

Photographs courtesy of Brendan Monaghan Photography.

Newry City AFC First Team Manager Gary Boyle is delighted to welcome Ciaran O’Connor back to the club as his first new signing for the 23/24 campaign. O’Connor is no stranger to The Showgrounds having had a short loan period with us last season and we are sure the City fans will look forward to welcoming him back.

Boyle commented “Ciaran is a player proven at this level who will add genuine quality at the top end of the pitch. He is versatile and can play in a number of positions which gives us options and flexibility.

 

Ciaran has come from a full-time environment and I know he will bring professionalism and help to drive the high standards already set by the squad.

He is a good character and bedded in really well with the group in his loan spell here previously.

 

It’s an exciting signing for the club and I know the supporters will enjoy watching him play!”

O’Connor added “My loan spell at the club last season didn’t really go as planned with my long suspension, I loved my time at the club which unfortunately was more so off the pitch with the team at training and chatting to the people around the club so I am really grateful to have the opportunity to give back to the fans on the pitch and enjoy my football again. I can’t wait to get going.”

Photographs courtesy of Brendan Monaghan Photography.

With the 22/23 only just over preparations for 23/24 continue at pace at The Showgrounds and they received a major boost on Saturday with news that local company HMT Group have committed to another 2-year deal as the main sponsors of the club.

 

We are delighted to have agreed a new two-year deal with our main sponsor, HMT Group. Their continued support will prove invaluable to us as we endeavor to negotiate another successful year at the pinnacle of Northern Ireland football in the NIFL Premier League. This deal will allow us to strengthen our squad and provides us with the stability to sustain an exciting future for our club. This very generous investment by a successful local business is testament to the ambition of Gerard and Jarlath and their wish to contribute to the continued development of their club and their city. With the new manager in place and this commitment from HMT Group we can look forward to an exciting new era for our club and once again thank Gerard and Jarlath for their enduring support.

 

HMT Director Jarlath Magee commented “HMT are delighted to extend our sponsorship of Newry City for a further two years. We wish the new manager all the best for the season ahead and look forward to seeing Premiership football remain in the City.”

 

Photograph Courtesy of Brendan Monaghan Photography

Newry City AFC Chairman Martin McLoughlin is delighted to confirm the appointment of Gary Boyle as First team Manager at Newry City AFC.

Martin commented “Gary has been Darren’s assistant for a number of years and his football qualities as well as his dedication and professionalism have been evident throughout meaning it was both an easy and unanimous decision for the club’s management committee to offer him the managers post. The choice of Gary not only ensures that we have the level of stability which appointment from within brings but will also allow Gary to quickly work on securing new contracts with many of the current squad. Gary is also best placed to work on those areas where our squad is weak and requires strengthening and as a management committee we will give Gary and his backroom team every possible support.”

Gary Boyle commented “It’s an honour and a privilege to be given the opportunity to manage this fantastic club. I am excited to build on the unbelievable work Darren has done and lead the team with the backing of our wonderful supporters! Although the 22/23 season has only just finished there’s lots of work to be done between now and August to ensure we are best prepared to hit the new season running and I can assure everyone at the club that will be my immediate focus.”

Photograph courtesy of Brendan Monaghan Photography

A Statement from the Manager Darren Mullen

“Honour and privilege. Those are the 2 words I would use to describe my time as manager of Newry City AFC. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would be on this journey over the past 10 years. It has given both my family and I so many great memories that will last a lifetime. I have known for some time that I would be stepping down as manager and there is no better way to leave the club than in the Premiership where they rightfully belong. It hasn’t always been easy but there are so many people I need to thank for their help and support over those years. To every single player who played for me I thank you. I may not have got every decision right but I hope you all take some happy memories from your time at the club. Special mention to my 3 captains Chris, Hughesy and Engine who have been terrific representatives for me in the changing rooms. To every single coach from the academy right through to the senior team who helped nurture those players who played for the club. Special mention to Ramy, Jervis, Micky, Gary, Damien Hillen and Damian McCorry who gave me more support than they will ever realise. To Gaff, Willie and Dorothy who have not only helped me in many ways but also kept the craic going when I badly needed a laugh. To the physios and other support staff over the years. To all the committee members, volunteers and sponsors over the years who kept the club going off the pitch to allow me to do my job on it. Special mention to the Chairman Martin, Vice-chairman Gary and the Hillen family who have not only had to put up with my never-ending demands in trying to push the club forward but have also become good friends. To my family for giving me the time, patience and support to throw myself into this role. Anyone involved in management will know the efforts and sacrifices involved and there is no way I could have done this without my wonderful wife Diane and my 4 daughters. Last but not least I want to thank the fans. From day one they have given me their full support and to hear them chanting my name made me prouder than they will ever know. They realise I am one of their own and will be eternally grateful for being part of ‘Darren Mullen’s blue and white army’. I’ve no doubt the club will continue to grow and I will look forward to coming back to The Showgrounds to support the team as a fan. 💙⚽️”

 

Comment from the Chairman Martin McLoughlin

 

“After we absorb the managers news we will come to realise that today’s announcement marks the end of an era at our club. Ten years ago last month we reformed and Darren Mullen was both the instigator as well as being pivotal to that revival. As Chairman, and on behalf of our club, I would like to thank Darren and his family for his dedication and total commitment since then. Without doubt enjoying the highs and seeing out the lows during that time has allowed us to become firm friends and I’m absolutely delighted that his tenure as manager has ended with those friendships fully intact. Darren leaves us with many great memories. He was very much more than just a football manager and got involved in a lot of issues pertaining to the everyday running of Newry City AFC and for that we are very grateful. However, it is for success on the pitch that a manager will be remembered and Darren has had more than his share of that over those 10 years, winning leagues, cups and numerous promotions culminating in this year securing Premiership football for 23/24 at The Showgrounds. Without doubt this success has brought a new sense of pride to the club and nothing makes me happier than to see our colours worn by young and old alike around the Newry area. I can safely say that all at Newry City AFC wish Darren every success in the future and look forward to seeing him at many games supporting the club he served so well.”

#YourCityYourClub.
Martin

 

Darren Mullen will be on the sideline for his last match as Manager on Saturday and the club will provide an update on the Managerial position in due course.