Delighted to share the news that Adam Foley has been rewarded for some scintillating performances with the NI Football Writers Bluefin Sport Championship Player of the Month. Newry Manager Darren Mullen commented “This accolade is just reward for some excellent performances by Adam in October. He’s a player with undoubted ability who just needs to perform consistently and thankfully he has shown that recently. Our style of play suits him and he has been thriving in a new role so hopefully that continues for the remainder of the season. He’s a great lad who has fitted in well at the club and will be the first to acknowledge the work of his teammates in helping him receive this award.”

Newry City are delighted to announce that they have secured the signature of rising star John McGovern on a professional contract.

Darren Mullen commented “This contract is well deserved for John’s performances this season. Since his first appearance in preseason he has been terrific not only in terms of his ability but also his attitude. It’s hard to believe at times that he has just turned 17 but he has a maturity well beyond his years and most importantly is still willing to learn. He comes from a very good family who keep him well grounded and who know he is being well looked after at the club. He knows he has plenty more to learn but is at a club who is well suited to bringing young lads on and developing that talent. I’m sure the fans will also be delighted as he has become a firm favourite with them and they can see what it means for John to play for his hometown club.”

John McGovern commented “I am delighted to sign my first professional contract with Newry City AFC. It’s been a fantastic few months adjusting to playing in the Irish league championship and thankfully getting a few goals. I would like to thank Darren and the coaching staff for helping me get to this point and to the lads on the team for their on-field encouragement. I just need to keep listening and learning to help our cup run and get back to the premiership.”

Johns parents Dermot & Pauline added, “As parents we are very proud and know that he is in good hands with Newry. It’s a great club and everyone has made him feel very welcome as a young local player who has progressed. He knows he has to keep learning all the time and hopefully he can do well in his first full season.”

Cover photo courtesy of Brendan Monaghan Photography 

Newry City AFC are delighted to announce that John McGovern has been called up to the Northern Ireland U19 squad for their forthcoming NI International training camp next week.

NCAFC Manager Darren Mullen commented “This is a terrific honour for John, his family and the club but one that’s well deserved. His performances this season for a lad of 16 have been of a really high standard and were bound to attract attention at some stage. I spoke to Stephen Frail who manages both the NI U17s & U19s after our game on Saturday and he was impressed enough to want to see him at closer quarters. I’ve no doubt he’s well fit to perform at that level and hope that he continues his progress both with Newry and NI.”

The club would like to wish John & the rest of the NI squad all the best for next week as they meet both Liverpool U19 and Swansea U19 at Lilleshall.

Newry Manager Darren Mullen has reacted to a slow start to the season by adding the experienced Danish midfielder Benjamin Möller Nielsen to his squad “With our mixed start to the season and unfortunate run of injuries, bringing someone of Benny’s quality in at this stage was an easy decision to make. I spoke to David Healy about Benny and he couldn’t speak highly enough of him. He just needs to play regular football to find his undoubted potential. By moving to Newry he has shown a tremendous desire to play for the club and I’ve every confidence he will do well for us.”

Benny commented “I am delighted to have signed with Newry City. I had a great time with Linfield last season, everyone at the club was very kind to me but I had limited first team game time so I felt I needed to move on and Newry looks like the perfect place for me. I was on the bench for Linfield last season when they grabbed a late winner at The Showgrounds and was very impressed with Newry’s football. I’ve received a great reception at the club so far and I am looking forward to getting stuck in and help the team climb up the league.”

Photograph courtesy of Tony Bagnall Photography.

It was a busy day at The Showgrounds yesterday with match day and deadline day rolled into one and on the final day of the transfer window Manager Darren Mullen was delighted to nail down the signature of ex Everton Academy Star Barney McKeown, “I’m thrilled to finally get Barney signed at the club (subject to International Clearance). There has been obvious interest from other clubs but he has enjoyed training with us and knows he will get a genuine chance to play regular first team football. I’ve followed his progress at Everton and although things didn’t work out the way he had hoped it has been a great experience for him and one that I’m hoping we will see the benefit of.’

Barney McKeown commented “I am delighted to sign for Newry. I’m looking forward to getting out onto The Showgrounds in front of the fans. Can’t wait for the challenge and to working with the players and staff. I’m hoping to hit the ground running and give as much as I can to the team.”

Photograph Courtesy of Brendan Monaghan Photography