Category: Senior

Maguire Moves On

A fans favourite will be missing from The Showgrounds this season as Stevie Maguire moves to pastures new at Dollingstown FC. A fans favourite not only because of his undoubted ability and his commitment to the club but also his endearing personality which won him many friendships at The Showgrounds which will remain long past his departure. Newry’s loss is Dollingstown’s gain but who will ever forget those crucial saves in Carrick.

Newry City Manager Darren Mullen commented “It’s fair to say Steven played a huge part in us making it to The Premiership. His performances in The Championship were of an extremely high standard especially in our play-off games. He was an extremely popular member of the squad and his attitude when not playing was an example to any player. I fully understand his wish to play regular football and we wish him all the best at Dollingstown. He knows he will always be welcome at The Showgrounds.”

Adam Foley

City sign Adam Foley

Newry City manager Darren Mullen has bolstered his attacking options with the acquisition of striker Adam Foley on a one-year deal.

The vastly experienced Dubliner has enjoyed spells at Irish League level with both Glenavon and Portadown and is a signing that will excite City fans.

He played last season with his local club Glebe North in the Leinster Senior League where the 29-year-old finished up as the club’s top scorer and Player of the Year, while he also lined out regularly last year for the Republic of Ireland amateur team.

Foley revealed he almost signed for Newry in the January transfer window but a hamstring injury forced him to put the move on hold.

“I was talking to Darren in November or December time about coming up. We had talks about doing a deal in January but I had a bit of a hamstring strain. I couldn’t really shake it off so it wouldn’t really have been fair to Darren or myself if I wasn’t fully fit. But I’ve no injury now, I’m feeling fresh and ready to go.”

Foley says he has been impressed with the set-up at Newry and is focussed on helping the club get back to the Premiership.

“I was just having a look around the Showgrounds this morning. The ground and the facilities here are Premiership standard so it’s important we get back there this season.

“Obviously the lads were unfortunate last year, they were only a few games away from staying up in the end but hopefully with the team Darren is putting together it’ll be exciting times ahead and hopefully we can get the job done. We want promotion it’s as simple as that. I want to chip in with as many goals and assists as I can and I’m looking forward to meeting the rest of the lads in pre-season.”

City boss Darren Mullen is delighted to finally capture Foley’s signature which he described as “a massive signing for the club”.

“Adam has scored goals in The Premiership for Glenavon and comes to us with a wealth of experience.

“We needed that extra quality up front and with this signing along with our other recent additions we have certainly added that to the squad. I’ve no doubt Adam will be well received by everyone at the club and I’m excited to see him playing in a Newry jersey.”

Photograph courtesy of Liz Boyle

McCabe on board

Mark McCabe is the latest Newry City player to re-sign at the club for the upcoming season.

Mark follows a host of first-team players in committing to the cause for the 2019/20 season and City boss Darren Mullen said “it is a great boost for the club”.

Darren added, “Last year was a tough season for us all but also a great learning experience and I’ve no doubt Mark will be a better player for it. I know he is looking forward to playing his part in what we hope will be a successful season.”

Mark was the Championship’s joint leading scorer in 2017/18 and City fans will hope the 22-year-old can replicate that sort of form this term as the club seek to bounce straight back to the Premiership.

“I’m happy to sign another contract with Newry. I feel this year we will have a strong chance of getting promoted with the team we have and also the new signings coming in will definitely strengthen the squad,” Mark said.

“I feel confident Darren will do his best to get Newry back to where we belong in top-flight football. I want to regain my confidence in scoring goals and winning games which I feel I will do at Newry.”

John Grant signs at the Showgrounds

John Grant signs at the Showgrounds

Newry manager Darren Mullen has secured the services of Camlough native John Grant.

The 25-year-old, who recently returned home after a three-year spell living in Australia, has experience playing at Championship level with Lurgan Celtic and was also previously on the books at Camlough Rovers.

He is a versatile player who can be deployed anywhere across the middle of the park or up front but is most effective in central midfield.

“John’s a former youth player at Newry and was always an impressive footballer. Not just for his physicality but his ability on the ball as well,” City boss Darren Mullen said.

“We played against him when he was with Camlough on numerous occasions and he caused us a lot of problems so we’re delighted to have him on board. We actually tried to sign him a couple of times unsuccessfully before he left for Australia, but he made contact with us to say he was coming home. He’s a signing that we need because even last season we were lacking that bit of physical presence and he’ll certainly give us that at 6 foot five!

“He’s still only 25 and has his best years are ahead of him. He knows the rest of the lads and I think he’ll do well for us this year.”

Meanwhile John said signing for Newry was “an easy decision to make” and is looking forward to joining up with the squad in pre-season.

“I know most of the lads already. Newry are a good side, they play at a good standard of football and it’s a great pitch here at the Showgrounds, so everything fits for me,” stated Grant.

“I was in the Championship One before with Lurgan Celtic a good few years ago so I know what sort of challenges to expect in this league. It’s a good standard and a hard league to get out of but hopefully we’ll get back up to the Premiership because that’s our main goal obviously.

“I look at what Darren has done here over the last couple of seasons with back-to-back promotions and I’d love to be a part of a promotion winning team here at Newry and can’t wait to get started.”

Photograph courtesy of Brendan Monaghan Photography 

Coleman extends contract

Newry City manager Darren Mullen has been boosted by the news that goalkeeper Andy Coleman has penned another one year deal to remain at the Showgrounds.

The 33-year-old re-joined the club last summer after making the move from Dungannon Swifts.

Speaking to newrycityafc.co.uk, the vastly experienced shot-stopper said is eager to help his hometown club get promoted back to the Premiership again.

“I’d just like to thank Darren Mullen for the time and effort he has put into getting me signed up for the upcoming season.

“I spoke to some Premiership clubs but in the end it was an easy decision to make. As I said when I signed for the club last year, my family have always sat in the stands at the games, it’s my hometown club and it’s bigger and better than it ever was before. The crowds have been brilliant and I look forward to helping the club bounce back up to The Premiership.

“A big part of me staying was also down to working with Dee Mc Corry. His training is brilliant, some of the best I’ve ever had and I can’t wait to get started again in pre-season.”

City boss Darren Mullen added, “This is another huge boost for the club. Andy has played the vast majority of his career in The Premiership and has shown tremendous loyalty and faith in signing his new deal. We will need leaders throughout the team this season and I’ve no doubt Andy will be one of those for us.”

Photograph courtesy of Brendan Monaghan photography