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 

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