As part of the January transfer window two players who played key roles in our success story departed from The Showgrounds, the contribution of Keith Johnston and Kevin McArdle summed up by Newry Manager Darren Mullen.

“One of the downsides of football is when players who have made huge contributions leave the club. Kevin and Keith have been two of the most popular players at the club with both playing a massive part in our success.

“Kevin was our standout player when we won the double in 2016 and from his position at right back was one of our most attacking players. Keith is a natural goal scorer scoring some vital goals none more so than in our promotion play-off against Armagh City at The Showgrounds in 2017.

“Both lads will also be missed off the pitch as they epitomise everything that has been good about our team spirit. I understand both want to play regular football at this stage in their careers but they know they will always be welcome at The Showgrounds.”

All at Newry City AFC would like to wish both Keith & Kevin the best of luck at their new clubs and thank them for the memories.

Please note the opening draw for our exciting new initiative Club NCAFC will take place this Saturday, January 26. It replaces the Club 100 competition which was a great success since its launch in 2015.

There’s still time to get entered into the new scheme but all entrants must be in the hat by this Friday.

It is hoped it will generate much-needed revenue for the club, while it also gives participants the chance to win a prize fund of over £300 every month.

Once you sign up, there will be a monthly fee of £10 for 12 months, although a direct debit must be set up for those not paying the cash up front. There are four monthly cash prizes on offer of £150, £100, £50 and £25. 

Newry City Commercial Manager Gary Wilson urged as many City supporters as possible to join up. 

“2019 will be the fourth year we have a competition like this and we’re hoping this one will be the biggest yet,” Gary said.

“It’s a great chance for local people to get behind the club while at the same time it offers people a chance of winning some great cash prizes in our draw each month. It’s also a great opportunity for Newry supporters living across the water to contribute to the ever increasing running costs of the club.”

Anybody wishing to join up should contact Gary on 07745112320 or get in touch with a club member ASAP.

Newry City AFC are delighted to announce the signings of Ger Pender from Bray Wanderers and Pablo Cavalcante from Dundalk FC.

Newry Manager Darren Mullen commented “Ger was our number one target in this window and I’m delighted to get him. Everyone who has watched us this season knows we needed reinforcements up front and Ger comes with a wealth of experience and is a proven goal scorer. He has shown an obvious desire to play Irish League football and I’m more than happy that he has chosen Newry to fulfil that ambition. Like any new player he has to be given time to adapt but I’m sure it’s a signing that will excite the fans.”

Darren continued, “Every so often you get a signing that comes out of the blue and signing Pablo falls into that category. Pablo is widely known in youth football and has shown enormous potential. What he needs to do now is transfer that onto the senior stage on a regular basis and he will get every opportunity to do that here at Newry. He’s a young talented lad and we are delighted to have him at the club.”

Pablo Cavalcante “I’m happy to have joined Newry City AFC and look forward to helping the club push on now for rest of the season, there are a lot of great people around the club and I’ll do my very best to help the club and develop as player here.”

Ger Pender “I’m delighted to sign for Newry City AFC and I am excited at the challenge of playing in the Danske Bank Premiership. Hopefully I can help the team push up the table and we can have a successful second part of the season.”

Photograph courtesy of Brendan Monaghan Photography.