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.

Newry Manager Darren Mullen is pleased to announce contract extensions for Lorcan Forde, Brian Healy and Noel Healy which will keep the trio at The Showgrounds until June 2025. Mullen commented “I’m sure our fans will be delighted with these new deals and it’s a sign of the progress at the club that all three lads were more than happy to sign new contracts.”

 

 

Darren Mullen on Lorcan Forde – “There’s no doubt we have missed Lorcan’s creativity and attacking threat during his injury so I’m delighted that he has signed a new deal. Since he signed for us last season he has been in great form and I’ve no doubt there’s more to come from him. It’s vital that we keep the best local talent and Lorcan most definitely falls into that category.”

 

 

 

Lorcan Forde commented “I’m delighted to sign a new contract with Newry. I’ve enjoyed my first 18 months here so when the guys asked it was a no brainier. Our goal is to be playing in the Premiership and I want to continue to be a part of that starting with Portadown tonight. Big thanks to the guys for believing in me through a few injuries this year as well.”

 

 

Darren Mullen on ‘The Healy’s’ – “It’s fair to say the club and our fans have adopted the Healy’s as 2 of our own. Noel has made the left-back position his own and has developed into a fine Irish League player. Brian has followed the same path as Noel in bedding himself in and has become an important part of the squad. He has already scored some vital goals for us and has the potential to become a regular goal scorer for the club over the coming years.”

 

 

Noel Healy commented “I’m thrilled to sign this new deal, I have enjoyed five fantastic years now at Newry and I love playing football for this club. It’s now time to work hard and stay in the Premiership as it’s where we and our fans belong.”

Brian Healy commented “I am really pleased to have signed a new deal here at Newry, I am currently enjoying my football here. Since the day I walked in the gate to The Showgrounds the club itself has made me feel so welcome whether that’s the staff, players or the amazing fans. I hope now to work hard in the last few games and help the squad stay in the league where we belong.”

 

Photographs courtesy of Brendan Monaghan Photography

Newry City AFC are pleased to announce that our number 33 Donal Scullion has extended his contract with the club keeping him at The Showgrounds until June 2025.

 

Manager Darren Mullen commented “This new deal is a deserved reward for Donal’s performances so far this season. He has progressed from being a young lad with undoubted potential into one of the first names on the team sheet. He knows he has plenty more work to do but he has a great attitude and I’ve no doubt he will be a very important player for us over the coming years.”

Donal commented “I am delighted to sign a new contract with Newry. I’ve been enjoying my football this season more so than ever. It’s now time for us to push up the league table and give the fans performances to be proud of.”

Newry City AFC are delighted to announce the signing of former Cove Rangers and Peterhead FC striker Olajuwon Adeyemo.

 

NCAFC Manager Darren Mullen commented “Sometimes in a transfer window you get a surprise signing that wasn’t on our radar and this is one of those. I had been in touch with Ola over the past few weeks about coming down to get a look at each other and it was evident straight away that he could add something different for us. He’s quick, strong and has a good eye for goal. He has had plenty of experience but just wants somewhere to settle and enjoy playing his football again. Hopefully he can do that with us and can make an impact for the rest of the season.”

 

Ola added “I am very happy to join the club. I’m looking forward to getting out on the pitch and getting some minutes under my belt and enjoying my football again. From talking to Darren and looking at the fixtures list I know we have some big games coming up so I hope to contribute and help the team the best I can.”

Newry City Manager Darren Mullen is delighted to announce that our number 16 John McGovern has agreed a new contract to keep him at The Showgrounds.

“This is terrific news for everyone involved with the club and I’m sure our fans will be thrilled. There was strong interest in John within this window so it was vital that we kept hold of his services. He has developed from a raw 16-year-old into a mature youth international player and has become one of the mainstays of our team. The great thing about John is that he is willing to learn and develop even further. To his credit he has been extremely loyal to Newry in agreeing this new deal and understands how much we have helped him in his career to date. Hopefully we can see him progress even further in a Newry shirt.”

John commented “I am delighted to have signed a new deal with Newry City. The continued support both on and off the field during my time here has been incredible so I am very happy to have extended my stay here at Newry. We are away to Ballymena tomorrow night and myself and the lads are ready to give 100% again, hopefully we can put on the performance that the fans deserve.”