Home win for Newry City as Gray starts his Manager role

The new manager of Newry City Athletic Football Club got off to a winning start yesterday with a welcome 3-2 home win over Ballinamallard United in the Irish Cup. Barry Gray  this week announced his first signing Steven Ball, 26 from Warrenpoint Town on a long-term contract.

Ball moves down the dual carriageway and back to the Premiership, having made 119 appearances for Warrenpoint, scoring 16 goals. He has scored 8 times in 9 games so far this season in the Premier Intermediate League.

Speaking to the club’s media team, Steven Ball said: “I’m delighted to have joined Newry City and to be back playing Premiership football.

“It speaks for itself that I have followed the manager here. We have both worked very well together over the last few seasons and I look forward to continuing that progression in a Newry jersey. I know the position the team is currently in, but I believe I can play my part in helping the club retain Premiership status.

“I can’t wait to get into training and playing as soon as possible.”

Commenting on his first signing as Newry City Manager, Barry Gray added: “I’m delighted to have Steven join me at Newry.

“I’ve worked with Steven at Premiership, Championship, and Premier Intermediate League level. He’s a player that has developed so quickly and has been a proven talent for me at Warrenpoint.

“Steven will help me establish the style of football we want to play and is only too familiar with what is expected of him as he comes back into Premiership football.”

Gray has also added Dermot McVeigh to his coaching staff at The Showgrounds. McVeigh will be first team coach assisted by the coaching staff of Damien Hillen, Michael Mackin and Damian McCorry.

Gray commented “It’s great to get Dermy onboard, we have worked together closely over the last few seasons and previously as a player. Dermy understands my style of management and will have an immediate impact providing guidance to players on many aspects of how we want to move forward. Dermy is a coach that I trust a lot and has always been the upmost professional. I look forward to working with him again.”

Speaking to the club’s media team, Dermot McVeigh said: “I’ve known Barry a long time having both played and worked under him at Warrenpoint so I know the standards he sets and expects from both players and staff to get the best out of the team on the pitch.

“I was delighted to be asked to join him at Newry, firstly to help secure Premiership football for next season and secondly to be part of his bigger plans for the club.

I’m really looking forward to getting in and working with the players. I am familiar with most of the lads having played with or against them so introductions shouldn’t take too long and we can get straight to work.”