New signing Johnny Lafferty pictured with First Team Head Coach Rodney McAree
We are delighted to be able to share with you the news that three of our highly rated players, defenders Christopher Hegarty, Douglas Wilson and forward, Paul McElroy have all put pen to paper over the past few days and signed for a further three years. In addition to this McAree has also boosted our current squad with the signing of former Ballinamallard United Striker, Johnny Lafferty.
Lafferty, who spent three years with the Fermanagh side, has already been enjoying life at Stangmore Park as he has been training with the club for a few weeks now. He told us;
“I feel there is a great squad of players here at Stangmore Park, and that it is a very good club with outstanding facilities. Anytime I played here with Ballinamallard I always found it a tough place to come so hopefully now I will enjoy life on the other side. I’ve been to a few games this season and have been impressed with how well the supporters get behind the team, any supporters I’ve met have made me feel most welcome. Rodney is a dream of coach/manager, I really like what he has planned. Thanks to everyone who has made this possible for me, I can’t wait to get involved when I’m fully fit.”
Thirty year old, Johnny who comes from ‘Urney’ which is not far from Strabane, is a P5 Teacher at St. Mary’s Primary School in Strabane and has signed an 18 month contract. We would like to wish Johnny all the best and Welcome him to the club. Welcome Johnny!
Former Swifts Ball Boy, Christopher Hegarty was one of the first players to sign a three year extension to his contract.
“I knew something was going to be said sooner or later regarding signing a new contract, but to be honest I was happy enough concentrating on my football and not worrying about that side of things. The group of players at this club has been a massive factor in me signing a new deal, I honestly don’t think you would get another club like it in the Country. The boys are so close. Working under Rod (McAree) is so enjoyable and his back room staff, being gentlemen, work so hard behind the scenes to make sure we all enjoy our football at Stangmore. I’m really enjoying my football at my hometown club, the Club that I supported as a kid. Keith Boyd (Chairman) made the deal very easy for me to agree too, we sat down and had an honest chat – and well you know the outcome folks! I’m happy to have committed my future to DSFC for the next three seasons.”
Standing: Chairman Keith Boyd, Head Coach Rodney McAree, pictured with Christopher Hegarty, Dougie Wilson and Paul McElroy.
Forward Paul McElroy who was unlucky with injury last season, has been finding the back of the net in recent games. Three goals in three games and his talent hasn’t gone unrecognised as he too has agreed a three year deal.
Speaking to us tonight McElroy said,
“Recently I have been focusing on getting myself properly fit after a difficult 18 months of struggling to get my fitness and sharpness back in my game. Signing a new deal was talked about a few weeks ago but once we actually got the chance to sit down and the personal side of things was sorted out I was more than happy to extend my time at a great football club. My local club! I’ve known everyone around the club for years and it’s a Club I’m very fond of. They players and staff are a pleasure to play with and for. Personally the main aim is to keep progressing and show everyone how well we can do.”
Co Armagh boy, Dougie Wilson is enjoying his fourth season with Dungannon and is just as thrilled as Hegarty and McElroy to sign an extension.
“I’m absolutely delighted to sign on at The Swifts again. I have loved every bit of my time at the club and I wouldn’t want to play anywhere else. This is one great club, with many great people!”
A delighted Head Coach, Rodney McAree said,
This is great news, I’m very, very pleased that all three players, Christopher, Paul and Dougie have signed new three year contracts. All three of them have done extremely well to date and are hugely important for the future of our club. I’m delighted that the Chairman Keith Boyd and committee have helped to make these signings happen. They, as well as all our coaching staff are working extremely hard to keep this team and club progressing.”
“To add to Christopher, Dougie and Paul signing new deals I’m delighted to add that we have signed Johnny Lafferty, a very talented player who I have always admired and will offer lots of qualities and options to the squad. Tonight has been a fantastic night for Dungannon Swifts FC and is a huge statement of intent to keep hold of big players but also to recruit and add to the quality we already have!”
