Conor Bradley, a product of Dungannon Swifts F.C, has signed a professional contract with European Champions Liverpool F.C.
Conor, who turns 17 next month, joined Liverpool F.C in the summer of 2019 initially on a two year scholarship program, but after a spending a year on Merseyside, and impressing for both the club’s U18s and U23s, he has penned a three year deal.
Conor Bradley of Liverpool in action during the U18 Premier League game at The Kirkby Academy on January 4, 2020 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Bradley has also represented Northern Ireland and U16 level where he captained his country to success in the 2018 Victory Shield.
Conor Bradley representing Northern Ireland U16 against Australia
“First of all I am absolutely delighted for Conor and his family at the news of his 3 year professional contract with Liverpool F.C. From an early age it was evident that Conor had a lot of talent. However, many young players can be put into this category as we all know. Thankfully Conor was blessed with a phenomenal work ethic which together with his talent had coaches all across the country and scouts from many Premier League clubs scrambling for his signature.
We were delighted when Conor came to Dungannon United Youth and then Dungannon Swifts and with a very talented team at 2003 age group Conor developed into one of the best players in the country. Liverpool had always been the club for Conor from a young age and this contract is the reward for hard work and talent over the past 12 months. I would like to pay tribute to Ciaran O’Kane who worked tremendously hard with that group of players and on behalf of everyone connected with Dungannon Swifts and Dungannon United Youth we wish Conor every success in the future.“ Head of Youth Development, Dixie Robinson
“When Conor arrived at Dungannon he showed a desire beyond his years. He joined a talented 2003 group and he, along with a few others, became regulars in Terry Fitzpatrick’s U18s and the U20s. His work ethic and ability both in training and games, coupled with the fact a number of clubs were very keen on him, meant it was only a matter of time before he made the move to full time football.
Conor is the epitome of a coachable young player with an excellent outgoing personality and I am delighted to have had worked with him and play a very small part in his development. I have no doubt that these attributes along with his obvious ability will enable him to fulfill his full potential in the game and I wish him every success in the future.” Ciaran O’Kane, Dungannon Swifts U16 Manager
“I am delighted that Liverpool Football Club have shown faith in me by offering to extend my contract for 3 more years.
I would like to say thanks to the coaches and managers I have worked with in Dungannon United Youth and Dungannon Swifts who have helped me on my journey so far. The club have been very good to me since I first met yous so I want to wish you a good season when you all get the chance to return to play.“ Conor Bradley, Liverpool FC
Conor Bradley representing Liverpool FC U18s v Manchester City
From everyone at Dungannon Swifts FC, we would like to take the opportunity to wish Conor every success in his football career with his boyhood club, Liverpool FC.
Michael in action for Dungannon earlier in the year against Linfield Rangers. Thanks to Gavin Maxwell for the image.
Dungannon Swifts player, Michael Forbes, has secured a move to West Ham United. The teenager who celebrates his sixteenth birthday today, has been with Dungannon United Youth and Dungannon Swifts for three seasons and processed massively in his time at Dungannon. His talents have certainly not gone unnoticed as he has been heavily involved with the Northern Ireland Youth setup since a young age.
“From his first trial at West Ham United Michael impressed the coaches. They moved very quickly to get him over again and from day one I knew they liked what they saw. I had a few conversations with Del Ebanks who was very complimentary with everything Michael done, both on and off the field. Things have moved along very smoothly since then with negotiations between the two clubs being straightforward. Michael has had his medical and he will hopefully move across to West Ham in June. A very talented player Michael can play in the heart of the defence or in central midfield and at over 6 feet tall he is an exceptionally good athlete with a great game understanding. His progress has been helped under the guidance of Ciaran O’Kane Glenn McMenemy Terry Fitzpatrick Chris McCann and Stevie O Hare. I would like to wish Michael every success on behalf of all our coaches and teammates and I have no doubt he will have a fantastic career in the game.”Dixie Robinson, Head of Youth Development.
An understandably nervous but very excited Michael had this to say,
“I am really excited to have been given this amazing opportunity by West Ham United FC. It means a lot to me. It is going to be a big change but I can’t wait to get started. Since I joined Dungannon in August 2017, the coaches and managers have helped me grow as a player. I want to thank everyone at Dungannon for helping me get this far.”
We would like to take the opportunity to wish Michael every success in his future football career. It has been an absolute pleasure to have him playing for Dungannon.
It is with great pleasure we can announce that our first team manager, Kris Lindsay has signed a two year extension to his current DSFC contract. At a time when we are all missing the beautiful game, this will come as a wonderful boost for both Dungannon Swifts supporters and players. Kris has been enthusiastic, honest and extrememly hardworking since the moment he came through the gates at Stangmore Park and we wish him every success for the future, as manager of our Football Club.
Kris has also taken the opportunity to confirm his back room staff for the reminder of this season (whenever that may be) and going forward. They will be Dixie Robinson, Jay Willis and Terry Fitzpatrick. Congratulations gentlemen and we also wish you every success working under Kris and for the good of DSFC. You can hear from all four below.
“I’m absolutely delighted to sign an extension to my contract with the Club. We have a very talented group of players at the club with a lot of youth and the futures looking bright. I am really looking forward to continue to work with them and progress both on and off the pitch. Furthermore, I am delighted to confirm Dixie Robinson, Jay Willis and Choka (Terry Fitzpatrick) are continuing on in their roles within the first team set up. They are Dungannon swifts through and through and since they have stepped up to the first team, they have fitted in seamlessly and contributed massively to results and performances since the turn of the year.”Kris Lindsay
Left to right, Dixie Robinson, Jay Willis and Terry Fitzpatrick.
“As Head of Development at DSFC I am more than delighted to continue to help Kris (Lindsay), as part of his backroom staff. We were going well, playing some great football when the season took an unfortunate stop. Hopefully once all is resumed again we continue to pick up where we left off and move forward together. I thank Kris and Keith for the opportunity to continue to be involved in my Club, Dungannon Swifts. May I also take the opportunity to wish Jay and Choka, all the best in their roles.”Dixie Robinson
‘I’m delighted to be asked to stay on with the first team coaching staff. I had a year and a half with Dixie, Mark(Hegarty) and Tommy (Cardwell) with the Under 20s and in January was asked to come on board with the first team. I was made feel very welcome from day one and I can’t wait to start working again with this quality group of players, especially knowing the talent coming through from the 16s, 18s and 20s. I’m looking forward to the future with Dungannon Swifts” Jay Willis
“Being asked to stay on in the roll I’ve been doing from January time I had to think about it as the roll of U18s manager for the past 2 seasons with the club was so enjoyable and a great experience. Personally for me, it makes sense to stay on with the first team to gain more experience. Since big Jay and I have went into the roll Kris (Lindsay) has been brilliant with us, as the first team squad. It’s been really enjoyable which is very important and having worked with the the Dungannon Swifts academy I see the talent coming through. It’s great to see some already breaking into the squad. I’m really looking forward to the future with Dungannon Swifts.”Terry Fitzpatrick
As part of the Irish FA’s continuing implementation of Club Licensing policies, the Licensing Committee met via video conference on Thursday 23 April 2020 to consider applications for the award of UEFA, Premiership, Promotion and Championship Licenses for season 2020-21.
In line with the current UEFA, Premiership, Promotion and Championship Licensing Manuals, applicant clubs were assessed in five key areas: Sporting, Infrastructure/Safety, Personnel and Administration, Legal and Financial.
Based on these entirely objective criteria licences were granted / refused to the following clubs:
UEFA CLUB LICENCES GRANTED
Ballymena United FC
Cliftonville FC
Coleraine FC
Crusaders FC
Dungannon Swifts FC
Glenavon FC
Glentoran FC
Larne FC
Linfield FC
Clubs who have been refused a licence have the right of appeal, in line with 3.2.7. of the Club Licensing manual(s) with any such appeals tentatively scheduled for 9 May 2020.
Club Licences are valid for one season only, namely 2020-21.
The Committee wishes to congratulate those clubs who have been granted a Club Licence and acknowledge the efforts of many key personnel at each club for the time and contributions they have made towards the successful application.
Licensing Committee Chairman, Allen McKinstry, commented: “In the current unprecedented circumstances in which we find ourselves, I want to publicly acknowledge the tremendous efforts of the many club personnel, IFA Club Licensing staff, criteria experts and Licensing Committee members for their collective efforts in ensuring that licensing applications and decisions were able to be completed on schedule. In very challenging circumstances over recent weeks, it has taken an immense effort by everyone involved to conclude this year’s licensing process.
“Whilst I do not tend to single out any club in the licensing process, it would be remiss not to mention the achievement of Linfield (Ladies) FC in being the first women’s team in Northern Ireland to achieve the required licence for participation in the UEFA Women’s Champions League following its mandatory introduction for the 2020-21 UEFA competition season.
“Of course, I look forward to when we can once again enjoy football on the pitch in Northern Ireland but more importantly at this time, our immediate thoughts remain with those affected by the outbreak of COVID-19.”
DUNGANNON SWIFTS FC will pay tribute to The National Health Service by displaying The NHSlogo on the front of our playing shirts throughout the 2020/21 season. As a Club we have decided to show our thanks and support to everyone at the NHS who have been working, and continue to work, tirelessly for the good of us all. They are putting their own lives at risk, to ensure the care and support for those in need is provided to the best standards. This is just our small way of saying, thank you.
TMet will of course remain on our shirts for the remainder of the current season and we thank them for their continued support and sponsorship to DSFC.
Danske Bank and the NI Football League are calling for nominations for this season’s Danske Bank Premiership club SuperFans!
Whilst football is currently suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic we have the opportunity to reflect and reaffirm the importance of our clubs to their communities and supporters.
As we witness many charitable and good will causes being led by clubs, their boards, players and volunteers the NI Football League, in partnership with Danske Bank, want to recognise the lifeblood of our clubs – the supporters.
We want you to nominate a Danske Bank Premiership SuperFan and give them a chance to be acknowledged for their passion and commitment to their club, plus win a season ticket for the 2020/21 campaign.
Andrew Johnston, NI Football League Managing Director said: “Everyone loves the competitive nature of our league and the rivalry it offers but our clubs are also a reflection of our communities, the people they represent and the friendships they forge.
“It is these people, the fans, that make the Danske Bank Premiership so special and we are delighted to acknowledge our clubs most loyal supporters for the third year through the Danske Bank SuperFan Awards.”
Kevin Heavern, Head of Marketing, Danske Bank added: “We’re proud to support the Danske Bank Premiership SuperFan Awards again this year to recognise the effort and commitment of these valuable supporters. The passion of the Danske Bank Premiership fans is something special and they play a critical part bringing the sport to life at the games, on social media and at club level in local communities.
“At Danske Bank our engagement with the local community is an important aspect of who we are and we are delighted to be part of a sport that brings so many fans together with great passion.”
Nominees could be the loudest voice on the stands, the person who sticks by the club through thick and thin or maybe they work behind the scenes to make the club so very special.
To nominate your club SuperFan visit https://www.nifootballleague.com All we need to know is who you’re nominating, their club and why you think they deserve to be the next club SuperFan.
Nominations close at midnight on the 30 April 2020.
