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.
Dungannon Swifts Charitable Trust, Chairman, Martin Smith, pictured while out delivering meals. Photo courtesy of Dungannon Herald.
Dungannon Swifts Charitable Trust have taken steps to help the vulnerable and isolated in our community during these difficult times. After receiving donations from many local food stores and local businesses including: Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Lidl, The Greedy Grill, Ellie’s Restaurant, Bob and Bert’s, The Food Doc and Dungannon Golf Club. We were able to supply ready meals to For You, a local food bank and social enterprise. These have included : Cottage Pies, Sausage Mash with Veg, Beef Chilli and Rice, Irish Stew, Chicken Casserole and Fruit Flapjacks to name a few. To date over 1200 meals have been produced! We have also been able to supply self isolation stickers to those who need them thanks to CR Print who are currently producing them for free. We are also offering to run errands for those in self isolation, from picking up essential food stuffs to delivering vital prescriptions.
We as a Community Club would like to offer our support in these uncertain and worrying times.If you are aware of anyone who is at risk/self-isolating, we are willing to help by doing a few things like lifting prescriptions, collecting some groceries or just running general errands for the those who are unable to do so. Some of the people to benefit from the service have been in touch to let us know what it means to them:
“Meals from the Swifts were a godsend while we waited to get a delivery slot from Sainsburys. The meals were lovely and contained just the right amount . Swifts doing a brilliant job.”
“I was given a 12 week isolation letter and unable to leave the house. The Dungannon Swifts charitable Trust meals have been delivering nutritious, tasty and healthy meals to me. A different meal every day. It relives the worry of not being able to go out to the shops myself. Thank you so much.”
Please don’t be hesitant to contact us. We are all in this together and together, we will get through this.
The Charitable Trust set up a Go Fund Me Page for donations, anyone wishing to support may do so by clicking here on this link. https://bit.ly/2wQIzfU
At this Saturdays Irish Cup fixture v Cliftonville, the Dungannon Swifts Community Trust will be organising a bucket collection for this local charity. Inspire Mental Health, wellbeing and recovery, are based at ‘The Junction’ in Dungannon. Your donations will be greatly appreciated.
