We are now beginning the search for a new Manager/Head Coach for our First Team. We would ask that anyone who has an interest in the post to contact the club via email on secretary@
NEWS | McAree departs from Stangmore Park
17th February 2018
Bet McLean League Cup Final match between Dungannon and Ballymena at the National Stadium.
Dungannons Rod McAree celebrates at the final whistle
Photo: Inpho/Stephen Hamilton
We would like to take the opportunity to thank Rodney McAree for his years of loyal service to Dungannon Swifts as a Player, Coach and Head Coach. Rodney has been appointed the new Manager at Coleraine Football Club today.
As quoted in one of the newspapers this week, and many people will agree, Rodney McAree to Dungannon Swifts, is like what Fish is to Chips. Sadly that bond has now been broken and Rodney has felt the time is right for him to face a new challenge and move on in his football career. As a club we have to understand and accept this decision.
Rodney has been part of Dungannon Swifts throughout his entire life, he spent years running after the club when his father, Joe, was First Team Manager and we obviously don’t need to mention his own playing career in the ‘number 8’ jersey for Dungannon Swifts.
Despite proudly playing and scoring in an Irish Cup Final for Dungannon in 2007, easily the biggest highlight has probably came in his managerial career for the Swifts, winning the Bet McLean League Cup, in February 2018. This occasion brought the town of Dungannon together and opened even more doors for more supporters to come on board. For this Rodney played a massive part and we thank him eternally and know that at heart he will always be a Dungannon Swifts supporter.
All we have left to say is that despite our natural, bitter disappointment, we wish Rodney well for the future and once again thank him for his service to Dungannon Swifts Football Club. Best wishes and thank you, Rodney McAree.
We are now beginning the search for a new Manager/Head Coach. We would ask that anyone who has an interest in the post to contact the club via email on secretary@
TRANSFER NEWS | Talented Centre Half joins Squad
Pictured: Seated, new signing, Lee Upton, with his mother, Cate Pearson and standing, Assistant Coach, Terry Fitzpatrick and Head Coach, Rodney McAree.
Dungannon Swifts Head Coach Rodney McAree was more than satisfied to win against Limavady United, even if it took until extra time, to secure our place in the next round of the Bet McLean Cup, last night. However, nothing made him more happy than to secure the signature of seventeen year old LEE UPTON, after the game.
Upton, a highly talented centre half, who has attracted interest from Cross Channel Clubs joins us having previously been on the books of Portadown Football Club from a young age. He comes along with a wealth of experience at his age having most recently captained the County Armagh, Premier Super Cup NI team. He has been involved with Northern Ireland at Under 16/17 level having played against Poland and Slovakia, and he also played in the Nordic Cup last summer with them.
Upton, who has signed a two year deal said, “I am really happy to sign my first professional contract, Dungannon is a very good club. I captained Armagh Super Cup team this year and it was probably one of the best football experiences of my life, I really enjoyed it. I know a lot of the boys already here at Dungannon and I do think that I will fit in well. I’ve played with Oisin Smyth, Cahal McGinty, Jack McIvor and John Scott as well as some of the others boys from the Swifts U20’s before.”
A delighted Rodney McAree had this to say, “Lee has a lot of potential, he was a player who we had identified a good while ago, who we wanted to try and get over the line because his potential really is, right up there with the best! He is a fantastic lad, a centre half, very good in the air, attacks the ball well and plus he’s a good footballer. We believe he will definitely go on to make at least a top Irish League Player, if not getting an opportunity of playing football on a full time basis.”
Welcome to Stangmore Park, Lee, we wish you every success with the Club.
TRANSFER NEWS | Gallagher Signs Two Year Contract
Pictured: Ben Gallagher, accompanied by his parents (seated), Chairman Keith Boyd & Head Coach, Rodney McAree, (standing).
Swifts Head Coach, Rodney McAree, has rewarded sixteen year old, Ben Gallagher, with his first professional contract. Gallagher, a County Tyrone lad, from Strabane, is an attacking player who can play wide on the left or right.
Ben who makes the step up from our under 16/18/20 setup, started his football career with Sion Swifts and has been relishing life at Dungannon Swifts since his arrival. He has signed a two year contract with the club. A valuable member of the NI Under 16 School Boys Squad and having been involved with the Club NI setup since he was old enough, Ben is certainly no stranger to the big stage playing in and against many different Countries with these teams.
Ben most recently was part of the Senior County Tyrone Super Cup NI team and is now excited to be getting down to the hard work with Dungannon Swifts.
“It’s amazing, I’m so excited for the season ahead of me and I am really looking forward to training with the boys. Signing my first professional contract is a fantastic feeling!” said Gallagher
Rodney McAree had this to say about Ben;
“Ben is a very talented boy and has the potential to become a top player provided he knuckles down, works hard and listens to good advice to help him develop. I am delighted he has signed his 1st professional contract with Dungannon Swifts and I look forward to watching him progress!”
Congratulations on your first professional contract Ben, we look forward to seeing you in action soon.
BOB RADCLIFFE CUP | Draw for Round 1
The draw for the Bob Radcliffe Cup has taken place and Dungannon Swifts Reserves have been drawn against Cookstown Youth in the First Round.
This fixture will take place on Saturday 15th September, in Dungannon. (Venue to be confirmed). Kick off 2 pm.
The full draw is as follows:
Dromore Amateurs v Annagh Utd
Bourneview Mill v Oxford Sunnyside
Seapatrick v Lurgan Town
Windmill Stars v Newry City AFC Res
Dungannon Swifts Res v Cookstown Youth
Fivemiletown Utd v AFC Silverwood
Hanover v Rathfriland Rangers
St Marys v Coagh Utd
Markethill Swifts or Lurgan Celtic v Warrenpoint Town Res
Dungannon Tigers v Dollingstown
Banbridge Town v Moneyslane
Armagh City v Seagoe
Richhill AFC v Camlough Rovers or Valley Rangers
Cookstown RBL v Tandragee Rovers
Banbridge Rangers v Craigavon City
Tullyvallen v Rectory Rangers
