Delighted with Opportunity: Dixie Robinson

by DSFC Media | May 12, 2014 | Uncategorized

As announced on Saturday we have a new Reserve Team manager in the form of Dixie Robinson and he has since expressed his delight to us in accepting the job. 

“I am delighted to have been given the opportunity by Darren to manage the Swifts Reserves next season. After having a couple of years away from the management side of the game I feel that I have regained the hunger for wanting to get myself involved again. In times where finances are so important to any club we are resigned to the fact that we can’t really compete with 7 or 8 clubs in terms of wages so it is very important that we bring through our own young players. We have some very good young players at the minute but the step up to Irish league is a big one and I hope with my experience I will hopefully bring a few boys through to that level.”

All the best to you in your new role Dixie.

Coleman & Armstrong sign for Swifts

by DSFC Media | May 10, 2014 | Uncategorized

Andy Coleman. Pic by presseye.com

David Armstrong. Pic by presseye.com

The transfer dealings at the club are currently under way with two new additions to the playing staff in the form of a goalkeeper and centre half.

Goalkeeper Andy Coleman has signed a one year deal at Stangmore Park. The former Newry City keeper joins the club having most recently played for Mid Ulster neighbours Glenavon.

“At 28 years old and with plenty of valuable Premier League experience behind him, Andy is a great addition to our squad and I am really looking forward to working with him,” said Darren Murphy.

In addition Murphy has also moved to sign former Hearts and Linfield player David Armstrong. 27 year old Armstrong who spent part of last season on loan to Ards, joins the club also with plenty of experience behind him having signed a one year deal.

“David has played full time football for a few years in the Premier League here, as well as full time in Scotland. He is a confident leader on the pitch at centre half and like Andy I look forward to seeing what he has to offer to us at Stangmore Park,” said a delighted Darren Murphy.

We welcome Andy & David to Stangmore Park and hope they both have successful Swifts careers.

Changes in Backroom Staff at Stangmore

by DSFC Media | May 10, 2014 | Uncategorized

Reserve team manager Mark Jennings is moving to our U19 team as Coach under the management of Chris McCann. Coming in to fill the position of reserve team manager is no stranger to the club – Dixie Robinson. Dixie who is current Academy Director at Dungannon United Youth is a welcome appointment as he knows first-hand of the talent coming through the younger team ranks.  Joining Dixie at reserve team level we have another familiar face in the form of former Club Captain, Johnny Montgomery, who will act as assistant to Dixie.

We would like to thank Mark for his hard work with the reserve team over the last season and we wish him, Dixie and Johnny all the best in their new roles for the 2014/15 season.

Transfer News: Fitzpatrick, S Lavery, McCashin, Lowe, Brolly, Turker, Copeland & Buchanan

by DSFC Media | May 10, 2014 | Uncategorized

Long serving Swifts players, midfielder Terry Fitzpatrick and striker Stefan Lavery have both agreed new deals to remain at the club for at least another year and two years respectively.

Defender Sean McCashin who signed in January 2014 on a short term deal from Chimney Corner has proved his worth and earned himself a new contract for a minimum of one more season with us.

Teenage starlet Kris Lowe has also put pen to paper, signing his first ever pro deal with the club. The talented Omagh lad who has captained Northern Ireland U18 team on numerous occasions this season alone has deservedly worked his way into our first team playing at both right back and in the centre of midfield.

Short term signing, Marc Brolly has been released after his second spell at Stangmore and goalkeeper Berratt Turker joins him on the exit list.  Brolly and Turker both joined the club in January 2014 and we would like to thank them for their services during their four months with us.

Defender Ricky Copeland and goalkeeper Gareth Buchanan have both been made available to other clubs.

Topley & McMinn

by DSFC Media | May 10, 2014 | Uncategorized

Joe and Rodney McAree present Jonny with a token from the Swifts to mark his retirement.

As some people are already aware central midfielder Jonny Topley announced it was time to hang his boots up in our last game of the 2013/14 campaign. At the age of 33, coming on for the final half hour of our 0-0 draw away to Coleraine, Jonny made his final appearance for Dungannon Swifts. Portadown native Topley has spent the majority of the last 12 years at the Swifts across two different spells and has been a key part of the midfield throughout his time with us.  In recognition of his services to Dungannon Swifts, Jonny was presented with a gift from the club at our Annual Awards night by Joe and Rodney McAree on behalf of the Swifts.

Adam McMinn in action for the Swifts.

First team manager Darren Murphy broke the news to those in attendance making a very emotional speech about Jonny who was not only one of his first team players but also, his cousin. Darren wished Jonny well in his retirement and was quick to make him aware that there will always be room for him at Stangmore in a coaching/management etc. role if he ever decided to go down that line. As a club we would like to reinforce those sentiments from Murphy and wish ‘Toppers’ a happy retirement. All the best Jonny.

In addition to the exit of Topley, Adam McMinn has opted to take a break from the game for a while. Having joined the Club in 2003 McMinn is one of the current longest serving players at the Club. Adam has this message to pass on to all Swifts fans,

“I have decided to take a break from football for a while. As many of you know I have had a difficult season with injuries. Maybe I’m just getting too old. I have really enjoyed my 11 seasons at the Swifts. I have won a few medals and have travelled through Europe with the team. The standout moment has to be my penalty against Cliftonville in 2007 to put us in the Irish Cup Final. No doubt with the team and management we have in place it won’t be long until our next final!  I am grateful to the club and the supporters who have encouraged me over the years especially when things weren’t good in my personal life. I wish the club every success in the future and plan to support the club as I played-not always skilfully but passionately! Thanks again for everything. Adam.”