Highly regarded central midfielder, Terry Devlin, has agreed to extending his Dungannon Swifts contract by a year, bringing his stay at Dungannon for a further THREE AND A HALF years.
Devlin, 17, has featured heavily this season with his energetic and tenacious performances making him one of the first names on the team sheet.
Terry has put in a number of Man of the Match performances this season, picking up the award in games against Carrick Rangers and Coleraine.
Given his age, he isn’t afraid to throw his weight around as he is lining up against much more experienced Irish League players.
Speaking to us on the signing of his extension;
I’m very happy to sign for a further year, I’ve enjoyed my time so far at the club and I’m looking forward to staying an extra year. Unfortunately I’m out injured at the minute but I’m working hard to get back fit and back into the team
Terry Devlin
Head of Youth Development, Dixie Robinson, oversaw proceedings as Delvin extends his contract;
Terry has been catching a lot of peoples attention recently with his performances, my phone has been red hot with different people contacting me so we just thought getting Terry signed for a further year will gives us that little bit extra security. He fully deserves the extension, he has been one of our best players this season.
Dixie Robinson
Congratulations, Terry, on signing a for a further year.
Right back, Ethan McGee, has signed his first professional contract with Dungannon Swifts FC.
McGee, 18, has impressed so far in recent appearances and Head of Youth Development, Dixie Robinson, has moved quickly to secure the signature of the young defender.
As many of the young players in the squad, Ethan has come through the ranks of Dungannon United Youth.
He has also been involved with the Super Cup NI Co. Tyrone teams where he was part of the squad that defeated Scottish giants Celtic at the Coleraine Showgrounds in 2019.
It’s a big achievement for myself, I’ve played for the club since I was 14 years old and came the whole way up through the youth so obviously I’m delighted to get my first professional deal. I’ve been given a great opportunity to break into the first team and I feel I’ve grabbed that with both hands. Now I’m just looking to progress even further and get as many caps and appearances as possible.
Ethan McGee
Head of Youth Development, Dixie Robinson, is excited at getting Ethan on board.
Delighted to get Ethan signed up, I’ve been very impressed with his appearances so far. He got his debut in the second half against Glenavon, then his full debut against Glentoran where he won Man of the Match. We have always known that Ethan has had the capabilities to push on so we are delighted to get this sorted for him.
Dixie Robinson
Speaking after the Glentoran game, Michael Carvill spoke very highly of Ethan;
Playing in front of him for most of the match and he was talking throughout. I said to him about the quality of Robbie McDaid, Connor McMenamin and Donnelly pulling out on his side and you’re not going to get much of a tougher debut but I thought he was outstanding, he did very well and he was confident.
Michael Carvill
Ethan has signed a THREE AND A HALF year contract and we wish him every success in a Dungannon Swifts FC Jersey
Dungannon Swifts are delighted to announce the appointment of Dean Sheils as our new manager.
Dean, 36, is no stranger to Northern Ireland football fans as he has represented his country no fewer than 14 times and has also starred for clubs including Hibernian (117 apps) and Rangers (90 apps).
Magherafelt born Shiels, started his professional career at Premier League side Arsenal FC playing under Arsene Wenger but unfortunately made no first team appearances before moving on to Scottish League side Hibernian FC.
Dean has been making giant strides as Assistant Manager of Northern Ireland’s Women’s Team where his father, Kenny, is the manager. He was an integral part of guiding the senior women’s side to their first ever Euro Finals play-offs which will be played in April.
Dungannon Swifts FC Chairman, Keith Boyd, is thrilled to appoint Dean Shiels as our new manager as he believes he can make a real impact on the current side.
“I’m delighted that Dean has agreed to become our new manager. He has been getting rave reviews as a coach with the Senior Women’s International team and I’m sure he will bring the experience he has gathered from that into the job. I’m really looking forward to working alongside him and I wish him every success!”
Chairman – Keith Boyd.
Dungannon Swifts New Manager, Dean Shiels, is relishing the opportunity that has been given to him.
“I’m delighted to join Dungannon Swifts, from the moment I met with the club it felt the right decision for me and I’m grateful to Keith and the board for the opportunity. The club is going through a difficult period on the pitch at this moment and I’m fully aware of the challenge ahead but I’m excited to take it head on. I have a strong belief on how the game should be played and I will guarantee I will give everything to put a team on the pitch to compete and be successful.”
Manager – Dean Shiels
Interim manager, Dixie Robinson, will be in the dugout for our game, against Coleraine this Saturday, and Dean will take over after this fixture.
We would like to officially welcome Dean to Dungannon Swifts Football Club and wish him every success as Manager of our Club.
First Team Manager, Kris Lindsay, has parted company with the Club by mutual consent.
We would like to take the opportunity to publicly thank Kris for the commitment and desire he showed during his time in charge at Stangmore. We can not fault his 100% effort.
“Kris has been a pleasure to work with over the last couple of years. I’m disappointed it hasn’t worked out with him for the long term with Dungannon Swifts. I’ve made a friend in football with Kris and we would welcome him back to Stangmore Park at any time. I wish him well for the future.”
Chairman, Keith Boyd.
Kris, we wish you and your family, every success for what the future brings and we hope it’s not too long until you are back in the game!
Head of Youth Development, Dixie Robinson, will take over the reigns from Lindsay on an interim basis, until the end of the season.