by DSFC Media | Aug 8, 2012 | Uncategorized
Darren Murphy and Rodney McAree have been appointed joint Head Coaches of the club. After the decision to jointly share the job was made we were lucky enough to hear from both of the players ahead of the new season starting on Saturday.
As joint head coaches of the club do you both hold specific roles or do you share the duties between yourselves?
Rod: We don’t have specific roles it’s more about sharing the work load between us. We both enjoy the coaching side and it’s the part we definitely don’t want to lose out on. It gives us a chance to deal with coaching and the media, two things which are both very important.
Murph has good contacts within the media so we can take advantage of this on occasions and hope to do so more in the future by building the profile of the club.
Do you ever fall out?
Rod: Yes, we would share a difference of opinions the odd time but we always seem to find common ground. We spend that long in each other’s company, as we work 6 days a week together in our Spin cycling business and at football, there is bound to be the odd disagreement every now and again!
Darren: I feel exactly how Rod has said above.
Do either of you aspire to be number one on your own?
Darren: No, we are very happy at the minute. The joint role of Head Coach at the Swifts benefits us both to share the work load as we both have our strengths and weaknesses which together make a good team. We already run a successful business together with no problems so hopefully we can do the same on the football pitch.
At least nine players have joined the first team squad since the end of last season; do you feel they are bonding well with the others?
Yes, atmosphere in the camp is good, with us making a few signings it now feels like our squad. All the signings we selected together and went to meet them all together also. We’ve managed to add flair and strength to the squad in specific areas.
What is the mood in the changing room ahead of the league kicking off on Saturday?
The mood is relatively optimistic, we feel as if we can do well and compete this season. We are very eager to get the season underway.
What about you two, are you nervous?
Rod: Anxious to get the season started, pre-season can be tough for players and staff both but it has to be done, all you want is for the season to commence.
Rod, having your dad as Chairman, does this have more positive or negative effects?
A little bit of both but more so positive. Having a football man as a chairman is great as he always wants what is best on the pitch.
Negative would have to be because we are both quite opinionated when having a conversation with each other.
How do you feel about the pressures of management considering you’re the 7th longest serving in the Irish League!?
Darren: I don’t feel under any pressure, it’s more about enjoyment than pressure. If I don’t put myself under pressure then I can enjoy myself more in my opinion. If you feel under pressure then you shouldn’t be doing it.
Rod: Even though it’s a part time job, it brings a lot of pressures with it and tends to turn into a full time job. However they must be good pressures because we wouldn’t be doing the job if it was too much for us.
Darren, as you are still playing do you find it difficult to switch between player/coach role?
No, it’s not difficult as there are two people doing the job. I can concentrate on the playing side of things safe in the knowledge that Rod is in charge on the side line. At the end of last season we put this into action as I played and Rod managed on the side line. It is part of the reason why we have decided to become joint managers.
Do either of you have any managerial role models?
Darren: I am quite fortunate to have played under some of the most successful managers in the Irish League. I have certainly taken a lot on board from them and it has developed me as a coach, hopefully someday I can be as successful as they are.
Rod: Not really. You will always take the best points of a lot of people who you have worked for and try to learn from those that you have learnt from. If you put all of those things together you should hopefully end up a good coach/manager.
What three things do you expect form your players?
Commitment, desire and honesty.
The club recently held an open/fun day for all the local community to get involved. What was your opinion on this?
Rod: It was a great success, really well done to those who made it happen. We have to try and offer the community something, we need to continue to organise things to draw the community to us. By getting schools, youth groups, disability groups, community groups etc. involved in half time entertainment or invited as specials guests it can only have a positive effect by hopefully boosting our support. We also need to start bringing the club to schools, send players, coaches in to coach the kids, players to visit the schools for sports days and so on.
How do you feel pre-season went for the team?
Darren: I am very happy with the commitment of the players, their attitudes have been top drawer, they have worked very hard throughout pre-season, the games have went well and the opponents have all been very good. The serious stuff now starts on Saturday.
Rod: It has been slightly different from last season as we have many new faces, I am more than happy with how it’s went and feel we are ready to start the new season.
What advice would you give to the new players to help them settle in at Stangmore Park?
Darren: Relax, enjoy yourselves. Dungannon is a family orientated club, you can enjoy yourself both on and off the pitch, you will be able to express yourself and be made very welcome at the club at all times.
Rod: Play with a smile on their face and enjoy their football.
There have been a few changes throughout the management side of the other teams, most recently bringing in ex Swifts Manager Harry Fay..
Darren: Trevor Douglas and Harry have been brought in to take over the reserve team and our U18 teams. We believed that we needed to start to attract better younger players to the club which can help us down the line when they develop into much stronger talented players, ready for first team action.
Rod: We felt as if we needed to do something in terms of restructuring the club and rebuilding it. The squad we have at the minute is capable of competing on our day with anyone in the league and we will relish the challenge!
by DSFC Media | Aug 5, 2012 | Uncategorized
Former boss Harry Fay is back at the Swifts as Under 18 Youth Team Manager. He is a Pro Licence coach having completed his badge while he was First Team Manager at the club, during which time he led the Swifts to their only ever appearance in the Irish Cup Final. ‘An excellent coach who is a great appointment for the club, Harry brings lots of experience and we are very fortunate to have his services, he will be a great help in the development of our younger players’ commented Rodney McAree.
by DSFC Media | Jul 26, 2012 | Uncategorized
THE Irish FA today announced Danske Bank as the new title sponsor of the Premiership.
The Danske Bank Premiership, as the league will now be named, kicks off on 11th August and marks a significant investment by the bank in local football.
Danske Bank is the parent company of local bank Northern Bank, which will rebrand as Danske Bank in November.
Irish FA Chief Executive Patrick Nelson is excited by the new sponsorship, saying: “We are absolutely delighted to announce this sponsorship. The Danske Bank Premiership is the flagship competition in domestic football in Northern Ireland and is followed by thousands of loyal supporters each week.
“Danske Bank is a great example of the calibre of partners that we are attracting and working with. This investment into the highest level of our local game will be a huge support in developing the league; and along with media exposure, will undoubtedly help to raise the Premiership’s profile and attendance at games around the country.”
Northern Bank Chief Executive Gerry Mallon said: “The Danske Bank Premiership is a really significant and exciting sponsorship for us and marks the first time our new brand identity will be visible in the market. This is another sign of Danske Bank’s commitment to the local market. Like ourselves, the Irish FA has a long heritage in Northern Ireland as an integral part of the local community so this Premiership sponsorship is a great fit for both organisations. We look forward to working in partnership with the Irish FA and to the start of the new season.”
The opening fixtures in the 2012/13 Danske Bank Premiership see champions Linfield travel to Ballymena United, whilst newcomers Ballinamallard United open with a home fixture against Dungannon Swifts. Cliftonville welcome Glenavon to Solitude, Coleraine face Crusaders, Glentoran play Donegal Celtic, and Portadown tackle Lisburn Distillery in what is sure to be an exciting open day in the Danske Bank Premiership.
ifapremiership.com
by DSFC Media | Jul 25, 2012 | Uncategorized
A superb comeback saw Dungannon Swifts snatch victory against a battling Strathroy Harps in a thrilling pre-season game at the Athletic Grounds. Two goals down at half-time, the Premiership side seemed to be heading for an embarrassing defeat against an impressive Strathroy side.
But they came storming back, scoring three times in eight second half minutes to claim their second win of the pre-season campaign on Saturday.The winning goal came from JP Gallagher, whose powerful free-kick went in off the crossbar to snatch a morale-boosting victory.
Dungannon first team coach Rodney McAree focused on his side’s second half performance, preferring to forget a very average opening 45 minutes.
“In the first half I was deeply disappointed with a lot of our players,” he said. “The pitch was good, it was set up to be a good afternoon, but in that first half we were very poor.After half-time our efforts were much improved. The players did everything that was asked of them.They attacked in numbers, created plenty of chances, and defended when needed. That was the type of performance I want every week.”
“At this stage of the season it is not about the result, it’s more about the performance and building up the players’ fitness levels,” McAree added.
“We are three weeks away from the start of the new season and from now on we really need to start focusing on getting things right.”
This was Strathroy’s first match of the pre-season campaign, and coach Cathal Gavin was pleased with the players’ efforts.
“We only started back in training last week so it was all about getting a good workout, and for the first hour I thought we matched Dungannon,” he said.It was a good chance to gauge ourselves against a higher standard of football, and I cannot ask any more from the players. We were first class. Towards the end we ran out of energy and Dungannon showed a wee bit of class, but overall we can take a lot of positives.”
Strathroy got off to a dream start when Caolin McCrossan put them in front inside two minutes. Tony Quinn forced Dungannon into losing possession and played McCrossan through. He rounded the goalkeeper before finding the net.
Terry Fitzpatrick then missed a great chance to level, heading over from a Dale Noble cross, before Strathroy doubled their lead in the 37th minute.
Darren Teague delivered a cross and Quinn headed home from close range.
Dungannon made several changes in the second half, with Adam McMinn, Michael McKerr and Stefan Lavery among the players coming on.
And the changes seemed to jolt the Premiership side into life. Lavery dragged a shot wide while Stephen O’Neill headed straight at Dermot Donnelly. But the substitute ‘keeper, playing after an early injury to Tomas Antzcak, was beaten seconds later when O’Neill headed home McKerr’s cross.
Dungannon drew level in the 72nd minute. The two O’Neills, Stephen and Ryan, combined to set up Lavery and his effort went in off the left post. And they completed a superb comeback four minutes later.Gallagher’s thunderous free-kick ricocheted off the crossbar and down, with the assistant referee ruling the ball had landed just behind the line.
STRATHROY HARPS: Antzcak, Damon Teague, McElholme, McCaskie, McGovern, Sloan, Nugent, Cunningham, Darren Teague, McCrossan, Quinn
DGN SWIFTS: Curran, R O’Neill, Brennan, Montgomery, Gallagher, Grieve, Fitzpatrick, Hutchinson, Noble, S O’Neill, S Friars
* On Friday night Dungannon lost 2-0 to a strong Chile under-20 side at Stangmore Park. Their opponents are in Northern Ireland for the Milk Cup competition.
Meanwhile, Dungannon United Youth’ under-11 team beat Hearts 13-12 on penalties to lift the 2012 Foyle Cup following a 2-2 draw.
by DSFC Media | Jul 25, 2012 | Uncategorized
The IRN-BRU League Cup 2012/13 competition was launched yesterday (24th July), with the draw for Rounds 1 and 2 throwing up some exciting ties.
The Championship clubs entered the draw in Round 1 with 10 sides receiving byes into Round 2, whilst the remaining 20 teams battle it out for a chance to play the Premiership clubs in the next round. Loughgall face Lurgan Celtic in what is potentially the tie of the round, with Knockbreda welcoming Warrenpoint Town to East Belfast. Ballyclare Comrades, who came within seconds of knocking Linfield out of last season’s competition, face a trip to Dergview.
The draw for Round 2 was seeded with the Premiership clubs and the top four finishers in last season’s Championship avoiding each other. Holders Crusaders begin the defence of their trophy with a home tie against the winner of the Glebe Rangers v Larne Round 1 match, whilst last season’s runners-up, Coleraine, have a local derby ahead of them with a trip to Ballymoney United. The winner of the Ards v Annagh United Round 1 tie have a home game against Linfield to look forward to, and Glentoran await the winners of the PSNI v Chimney Corner Round 1 match.
Head of Marketing at AG Barr, Adrian Troy said “This is the second year of the IRN-BRU League Cup sponsorship and we are delighted to be supporting football in Northern Ireland. Last year’s competition was exciting, dramatic and packed with goals. This year we will again be recognising some great goals with our ‘Ginger Boot’ award and we will highlight outstanding performance in each round with our ‘IRN Man’ award. We look forward to another phenomenal season of football.”
Chairman of the Premiership Committee, Aubry Ralph said: “Last season was a brilliant introduction into domestic football in Northern Ireland for IRN-BRU with their sponsorship of the League Cup, and I have no doubt that this season will be another success. Their unique approach to promoting the competition has been a breath of fresh air and I am sure that this season will be no different.”
Fixtures and Dates:
Round 1 – 14 August 2012 (745pm kick-off)
1. Banbridge Town v Queen’s University
2. Moyola Park v Tobermore United
3. Sport & Leisure Swifts v Wakehurst
4. Ards v Annagh United
5. Loughgall v Lurgan Celtic
6. Portstewart v H & W Welders
7. PSNI v Chimney Corner
8. Knockbreda v Warrenpoint Town
9. Dergview v Ballyclare Comrades
10. Glebe Rangers v Larne
Byes: Carrick Rangers, Newry City, Bangor, Institute, Killymoon Rangers, Armagh City, Dundela, Banbridge Town, Sport & Leisure Swifts, Ballymoney United
Round 2 – 27 August 2012 (745pm kick-off)
1. Crusaders v Glebe Rangers or Larne
2. Killymoon Rangers v Carrick Rangers
3. Ards or Annagh United v Linfield
4. Glentoran v PSNI or Chimney Corner
5. Dergview or Ballyclare Comrades v Newry City
6. Ballymena United v Loughgall or Lurgan Celtic
7. Cliftonville v Moyola Park or Tobermore United
8. Portstewart or H & W Welders v Donegal Celtic
9. Knockbreda or Warrenpoint Town v Ballinamallard United
10. Bangor v Armagh City
11. Dundela v Portadown
12. Banbridge Town or Queen’s University v Institute
13. Limavady United v Lisburn Distillery
14. Sport & Leisure Swifts or Wakehurst v Glenavon
15. Ballymoney United v Coleraine
16. Dungannon Swifts v Coagh United
by DSFC Media | Jul 25, 2012 | Uncategorized
Dungannon Swifts are holding a Community Family Funday on Saturday 28th July starting at 12 noon at Stangmore Park, Dungannon. Throughout the day there will be a 5-a-side football tournament for under 11’s, there are still limited places for this and anyone wishing to enter a team can contact Judith on 07825 270777 there will be medals for every child taking part and the winning team will be presented with the prestigious Tyrone Cup. For the competitive adults there will be Tug of War competition for teams of 6, anyone wishing to enter a team can contact Keith on 07801 447580.Both these competitions are free to enter but places must be booked. There are many more actvities taking place including: Penalty Kick, Bouncy Castles including Sumo, Rodeo Bull, Bungee Run and more, Nail Art, Face Painting, Tattoos, Lucky Dip, Guess the Name of the Swifts Mascot Bear, Guess the number of sweets and Throw the Sponge.
There will be a BBQ and Chips, Tuck Shop, Teas and Coffee available all day. There will also be music from 12 noon (kids disco until 5pm and local band Daybreak will be playing in the Clubhouse in the evening). The outside activities will end with a friendly between Dungannon Swifts v Dungannon Tigers at 5pm. We hope to see you all there on Saturday 28th July for what should be a great day of family fun.
Darren Murphy and Rodney McAree have been appointed joint Head Coaches of the club. After the decision to jointly share the job was made we were lucky enough to hear from both of the players ahead of the new season starting on Saturday.
