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.