We are delighted to announce the signing of defender, Matty Smyth, and the re-signing of forward, Ryan Mayse.
Twenty two year old Smyth who came through the youth ranks at Ballinamallard United left their Academy when he was 16 to join Stevenage in English Football League Two. He has also been on the books of Dundee and gained a Scottish League Two Champions medal while on a loan spell with Arbroath FC. Smyth was involved with Northern Ireland at U16/17 & 19 level too.
“First and foremost I’m looking forward to the opportunity of playing football again and I’m glad to have the opportunity to play again the premiership. Hopefully I can add to the Swifts squad and do our best to remain in the Premiership over the coming months.
It was a really difficult decision to leave my boyhood club but Kris (Lindsay) had approached me before this occasion and I believe now is the right time for me to make the move.
I know Shane McGinty and obviously Maysie (Ryan Mayse) both from Ballinamallard and I look forward to reuniting with them as well as getting to know the rest of the squad.”
New Signing – Matty Smyth
Of course our other signing, Mayse, is no stranger to the Stangmore faithful. Having come through Dungannon United Youth as a youngster, he was part of our February 2018 League Cup success against Ballymena United. Twenty seven year old Mayse found himself netting twice in this fixture and also took home the Man of the Match award for his performance on the day. Mayse was, at his own request, put on the transfer list in May 2018 and left to join Ballymena United, he was then sent on loan to Ballymena United where he later made his move permanent.
“Coming back to Dungannon was an easy decision as I know what this Club is all about. The Club itself is full of good people from top to bottom and I appreciate that.
All I’ve known is football from a young age, so every Saturday without a match to prepare for was somewhat confusing as I didn’t know what to do with myself. I’m glad to be back involved in the Premiership again, as a player you always want to play at the highest level possible. In my eyes Ballinamallard is a Premier Club so the only difference was we weren’t playing matches. Hopefully I’ll get involved in a few games soon.
I’ve heard nothing but positive and good reports about Kris Lindsay from previous players and current players and when I spoke to him I knew this move was the right fit for me. He’s got a great knowledge of the game and had a great career so I can only learn from him and hopefully he can get the best out of me.”
New signing – Ryan Mayse
Manager, Kris Lindsay had this to say about his new signings.
“I’m delighted to get both Matty and Ryan signed up. They are both in areas that we need strengthened in. Matty, I have tried to sign on a couple of occasions since I came to Dungannon and I’m delighted to finally get the deal over the line. He’s a good age but he comes with a lot of experience having captained Ballinamallard in the Premiership before. He now needs to grasp this opportunity and I am certain that he will.
Ryan has obviously been here before and gives us another option, attacking wise. He is only twenty seven and he brings something to the squad that we probably don’t have, with his enthusiasm and energy on the pitch.
Over all I’m thrilled to get them both signed and hopefully they can hit the ground running come Saturday.”
Welcome to Stangmore Park, Matty, and welcome back, Ryan!
