Dean Shiels has swooped at the opportunity to add a further two names to our squad at Stangmore Park, hours before the season kicks off.
Nineteen year old, centre back, Luke McKendry and twenty four year old, goalkeeper, Michael Quinn.
McKendry spent his youth football at Coleraine FC moving through the ranks there until he moved to Swansea City for two years at sixteen years old. After covid hit the world, McKendry moved back home and joins us at Dungannon Swifts.
“It’s a nice feeling to have signed for Dungannon. It’s been a long year where I have been out of football. Once I heard Dean (Shiels) was interested in bringing me up I came up and I’ve liked everything I’ve seen. It’s exciting the way Dean plays his football and it’s all good things to say. I’m just really looking forward to getting started now.
Centre Back – Luke McKendry
I haven’t played football competitively in a year, I need to be patient, I know there are good players in my position. My aim is to get in the team as soon as possible.”
Manager, Dean Shiels, is excited to get working with Luke.
“Luke is a young player with great potential and he’s been across the water with Swansea. He’s been full time and has got lots of characteristics that we look for in a player. I think he’s definitely got great potential to have a good career with us here at Dungannon.”
Manager – Dean Shiels
At over 6 foot tall, Goalkeeper, Quinn, joins Stangmore Park having most recently been on the books of Bury FC and Cabinteely FC.
“Michael is one we had in at the end of last year. He impressed us in training and he’s got great hunger and desire to come and compete for that goalkeeper position. He’s a great attitude. He’s got great distribution with both his feet and his hands. I’m delighted to get Michael as well.”
Manager – Dean Shiels.
Quinn, son of former Sunderland and Man City player, Niall Quinn, is eager to get started with us.
“I’m absolutely delighted to sign, it’s been a long time coming. Obviously I spoke to Dean at the end of last season about coming up but I’ve finally got it done now and look forward to our first game on Saturday. It’s a brilliant group of lads, really easy to get on with. Having the chance to work with Dwayne (Nelson) as well, the goalkeeper coach, he’s been brilliant he’s really been helping me out the last few of weeks. I’ve settled in well, as obviously I wouldn’t know too many of them from playing before, so it’s nice to see some new faces and I’m getting on well.
Goalkeeper – Michael Quinn
I signed a deal at Bury before things went sour there, great experience for me of full time professional football. Since then, covid came in and things weren’t so easy. It’s brilliant learning curve for me and homed in skills for me. I’m now looking forward to being somewhere like here, getting involved and some more brilliant opportunities.”
Welcome to Stangmore Park, Luke and Michael. We wish you every success.