Darren Higginbotham has been confirmed as the U20s manager for the 2018/19 season, having been in charge of the team since Derek Sharpe stepped down earlier this year. Higgy is no stranger to the Club and knows what it takes to progress from the Academy through to the first team having achieved that feat himself. The 28 year old is already working hard behind the scenes to prepare his team for the Championship Development League South Division and we wish him and his backroom staff every success for the year ahead.
Striker Joshua McIlwaine has committed his future to Ballinamallard, despite interest from Dungannon Swifts. "I am delighted that Joshua has decided to stay with Ballinamallard and show some loyality. Josh is one of our own, and one whom I believe has great potential. He is only 23 and has learnt a great deal over the last couple of seasons playing in the Premier League and he will no doubt be an asset to us in the Championship" commented Harry McConkey. Joshua has made 58 first team appearances to date, of which 33 have been from the substitute bench, and scored 8 goals.
Manager Harry McConkey has this morning confirmed that he has agreed deals with three new players for the 2018/19 season, all of whom will provide plenty of experience ahead of what is sure to be a difficult campaign. Goalkeeper John Connolly has an extensive playing career both North and South of the border, and most recently was on the books of Portadown FC. John had hoped to spearhead their return to the Irish Premier League but unfortunately suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon at the start of the season and has been on the road to recovery ever since. Despite that set back, John is fighting fit again and excited to link up with Harry and Ballinamallard. Midfielder Duwayne McManus is no s
It was all change with the Club Office Bearers at the Annual General Meeting on Friday evening. Chairman Gordon Lee, Vice Chairman Noel Fallis, Secretary Richard McBride and Treasurer Jonathan Poots all relinquished their positions at the start of the meeting and they were replaced by Chairman Tom Elliott, Vice Chairman Jackie Palmer, Secretary Richard McBride and Treasurer Keith Thompson. We thank the outgoing Office Bearers for their sterling work and pass on our best wishes to the incoming Officers for what is sure to be a tough season in the Championship. We thank everyone for their attendance at the AGM and ask that you provide your full support towards the committee for the upcoming se
As we look forward to the new season, another positive emerges with the news that John Quinn has agreed to continue in his role as Academy director. As well as his work with the youth teams, John will also oversee the development of our U20 and U18 teams.
Harry McConkey has confirmed some of his backroom staff as we look towards the 2018/19 season. Craig Lynch remains as a coach from last season whilst Steve Feeney makes a welcome return to the panel after a short absence. Andy Crawford will take up a new role of player recruitment and opposition analysis.
Following discussions this week Ballinamallard United FC and Harry McConkey have agreed a 3-year contract to manage the Ferney Park Club. A Club spokesperson said: “We are delighted that Harry has agreed terms to return to the managerial position at the Club. An extremely well respected football player, coach and manager, he has proved his credentials over and over again". “We are all aware that there is significant change at Ferney Park with the team dropping into the Championship and this of course will require amendments to our strategy moving forward". “Ballinamallard do not have the budgets of other clubs, however we will not be found wanting in effort and enthusiasm. We look forward to
Following the Irish Premiership matches on Saturday Ballinamallard United FC have issued the following statement: Club Chairman Gordon Lee commented, “everyone involved with the Club are extremely disappointed at the relegation from the Irish Premiership. Indeed that disappointment goes much further than Ballinamallard; Club representatives have received very supportive and appreciative messages from throughout Co Fermanagh, other parts of Northern Ireland and beyond. The messages have come from throughout those involved in football, but also from the wider community. “We have enjoyed six great seasons in the Irish Premiership, the progress of football to this level and the wider recognition