McConkey signs new deal
Ballinamallard United FC are delighted that manager Harry McConkey has agreed to remain in post at the Club for next season.
Harry said: “I am delighted to accept the challenge of leading the club next season in what will be a very competitive Championship.
“It's been an incredible 3 years and a real roller-coaster for myself, my staff and the players.
“Relegated on goal difference in 2018, losing 14 players overnight ..then rebuilding in the close season, looking like being relegated from the Championship in October, but then turning it around by securing a top 6 place by Jan 19 ..then making history for the club by reaching the Irish Cup Final in May 19.
“August 2019 brought another slow start but then settled, we gained momentum, reached 2nd place while we were pushing Portadown in the final run in for the title, only to have it all taken away by Covid-19 in March 2020.
“Then we had so many false dawns to return to the 2020-21 league campaign with so much stop-start training and friendly games, but then we were deemed non-Elite by the IFA which effectively killed any chance of a league campaign.
“We returned to lift the players mood and morale on 1st April and prepared with great enthusiasm for the Irish Cup, only for our close neighbours Dergview FC to knock us out of the cup on penalties.
“Now that's what I call a real roller coaster ..don’t you?
“But now it’s time to turn that dip against Dergview into another rise, by preparing well in pre-season and get off to a positive start on 7th August.
“We are in no doubt of the size of the challenge to climb to the top of what I believe will be an incredibly competitive 2021-22 Championship.”
Club Chairman Tom Elliott said: “The past three seasons has certainly been an intense period at Ferney Park. Harry McConkey has been central to the Mallards football family during this time.
“Harry’s enthusiasm reverberates all around the Club and the style of football that he espouses is a great example for everyone.
“We are delighted that Harry has agreed to remain at Ferney Park to continue his plans at the Club.”