Managerial Changes
July 13, 2018
With many clubs starting their preparations for the new season over the weekend, this summer has seen several clubs appointing new men in the dugout.
In Division 1 Benny McElholm has left Tummery Athletic after guiding them to the Mulhern Cup back in May, to take over the hotseat at Strathroy Harps, a club which he enjoyed great success with, as a player. With a hugely talented squad and a few new additions, Benny will no doubt be challenging on all fronts and attempting to regain the title they narrowly missed out on to Enniskillen Rangers, in the dramatic end to last season. Former Enniskillen Town United manager Gerry Love has took over the vacant manager spot at Tummery Athletic and he will be hoping to build on their recent cup success. Having won everything as a manager at Town, he will no doubt bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to one of the strongest team's in the league. Elsewhere in Division 1, Irvinestown Wanderers have appointed Ryan Beacom as manager and he has already been busy signing several new players. Irvinestown when they have the full team out are a match for anyone and with the new additions they will be aiming for a top half finish this season. Kyle McCleery has took over the Lisbellaw United manager's role on a permanent basis, after taking on the role half way through last season. He will be hoping to blend some talented youngsters coming through from the youth teams, with the experienced Senior players he has at his disposal.
In Division 2, both teams relegated from the top tier, Magheraveely and Lisnaskea Rovers have appointed new managers. Magheraveely have appointed former Cootehill Harps manager Brian Smith, who guided them to a league and cup double in the cavan/monaghan league, as well as a Junior Cup title. They will be hoping he brings his winning mentality and returns them to the top flight at the first attempt. Former Magheraveely manager Anthony Smyth has took charge at Lisnaskea Rovers, a club he played for and coached several youth teams in the past. After a disastrous season last year, Anthony will have to rebuild the side in order to compete in a division which is always highly competitive. But with his experience Rovers should be challenging for promotion. Omagh Hospitals were the 1st club in the league to appoint a new manager back in May when Brendan Morrison took control. After finishing in 3rd position last season Brendan takes over a talented side and he will be hoping to go one better and gain promotion this season. Last season's Division 3 champions, Enniskillen Athletic have appointed Anthony Fitzpatrick as manager following Paul Crane decision to step down. Anthony inherits a squad he knows very well, having assisted Paul over the past few years. Despite only being promoted to the division, Athletic are many people favourites for promotion due to their young talented side.
In Division 3, Enniskillen Galaxy have appointed Gavin Connolly as manager following Damien Love decision to step down. Gavin takes over a side which lost out narrowly to Augher Stars in a promotion playoff last season, so with a few additions he will hopefully be celebrating promotion at the end of the season. Lisnarick have appointed former NFC Kesh manager Niall Amos and he has been extremely busy in the off season building a side capable of winning the division and will be most peoples favourites to lift the title at the end of the season. It's all change down at the Farm as well, with Ciaran Black and Niall Bradley been appointed as joint managers of Orchard Farm. After many years of trying to gain promotion they will be hoping the new men in charge will finally deliver the success the club has been working hard to achieve.