Ryan Catney and Johnny Flynn are back in the Irish League after joining Ballyclare Comrades. The former Cliftonville pair have joined new manager Barry Baggley's backroom team at Dixon Park.

Catney has been confirmed as Baggley's assistant, while Flynn - who has been recently involved with Andersonstown Community FC - will work as first-team coach. They are joined by Liam McStravick (head of player recruitment) and Gerard McVeigh (goalkeeping coach).

Baggley was last week named as Stephen Small's successor in the Comrades hot-seat. He arrives at Dixon Park following a spell managing Crewe United, and previously led Amateur League side Rosario to back-to-back promotions.

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He told Ballyclare Comrades' YouTube channel: "I have been involved in junior football, playing at every level from Amateur League to Championship 1. And then I went into management eight years ago.

"I managed Rosario and took them from 1B to premier Division, and last year I took over at Crewe United and had a great year there.

"Ballyclare is a great opportunity and a great club. It is the next logical step for me as a manager, and I am excited at what lies ahead."

He added: "My priorities are to get in and around the boys and identify some gaps where we need fresh faces. The next five months are critical, finding our style of play and racking up as many points. Then we will re-evaluate at the end of the season.

"I am keen to get going and get a few bodies in. It will be a busy few weeks to see who is available. I am excited and keen to get going."

Ballyclare currently sit ninth in the NIFL Championship, but just three points outside the top six. Baggley's first game in charge will be Saturday's home clash with 11th-place Newry City.

"I can't wait to get going. It is good to be training, but I can't wait for the first game. Hopefully we can get off to a good start," he said.

"It will be a tough game but we will be ready."

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