Vinny Arkins joins Newry City as Showgrounds club's new forwards coach

Newry City AFC have announced the arrival of Vinny Arkins as the club's new forwards coach.

The former Irish League striker spent nine years as a player at Portadown where he made over 250 appearances.

Arkins also has coaching experience from his time with Ballydoyle United and Malahide United, and also as interim boss of Portadown in 2016.

Newry boss Darren Mullen believes Arkins will be a positive arrival at the Showgrounds.

“I’m delighted to have someone of Vinny’s stature and experience involved with the club. We already have a super backroom team in place with Ramy, Micky, Jervis and Gary but Vinny will add something different in an area where we need to improve on," Mullen told the club's website.

"Our forwards can only benefit from listening to someone who was one of the best strikers ever to play in this league.

"I know he’s excited to be involved and it’s another positive step for the club.”

Arkins added: “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to help out at Newry City AFC, the story of Newry’s rise through the leagues has been fantastic and I would love to help Newry consolidate a strong position in the Danske Bank Premiership where they belong.

"Newry already have a brilliant coaching team in place and personally it will be great for me to hook up with Mickey Keenan and Raymond Byrne again.

"I would also like to thank the club and especially Darren for asking me to help out. I am really looking forward to getting started with the team.”

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