Former Irish League manager steps down from chairman role with 'desire to get back into coaching'

Mullen is a Newry club legend having played a key role in relaunching The Showgrounds outfit in 2013.

He helped them scale Northern Ireland’s football pyramid in rapid time, going from Mid-Ulster Intermediate B to the Premiership within five years.

Mullen twice sealed top-flight promotion as Newry manager – they won the Championship title in 2022 and successfully preserved Premiership status the following season.

He then stepped down and was succeeded by Gary Boyle, but returned to the dugout in 2024 to replace Barry Gray after Newry’s difficult start to the second-tier season.

Newry ultimately dropped into the Premier Intermediate League with Mullen moving into a chairman position while ex-Carrick Rangers manager Stuart King took over.

They secured a Championship return ahead of next season as one of four third-tier teams promoted, but Mullen has now stepped away from his role with Gary Wilson appointed.

Mullen has expressed a willingness to return to coaching – he has been running sessions to raise crucial funds for Newry’s Evora Hospice – and feels the time is right to move on.

“Being Chairman of Newry City AFC was never a role I envisaged having, but it’s one I have thrown myself into over the past year,” he told the club’s website. “Thankfully the club are back in the Championship after a successful year on the pitch and, through the hard work of the committee, the club is run in the right manner off the pitch.

“Between work commitments and my desire to get back into coaching, I feel it’s the right time to step down and allow someone else to step into the role.

“I wish Gary all the very best in his new role and would like to thank the committee, fans and sponsors for all their help over the past year.

“I’d also like to wish Stuart, his coaching staff and the players the best of luck for the season ahead.”

Wilson praised the “amazing legacy” left by Mullen at Newry after stepping up from his previous role as vice-chairman.

“It’s a huge privilege to be named as Chairman of the club,” said Wilson. “Newry City is in my blood and, having served as Vice-Chairman for a number of years, it’s key to continue to build on the fantastic work done by Darren, Martin McLoughlin before him and the Committee.

“I’d like to place on record my thanks to Darren for the diligence, professionalism and leadership he has shown, not just over the past year as Chair, but also during his spells as First Team Manager.

“He leaves an amazing legacy and his status as a club legend is secure.

“Ahead of the 2026/27 season, the most important thing is that everyone at the club moves forward together and in a unified manner.

“Let’s build on the momentum Stuart and his team have created on the pitch and the Committee, staff, coaches and supporters have created off it.

“To our sponsors, your continued backing is invaluable and I look forward to maintaining and adding to the relationships already built to create even more exciting times ahead.

“Last, but certainly not least, our fantastic supporters are the backbone of the club. As a lifelong fan, I know what Newry City means to you all.

“Let’s look forward together and keep backing the club on and off the pitch.”