Former Irish League midfielder to take on manager job at Amateur League club
Former Irish League midfielder Joe McNeill is set to take on his first senior managerial role after being confirmed as new Crumlin Star boss ahead of next season.
McNeill enjoyed spells in the Premiership with Portadown, Cliftonville, Coleraine and Carrick Rangers before joining Star in 2016.
He has played a key role across a trophy-laden decade for the Marrowbone Park outfit, winning three Premier Division league titles alongside three Intermediate Cups, three Clarence Cups and a hat-trick of Border Cup crowns.
An Amateur League powerhouse, Star remain on track to defend the Intermediate Cup having been reinstated to the competition after Strabane Athletic fielded an ineligible player in their quarter-final win.
They’ll face Premier Intermediate League leaders Moyola Park in Wednesday’s semi-final at the Blanchflower Stadium.
Star are also in the running for another Premier Division title – they’re currently fourth and sit 10 points behind leaders Derriaghy CC, but have played four fewer matches.
Earlier this month, Crumlin Star confirmed long-serving manager Paul Trainor was stepping down at the end of this season after collecting 13 trophies across his decade-long reign.
McNeill, who is still playing for Star aged 37, will take over the reins for next term and the Belfast club feel his experience makes him the perfect candidate.
“The Club are delighted to announce the appointment of Joseph McNeill as our new 1st Team Manager from next season, 2026/27,” the club posted. “Joe has been Crumlin Star Assistant Manager for a number of years now and the natural progression was to fill the role of 1st team manager following the decision by big Chew to stand down at the end of the season.
"Joe brings with him a wealth of footballing experience and knowledge, a player full of passion who no doubt will bring the same passion to his new role.
“The Club are also pleased to announce that Paul Prigent will come in as Assistant Manager.
"Paul previously served Crumlin Star for many years as a player and helped bring great success to the Club, we are sure in his new role he will help bring further success.
“The Club wish the new management team all the best for the future and hope they can continue to steer this great Club to further success.”