Former Irish League striker 'really excited about the future' after landing new coaching job in Sweden
Former Irish League striker Thomas Stewart says he’s “really excited about the future” after landing a new job as assistant coach at Swedish second-tier outfit IFK Norrköping.
Stewart started his senior career with Linfield, winning two Premiership titles and a pair of Irish Cups at Windsor Park, and rounded his time as a player out in Northern Ireland at Larne.
He also won silverware at Derry City and Shamrock Rovers alongside enjoying spells in America, Canada and Scotland.
The former Northern Ireland U21 international took his first step into management with Swedish outfit Ytterhogdals IK in 2023 and has served as assistant at Sandvikens IF, who ply their trade in the Superettan – Sweden’s second-tier.
Stewart has returned to the dugout as number two at Norrköping – the 12-time Swedish top-flight champions were relegated to the Superettan ahead of the upcoming campaign after losing out in a play-off last term.
Norrköping’s league season will get underway on April 4 with Stewart playing an important role on their coaching staff under manager Eldar Abdulić.
He told the club’s social media channels: "I'm really excited about the future and the development and success we'll hopefully achieve together.”
Stewart played a key role in helping former Celtic youngster Ben Wylie return to his best – the 23-year-old spent time at Ytterhogdals before joining Cliftonville.
Wylie has since earned a move to full-time football with Premiership club Coleraine after impressing at Portadown and has been an ever-present for the Bannsiders.
"It was about getting his confidence back and he did very well for me,” Stewart told the News Letter in January. “He was starting to show signs of his best and he has done really well since he went back home.
"It was just about guiding Ben, he was always a quality player and highly-rated coming through at Celtic.
"I put an arm around his shoulder, helped him grow and guide him back towards his best. I fully believed in him and I'm really pleased to see him doing well.
"He's so talented, he's a lovely boy with a great family, and I think he's going to thrive now. Getting back to his best, getting that belief and self-confidence back, was the biggest thing and he's excelling.
"I played with Ruaidhri (Higgins) and Kevin (Deery) at Derry City and they're two great lads. They'll look after him well and are two football people who also think about the person. I think you'll see the best of Ben over the coming months."