Lisburn Distillery have announced the appointment of Barry Johnston as their new manager.

Johnston arrives at Ballyskeagh after spending the last three years with St. James' Swifts whom he guided to the Ballymena and Provincial Intermediate League title last season only to miss out on promotion to the Premier Intermediate League via a play-off defeat to Ballymacash Rangers.

Prior to that Johnston, holder of a UEFA 'A' License, had been a first team coach with Cliftonville while, as a player he collected two Irish League titles as well as numerous League Cup and Co. Antrim Shield honours.

Replacing Raymond Alexander, who resigned earlier this month, Johnston spoke to the official club website: "I am absolutely delighted to be joining Lisburn Distillery as first team manager.

"I arrive here having had three great years at St James Swifts and I would like to thank them for their support over that time and I wish them well for the future.

"I have moved to Distillery as I see this as a challenge to bring this great club back to the position that it truly deserves and I will give 100% to ensure we achieve those goals.

"Yes there will be a lot of hard work involved to reach the lofty targets that I will be setting myself and the team but I look forward to now getting stuck into the challenge that lies ahead."