Newry City have announced the appointment of Barry Gray as the new manager at The Showgrounds.

The former Warrenpoint Town and Cliftonville boss makes his return to Newry after having previously coached the underage teams at the club earlier in his career.

Speaking of the appointment, club chairman Martin McLoughlin said:

"Barry comes to us at a time when we need someone to lead us out of the difficult spell we have been going through and someone who can restore the confidence that has been lacking of late within our squad," he told the official club website.

"With almost 20 years coaching experience at the highest level with spells at Cliftonville and our neighbours Warrenpoint Town, he has earned much respect and built up a network of very valuable contacts.

"Barry is a Newry man by birth and we feel that he is exactly what we need to help us retain our Premiership status.

"I would like to thank Gary Boyle for his efforts and commitment throughout his seven years at the club and in particular over the past seven months.

"We are under no illusions about the task ahead and the dedication and efforts needed, but having spoken to Barry at length, we believe he has the passion and the drive to give us a fighting chance.

"We hope all at The Showgrounds get behind Barry and his team."

Gray will take charge for the first time at home to Ballinamallard United in the Irish Cup on Saturday.