Ballinamallard United have appointed former player Emmet Friars as their new U20 manager with Friars taking over from Darren Higginbotham and Matthew McConkey who have stepped down due to individual personal circumstances.

Friars, who is a former Notts County player, has a wealth of experience and following a successful career that brought him to a number of Irish League clubs including Portadown, Ballymena United and Crusaders he has progressed into the coaching fraternity, most recently with Institute.

Mallards first team manager Harry McConkey was pleased with the addition of Friars.

“The appointment of Emmett Friars I feel is a good one for our young players at the club whom I feel will benefit from his game knowledge, his enthusiasm and his energy as a coach,” said McConkey, who went on to pay tribute to the previous management of Higginbotham and McConkey.

“I am naturally saddened to lose Darren (Higginbottom) and Matthew (McConkey) from our coaching set up as they have both been excellent to work with and that is vital for any first team manager.

“In their own style they have helped to develop some great kids for my first team squad which is the true value and measurement of any under age coach.

“Their success in winning the league campaign of 2019-20 was lost in the Covid-19 pandemic and we were sadly unable to celebrate it as we would have wished.

“We wish the two lads all the very best that life brings for them and they know the door will always be open if they wish to return in the future.”

Friars commented: “I’m really looking forward to the challenge of assisting Ballinamallard United with their football structure and developing players that can play at the very highest level.

“My previous experience at the Club was very positive and constructive, I look forward to renewing that progressive time with the Mallards.”