Slane appoint ex Rangers manager

Dan Thornton has taken over from David Johnstone as the club’s manager.

Thornton, of course, is an ex Banbridge Rangers boss. Coincidentally, Rangers last week appointed former Slane player Lee Feeney as their manager, helped by ex Moneyslane chief Glenn Moffett.

The new man in the Jubilee Park hot-seat comes with pedigree in the local game, having won an Intermediate B and Alan Wilson cup double with Banbridge Rangers and steered Downshire YMFC to their first ever league title in Amateur League Division 1C just last season.

Thornton will be helped by UEFA A License holder Andy Fraser.

The new boss said: “I am honoured to become my local club’s manager for the season ahead.

“When Moneyslane FC came calling and we sat down and had a talk I simply could not turn this fantastic opportunity down. This is a club which has always been close to my heart having started my playing career here

“I am Moneyslane born and bred and I know more so than any other managers just what this great football club means to this community. I’m really looking forward to hearing the famous BAWA getting behind the team as they have done home and away for many many years now.

“I think it’s safe to say I’m taking over a club on the rise and on that I’d like to say what a great job Davy (Johnstone) and Darragh (Peden) have done last season to ensure top flight football for this club which it fully deserves.

“This club has some of the best facilities in Mid-Ulster football and indeed the Amateur League and it’s a credit to all the hard working men and women behind the scenes.

“I’d like to thank Downshire YMFC for everything we have done this past three seasons and thank them for understanding my decision to return to my hometown club.”