Omagh forced to fold

By Kenny Archer

There have been a number of coaching and personnel changes following the close of the Northern Irish Premier Division season, but these have been overshadowed by events at Omagh Town FC.

Omagh fold
The club were relegated at the end of the campaign, following 15 years of top-flight football, and with a lack of finance and insurmountable debt, the board have decided to fold. "Regretfully, Omagh Town has to declare that it cannot continue operating," the club stated. "The board simply cannot sustain the club."

Torrid season
This concludes a torrid couple of seasons for Omagh, who experienced a stark decline after the surprise departure of manager Roy McCreadie in January 2004. Paul Kee replaced him but could not prevent the freefall that has ultimately ended in the club's extinction.

Institute unveil plans
Kee turned down a move to Institute FC earlier this season, and in a cruelly-timed twist, the Drumahoe outfit have this week unveiled plans for a €1.5m improvement to their Riverside stadium.

Ballymena overhaul
Following their disappointing campaign, Ballymena United FC have brought in Tommy Wright from Limavady United FC to succeed Kenny Shiels at the helm. The former Northern Ireland goalkeeper has set about reshaping the squad, signing Aidan Watson from Ards FC and Linfield FC duo Gregg Shannon and Stuart King, with Oran Kearney going in the other direction.

Coleraine difficulty
Ballymena have also landed versatile Gary Haveron from Coleraine FC, adding to their arch-rivals' woes. Coleraine are being forced to sell their best assets due to financial difficulties, and Haverton is the latest to leave. Veterans Pat McAllister and Gerry Flynn have joined Newry Town FC, while strikers Jody Tolan and Sean Armstrong have signed for Glentoran FC and Lisburn Distillery FC respectively.

Clubs consolidate
Champions Glentoran's main challengers last term have both consolidated their squads. Veteran forward Glenn Ferguson has signed a new one-year deal with Linfield, while Portadown FC have secured the services of star striker Vinny Arkins for next season.

Glenavon glee
Elsewhere, manager Tommy Kincaid has inked a two-year extension with promoted Glenavon FC, and has recruited Mark Dickson from Larne FC and Marty Verner from second-division Bangor FC.