Darren Mullen has returned to Newry City as manager, replacing the outgoing Barry Gray who was relieved of his duties on Sunday.

Gray last season stepped away from his role as manager to focus on recovery from cancer treatment.

He left Warrenpoint to take over at Newry in January but failed to prevent them from relegation to the Championship.

Newry have endured a tough start to the season in the second tier, sitting 11th in the table having won just two of their 10 league games.

They were also knocked out of the BetMcLean Cup last week, suffering a 5-1 defeat against Premier Intermediate side Dollingstown.

“We would like to place on record our thanks to Barry for all of his hard work at the club during a very difficult time on and off the pitch. Barry leaves with our best wishes,” said a statement on the club’s website announcing his dismissal.

Mullen initially stepped down as Newry boss after 10 years in charge in April 2023 and has not managed since.

He twice led the club to promotion to the top flight and kept them in the Irish Premiership in his final season in charge.

“This all happened very quickly but I had no hesitation in agreeing to help the club. They say you should never go back in football, but I have a huge emotional attachment to this club,” Mullen told the club website.

“Results haven’t been good, but I believe the squad that’s there is a lot better than the current league position shows. As a group we will be working hard to get Newry City back where they belong.”