NNew dawn for Killyleagh YC

NNew dawn for Killyleagh YC

30 July 2025

KILLYLEAGH YC are making waves in the transfer market as they aim to make the return to Amateur League Division 1A.

The Whites are a club steeped in history and although they have fallen by the wayside in recent years, ping from the Premier Division to Division 1B in the space of three seasons, manager Stephen Lindsay has been taking the necessary steps to right their wrongs.

His side finished second from bottom last term, suffering relegation alongside rivals Ballynahinch Olympic, and they received a further blow when captain Keegan Rice made the switch to top flight side Derriaghy.

They have set about addressing the centre-half’s departure with the introduction of young Ashton Ross, who has moved up from the seconds team, the acquisition fellow teenager Ross Murray from Rosemount Rec and the addition of Jordan Patterson.

With that said, manager Lindsay has recognised that the over-reliance on youth has been one of their key issues in previous campaigns.

“We went down the wrong route of going too young. We feel that lack of experience has been  a real problem point and most of our signings have been about addressing that,” he explained.

Resultantly, the YC have gone out and recruited former players Stephen Kennedy and Gary Morrison, as well as experienced goalkeeper Paddy Douglas.

Kennedy rejoins the club after spells with Dromara Village and Drumaness Mills. He has often been considered on of the best attacking players in the Amateur League and with pace in abundance, he could prove a real threat to the defenders throughout Division 1B.

Morrison, a proven goalscorer, brings a knowledge of the club and will act as a role model for those younger players, all while heading the attack.

As for Douglas, he has signed for the Showgrounds team following a spell as a physio with Larne and offers a presence as an established Amateur League shot-stopper.

Speaking on what the trio can offer, Lindsay said: “It’s all about finding a balance. We have brought in experienced players and introduced young players.

“Stevie, Gary and Paddy bring a wealth of experience that will help us find that balance. They have been very important signings and they can push us on towards the top of the table.

“It has been about addressing the issues of not scoring enough goals and conceding too many. These three players, if all goes to plan, will change that. In particular, I hope having an established ‘keeper will be that big difference.”

Killyleagh have also managed to retain some the existing key players in their squad, namely brothers Sam and Kodi Carson — a midfield maestro and goal-scoring winger respectively.

They will be joined by Sam Kirk, who has put pen to paper at his hometown team for the first time, and Jake Healy — a player with a surname that is synonymous with not only the Killyleagh YC, but football in the village as a whole.

Northern Ireland’s record goalscorer, David Healy, starred for Killyleagh and went on to enjoy an illustrious international career, as well as lining out for the likes of Manchester United, Leeds United  and Fulham.

Jake found the back of the net in the pre-season win over Saintfield United and if he can have fraction of the impact David had, Lindsay and the club could view the signing as a real coup.

Fellow newcomer Nathan Leckey joined him on the scoresheet on that occasion and went on to record a brace in last week’s 4-1 victory away to Shorts.

Lindsay has been more than pleased with Leckey’s performances in his first few games and believes he could make a significant impact in the forthcoming season.

“Nathan has been an absolute gem so far, with three goals across two pre-season games. His pace, athleticism and eye for goal will be huge for us.”

With a total of eight new recruits secured, and plans for one or two more, Lindsay has stated he is hoping to be the man that steers Killyleagh YC a step closer to where they belong, adding: “Promotion to Division 1A is our ambition. Anything short of that will be disappointing, but I believe we are strengthening enough to achieve those ambitions.”