Pompey dream

Pompey dream

3 June 2020

BALLYNAHINCH teenage soccer player Eoin Teggart has been given a massive career boost.

The hugely talented 18 year-old has been offered a third year scholarship by Portsmouth.

The Northern Ireland youth International joined the League One club’s academy from Cliftonville in September 2018 and has blossomed ever since. 

He made his debut for the academy’s first team against Norwich City in the Leasing.com Trophy as helped set up two goals as Portsmouth reached the final against Salford City at Wembley Stadium.

Academy manager Mark Kelly was full of praise for the youngster: “Eoin has got plenty of pace and crossing ability — now he just needs to hone in on a few things.”

He is one of three players to be offered third year scholarships by Portsmouth. 

Kelly added: “They all deserve this opportunity, but have to get their heads down and be ready to go again.”

The ultimate aim is to catch the attention of Portsmouth manager Kenny Jackett and secure a place in his first team squad.

Before his move to Cliftonville Teggart was part of a highly successful Ballynahinch United youth team that went unbeaten for two seasons in the South Belfast Youth League before spending some time at Ridgeway Rovers and Glentoran.

He was also part of the County Down side that reached the SuperCupNI Premier final in 2018.

On the local soccer front meanwhile, Billy Heal has been appointed as the new first team manager at Dundrum United.

Heal was unveiled at the weekend by club chairman Jim McIlwrath and Chris Hogg, vice-chairman and club captain.

He takes over from Andy Smyth who will continue with the club as a player and committee member. 

For over 20 years Heal has been involved with football within South Down, starting off with the Valley Youth. 

For the last three seasons he was first team manager at Ballyvea, who led to a double in the Newcastle League.

He then took Ballyvea into the Mid Ulster League where they gained promotion at the first time of asking, finishing runners-up to Annalong, and reached the final of the Foster Cup, which has still has to be played because of the coronavirus lockdown. 

A spokesman for Dundrum United said Heal’s appointment had the committee’s overwhelming support and that it was first time a person from outside the club had been appointed as manager.

The spokesman said the the club was aiming for a top three finish in the league and winning at least one cup.

“Billy’s aspirations with Dundrum United are to install a winning mentality and a hard working ethos within the club with fitnesses his driving force.”