Ex-Glenavon ace Lowry relishing new managerial job down under

LURGAN man Duncan Lowry has spoken of his excitement as he embarks on a new managerial role in New Zealand.

The former Glenavon and Glentoran defender, who has cherished memories of winning the Budweiser Cup with his hometown club in 1989, is hoping to steer Gordon Spratt Reserve club Papamoa to success in the Bay of Plenty football scene.

Coaches Gary Darkes and Andy Birchenough have teamed up with Lowry again after a year away from the game following a difficult departure from Tauranga City United.

The coaching trio took United to the Northern Premier Division via back-to-back promotions, but their reign ended in 2016 after the team suffered relegation from the top flight.

It was a valuable learning experience for Lowry, and the 53-year-old is fired up for his new challenge, saying: “I’ve got the passion back and can’t wait to get started. I’ll be disappointed if we don’t win the league and bounce back up this year.

“The bones of a good club are already in place, and there’s no reason why we can’t become the biggest club in the Bay of Plenty. That excites me and drives me on. We’re excited for all the right reasons, and we’re not interested in becoming a feeder club.

“The Premier Division was a struggle with Tauranga, but the three of us learned more that year than ever before and we fully expected to grow as a team because of that.”