COLIN MILLAR IT’S JOY OF THE

By Mullen claims Newry’s promotion story back to Irish League top flight is the stuff of comic books

NEWRY CITY boss Darren Mullen has described his club’s journey to the top flight as “Roy of the Rovers stuff” after they clinched their fourth promotion in five seasons.

The County Down side secured their second successive ascension thanks to winning both legs of their promotion play-off against Carrick Rangers to ensure their place in next season’s Irish Premiership.

“It will take a while to kick in, it is unreal,” Mullen told BBC Radio Ulster

“To get four promotions in five years after the club was down on its knees, it is unbelievable.

“People keep asking, ‘What is the secret?’ There is no secret. It is just down to hard work and that’s what this club has done.

“We have good, honest people at the club and if you work hard you get your rewards.

“It is emotional – my father passed away a yearand-a-half ago and when we were 2-0 down last week I was thinking, ‘Come on dad, pull a few strings for me here.’ And we got back to 3-2.

“On Wednesday we went a goal behind, but you saw the character of the lads. They are a great bunch of players and now they will play in the Premiership.

“We were hoping and praying we would get this opportunity, it’s something I dreamed about when I took over at the club.

“People might have thought it’s a pipedream and when you think about it, four promotions in five seasons is some achievement.

“I’m a Newry man and this is my dream job – managing Newry. To be standing now being interviewed after getting promoted to the Premiership, it’s a bit surreal.

“I’m delighted for the lads and for the fans. The fans were absolutely brilliant and we’ve put a lot of pride back into football in Newry.

“People have come down in their numbers and they’ve bought into what we’re doing at the club.

“They’ve worked their backsides off and this is some reward.”