Football: Barry Gray to take step back from Newry City role

Sports Direct Premiership side Newry City AFC have revealed first-team Manager Barry Gray is undergoing treatement for cancer.

The 43-year-old will take a step away from club uties as he focusses on his recovery, with former club captain Gavin Dykes coming in to assist the current coaching staff.

"The committee of Newry City AFC wishes to inform our supporters that Manager Barry Gray will be stepping away from first-team duties for the time being," said the club in a stateent.

"Barry has been undergoing cancer treatment for a number of weeks and feels the time is now right to focus solely on his recovery.

"Former club captain and personal friend of Barry’s, Gavin Dykes will assist Dermot McVeigh and the current coaching staff for the upcoming games, beginning away to Glenavon on Saturday.

"We know that all supporters and indeed the wider football family will join us in sending Barry our best wishes and we hope to see him return to the club when he is fit and able to do so.

"We kindly request that the privacy of Barry and his family is respected at this time.

The club will not be making any further comment."

City currently lie two points adrift of Ballymena United at the bottom of the table as the league heads into the top and bottom six split fixtures.

Newry are away to Glenavon this Saturday in the first of their post-split matches.

The final two matches ahead of that split take place tonight, with current leaders Larne going to Cliftonville and second-placed Linfield away to Carrick Rangers.

Both matches kick off at 7.45pm.