Barry Gray set for Newry City job after stepping down as Warrenpoint Town manager

Barry Gray is expected to be in charge for Newry City's Irish Cup tie with Ballinamallard United

Barry Gray is set to be announced as the new manager of Newry City after resigning as Warrenpoint Town boss.

The 43-year-old former Cliftonville chief called time on his second stint at Milltown in the aftermath of Warrenpoint’s 2-2 draw with Armagh City on Monday, which left the club just a point behind Premier Intermediate League leaders Limavady United.

The Belfast Telegraph revealed that Newry — who are without a manager following Gary Boyle’s resignation last week — were closing in on a swoop for Gray, whose first game at the helm will be Saturday’s Clearer Water Irish Cup fifth round home tie with Ballinamallard United.

City are rock bottom of the Sports Direct Premiership and sit six points adrift of Ballymena United after suffering a chastening 5-0 thumping by Dungannon Swifts under interim boss Damien Hillen’s guidance at the weekend.

“The Management Board has accepted the resignation of First Team Manager, Barry Gray,” read a statement from Warrenpoint, who were demoted to the third tier of the NI Football League structure in the summer following a licensing dispute.

“We thank Barry for his commitment in this second stint as first team manager.

“The impact of being denied our place in the Premiership Play-Off, based on sporting merit, earlier this year has changed the strategic focus of the club and led to a more realistic and time bound approach to building the club back to where we belong.

"In a stepped approach, we remain focused on securing promotion from PIL to Championship. This remains our sole objective this season.

“We wish Barry well on his next appointment as manager.”