Dundrum United have thanked first team manager Conor Gordon for his “dedication, work ethic and energy” during his two-year stint in the role. He has stepped down, and Phillip McGrattan has been named as his successor.
Gordon took up the role of player-manager at the start of the 2023/24 campaign, guiding Dundrum to a seventh-place finish in Newcastle League Division 1 last season, following a miserable campaign the previous year that saw the men in red finish rock bottom of the Premier Division with one point and a goal difference of -68.
Commenting on his departure, Gordon said: “I went into the job with low expectations. A lot of players had left the club or retired, so I think I done well to see out that first season, to be honest. In my second season, we definitely made improvements – we got to a cup semi-final and we were challenging in the league until about March time, when we got a few injuries. So I think there was overall improvement and I’m happy with the job I’ve done. I don’t think I could have done much more. I left them (Dundrum) in a better state than when I started.”
A club statement posted on Dundrum’s Facebook page read:
“As we prepare for the new season, Dundrum United FC would like to extend our sincere thanks to Conor Gordon for his commitment and efforts during his two-year spell as first team manager. Gordy stepped into the role at a time of rebuilding for the club and gave everything he had to help move the team forward. From training sessions and matchdays to all the work that happens behind the scenes, he gave countless hours to the job, always with the intention of improving the squad and representing the club to the best of his ability.”
The statement continued:
“Over his time in charge, Gordy helped introduce new players, strengthen the squad’s structure, and bring through emerging talent. Managing at this level is never easy, but his dedication, work ethic, and passion for the club were always clear to see. As the club now moves in a new direction, we want to acknowledge Conor’s contribution and thank him for the time, energy, and leadership he brought to the role. We wish him nothing but success in whatever comes next – both on and off the pitch.”
Dundrum announced former Tollymore United manager Phillip McGrattan and assistant coach Peter McCormick as the club’s new management team on Saturday past. A statement, again posted on Dundrum United’s Facebook page, read:
“Phillip brings with him over ten years of experience managing Tollymore United FC, where he built a reputation for developing players, creating a strong team culture, and consistently delivering results. His leadership and passion for the game will be a fantastic addition to the club.”
Joining him as assistant is Peter McCormick. “Peter brings great energy, commitment, and a deep understanding of the game, and will no doubt be a key part of the coaching team as we head into the new season. This is an exciting time for Dundrum United FC as we continue to grow and develop the men’s squad.”
Former Dundrum player McGrattan lives in the village and says he was “more than happy” to take the job after speaking with club chairman Jim McIlwrath. “I was honoured to even be asked to manage the club. I played for Dundrum years ago in a different incarnation as such, and I live in Dundrum as well, so it’s a home from home for me. I was interested in speaking to them to see what their layout was for the season, and everything worked out alright after a chat with Jim. I was more than happy to get on board.”
Former Dundrum GAC coach McGrattan won’t have to wait long to get a good look at his new squad, with pre-season training set to get under way on 19 July. “I’ve worked with most of the squad before at some stage, either through Gaelic football or Tollymore. So I’m looking forward to see where we can go,” the new manager said.
McGrattan, who was at Tollymore United for over a decade, says promotion out of Newcastle League Division One and a respectable run in at least one of the league’s cup competitions are his aims next season. “I’d like to try and push for promotion out of (Newcastle League) Division One and get a couple of good cup runs if possible. From the games I saw last year and from talking to the chairman, I think they have more than enough in that squad to try and get out of that league, then we’ll take it from there. You have to set your sights somewhere, and with not being in the Premier Division, that’s where you want to get to.”
