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Steven Crawford

Newington tribute to Aodhán Gillen as they prepare for new surroundings

Newington FC have dedicated extending their stay in the Championship for another season to their "former player and friend", Aodhán Gillen.

The 'Ton and the wider football family were left devastated by Aodhán's passing at the start of April.

The 22-year-old made a big impact, on and off the pitch, at all the clubs he played for, none more so than Newington after he scored the winner in the 2021 Steel & Sons Cup final against Linfield Swifts.

Read more: Watch: Glentoran teen scores incredible overhead kick in league win

Aodhán will always be at the forefront of the club's thoughts and they paid tribute to him once again following their final game of what they said was "a tough first season in the Championship".

"As the curtain comes down on what has proven to be a tough first season in the Championship for the 'Ton, we have plenty to reflect on," said a post on their Twitter page.

"Our primary aim this year was survival and, against all odds, without a home ground of our own, we've done just that.

"It's been challenging at times but we have plenty of positives to celebrate and we end the season safely in ninth place with a game to spare.

"Everyone at the club would like to bid a fond farewell to young Michael Morgan, who has been with us on loan from Cliftonville.

"Michael has been outstanding and we hope to see him back in a green shirt in the future.

"A final word for our former player and friend, Aodhán Gillen. This one was for you wee man."

The club have secured their Championship licence for the 2023/24 season, which will see them move to a new venue with the club hoping it will help them to "grow and develop".

"We have also been warmly welcomed at Inver Park where we look forward to playing our home games going forward," the club said.

"We would like to express our gratitude to Niall Curneen and Neil Clarke from Larne FC for their help during the licensing process.

"We are very excited to play our football at Inver Park next season and looking forward to the opportunities it presents for us to grow and develop as a club.

"We would also like to thank Cliftonville FC for the use of Solitude from the 2018/19 campaign until the end of this season."

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