Niall Currie restates 'top table' dream as big names linked with Shamrock Park switch

Niall Currie says the work to establish Portadown FC back at the top table has "already begun". Currie was speaking after penning a new three-year deal with the Ports which will see him remain at Shamrock Park until 2027.

The 51-year-old led his hometown club back to the Premiership at the first time of asking after an enthralling battle for the Championship title. But Currie and the club have ambitions beyond just top flight survival on their return.

Currie is relishing the opportunity for taking on the very best again. Doing it with Portadown means even more to him as he explained.

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"I’d like to thank our board, this is a huge honour and privilege to be asked to manage this club for another three years," Currie told the club website. "It shows belief and commitment and that means everything to any manager.

"I’d like to thank all my backroom staff as without them these things don’t happen, the work to establish our club again at the top table has already begun and myself and the staff can’t wait to get started and play against the very best."

Part of that work will be recruiting new players to bolster his Championship winning squad. Already the Ports are being linked with moves for several Premiership stars.

Former Glentoran trio Aaron McCarey, Luke McCullough and Shay McCartan are reportedly targets for the club. Ballymena United's Steven McCullough is another who is said to be attracting interest as Portadown look to get some business done early.

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