Mark Stafford has confirmed that his number two at Ballinamallard United will be Barry Anderson, after the former Fivemiletown United joint manager sealed a move to Ferney Park. 

Stafford had been on the lookout for an experienced coach to assist him in his first managerial role, and he admitted he was delighted to secure Anderson’s signature ahead of the start of the new season.

“I was delighted to get Barry on board,” he said.

“It was tough to get him from Fivemiletown because he has been there for a few years and he has a great affinity with that club and with Chris McDowell, but I am delighted he has agreed to join us.

"He comes with great coaching experience. I have played with him before at Ballinamallard Reserves many years ago, and everywhere he has gone he has been highly thought of. Having met him, he is a very ambitious young coach. He is very committed and that is the sort of people I want around me. I want someone who can bring a bit of fun and a bit of craic to it as well if possible. A bit of personality.”

Anderson spent the last three years as joint manager of Fivemiletown United and prior to that was a youth coach at Ballinamallard, coaching the U16 squad in the NIFL Academy League.

His return to the club sees him step up to the senior squad, and Stafford is positive he has got the right man.

“You have to have someone you have confidence in,” he said.

“Someone who can pull you into line maybe if you have got something wrong. Obviously we will be talking about players and different things and there needs to be trust between ourselves. It is an important role in a football club.”

Stafford and Anderson will form the core of the coaching team at the club, along with goalkeeping coach Declan McIntyre.