Gerry Flynn aims to bring in new faces at Newry City

The former Cliftonville, Coleraine and Newry defender took over from Roy Coyle in February and steered the team to a 12th place finish.

"It feels good to finally get the opportunity to put my own ideas into practice," Flynn told the News Letter.

"I have been playing with a squad that was in place when I returned to the club and I am keen to strengthen it."

Flynn's appointment was delayed because of a hitch in his move from Donegal Celtic, where he was a player.

Celtic had asked Newry to delay announcing their new manager until after a league match between the two clubs, only for the news to break on the morning of the game.

The west Belfast club blocked Flynn's move to Newry and demanded �5,000 for Flynn or a player exchange involving Newry's Kevin Keegan.

The delay prevented Flynn from signing Glentoran striker Chris Morgan - he is expected to make a fresh move for the player in the summer.

Flynn is in Spain this week, attempting to secure a sponsorship deal for City.