Ards FC – Club Profile
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Full Name: Ards Football Club
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Founded: 1900
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Location: Newtownards (currently based in Bangor), Northern Ireland
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Stadium: Clandeboye Park (shared with Bangor FC)
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Capacity: ~2,000
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Club Colors: Red & Blue
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Nickname: The Red & Blues
History
Ards FC was founded in 1900 in Newtownards and has long been one of the more historic football clubs in Northern Ireland. The club enjoyed success particularly from the 1950s to the 1990s, including major domestic trophies and memorable European appearances.
In 1998, Ards lost their traditional home ground, Castlereagh Park, and have since played in several temporary locations before settling at Clandeboye Park in Bangor.
Despite ups and downs, Ards remain a respected and traditional club in Northern Irish football.
Honours
Domestic Trophies
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Irish Cup:
Winners (1) – 1957–58 -
Irish League Cup:
Winners (1) – 1994–95 -
County Antrim Shield:
Winners (3) – 1951–52, 1993–94, 1994–95 -
Gold Cup:
Winners (1) – 1973–74 -
Ulster Cup:
Winners (2) – 1957–58, 1994–95
Ards' most successful period was the mid-1990s, when they won multiple trophies and regularly challenged top teams.
Notable Players
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Billy McAvoy – One of the greatest forwards in club history
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Davy McCullough – Iconic defender and long-serving club captain
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Paul Kee – Renowned goalkeeper who later became manager
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Stewart Robson – Key midfielder in Ards' strong 90s era
Notable Managers
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Roy Coyle – Highly successful Northern Irish manager, led the team in strong domestic runs
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Paul Kee – Former player turned manager who brought stability
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Niall Currie – Recent manager with experience rebuilding squads
Best Domestic & International Campaigns
Domestic:
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Irish Cup winners (1958) – One of the club’s greatest achievements
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League Cup winners (1995) – Part of a very strong era
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Several top-flight seasons finishing near the top half throughout the 20th century
International (Europe):
Ards have played in European competitions, mainly:
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UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup
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Inter-Cities Fairs Cup
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UEFA Cup
Notable ties included matches against AS Roma (very famous in club history) and Standard Liège.
Current Status
Ards FC currently competes in the NIFL Championship, the second tier of Northern Irish football.
The club is focusing on rebuilding, developing young players, and attempting to secure promotion back to the NIFL Premiership.
Financial limitations and the loss of their original stadium remain long-term challenges, but the club maintains a stable structure and a loyal fanbase.
Stadium – Clandeboye Park
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Location: Bangor, Northern Ireland
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Capacity: ~2,000
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Shared With: Bangor FC
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Details:
A compact, traditionally styled stadium with a close-to-the-pitch atmosphere. It serves as Ards' home while the club continues its long-term mission of securing a permanent stadium back in Newtownards.
