Football Teams: Northern Ireland

Monday, December 8, 2025

Ards FC

Ards FC – Club Profile

Full Name: Ards Football Club
Founded: 1900
Location: Newtownards (currently based in Bangor), Northern Ireland
Stadium: Clandeboye Park (shared with Bangor FC)
Capacity: ~2,000
Club Colors: Red & Blue
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

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

Billy McAvoy – One of the greatest forwards in club history
Davy McCullough – Iconic defender and long-serving club captain
Paul Kee – Renowned goalkeeper who later became manager
Stewart Robson – Key midfielder in Ards' strong 90s era

Notable Managers

Roy Coyle – Highly successful Northern Irish manager, led the team in strong domestic runs
Paul Kee – Former player turned manager who brought stability
Niall Currie – Recent manager with experience rebuilding squads

Best Domestic & International Campaigns

Domestic:

Irish Cup winners (1958) – One of the club’s greatest achievements
League Cup winners (1995) – Part of a very strong era
Several top-flight seasons finishing near the top half throughout the 20th century

International (Europe):

Ards have played in European competitions, mainly:

UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup
Inter-Cities Fairs Cup
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

Location: Bangor, Northern Ireland
Capacity: ~2,000
Shared With: Bangor FC
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.

pic: transfermarkt

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Armagh City FC

History:
Armagh City FC was founded in 1964 under the name Milford Everton. In 1988, the club moved to the city of Armagh and was renamed to Armagh City. It has participated for many years in the intermediate and lower divisions of Northern Irish football, with occasional appearances in the top flight.

Trophies:
While it hasn’t won major national titles, it has had success in intermediate competitions, including:

IFA Intermediate League (1): 2004–05
NIFL Championship 2 (1): 2013–14
Mid-Ulster Cup (1): 2000–01
Bob Radcliffe Cup (multiple times)

Notable Players and Coaches:
Although the team hasn’t had internationally renowned players, it has developed several talented locals. Among the notable figures is Shea Campbell, who served both as a player and currently as the coach.

Best Runs Domestically and Internationally:
The club’s best domestic period was in the mid-2000s when it played in the Irish Premier League (top division of Northern Ireland). Internationally, it hasn’t had notable appearances, as it hasn't qualified for European competitions.

Current Status:
In the 2023–24 season, Armagh City secured 2nd place in the NIFL Premier Intermediate League and won promotion to the NIFL Championship after beating Dergview in a dramatic playoff. The club is in a positive phase, preparing for the 2024–25 season with momentum.

Stadium:
The team plays at Holm Park, which has a capacity of around 3,000 spectators and features an artificial pitch. It has hosted local finals and youth international matches.