New Portadown manager, David Jeffrey MBE has wasted no time in getting down to business at Shamrock Park by agreeing contract extensions with three of the club’s senior players.

We’re firstly delighted to announce that club captain, Gary Thompson, has agreed to prolong his stay at the club. Gary joined the Ports from Crusaders in 2023, going on to make 103 appearances for the Ports, and, of course, showed all the leadership skills we’ve become accustomed to in his role as skipper by stepping up and taking charge of the side for the final two games of this season, winning both. Someone David describes as “the club’s leader and captain”, the Killyleagh man, is a firm fan favourite amongst the Portadown faithful who will be delighted with the news.

Another dressing room leader extending his stay at Shamrock Park is experienced goalkeeper, Aaron McCarey. The Monaghan-based shot stopper made the switch to Portadown from Glentoran and has made 62 appearances between ‘the sticks’ since his debut against Cliftonville in August 2024. Aaron missed the second half of the season through injury but will be ready and raring to go for pre-season as he looks to reclaim that number 1 spot.

Finally, the ever-reliable Lee Chapman will remain a Port after also agreeing a new deal. The Belfast-born right back arrived at Shamrock Park in January 2023 from Dundela and has made a total of 135 appearances in a Portadown shirt. He picked up the Players Player of the Year award for the second season in a row at the club’s End of Season Awards last year and is highly thought of and valued by the Ports support.

On securing Thompson, McCarey and Chapman on new deals, Portadown manager, David Jeffrey MBE commented

I’m delighted to have secured the future of three senior pros, such as Gary, Aaron and Lee. I’ve admired them all from afar and have been impressed with what I’ve seen at close hand since I came into the club a week ago.

While the afore-mentioned players remain at Shamrock Park, we can confirm that Shay McCartan, Jordan Gibson and Ben Quinn will all depart the club at the conclusion of their contracts.

Shay McCartan joined the club in 2024 from Glentoran, making 58 appearances during his 2-year stay at Shamrock Park and will be fondly remembered for a breathtaking winner from inside his own half against Larne in October 2024.

On Shay’s departure, David Jeffrey MBE commented,

I know Shay well and was privileged to work with him at Ballymena United and was looking forward to working together again at Portadown. However, he felt it was in the best interests of both parties if we brought things to a close. I thank him for his honesty and transparency and want to relay my best wishes to him for the future.

As mentioned, joining Shay in bringing the curtain down on their Portadown careers are Jordan Gibson and Ben Quinn, with David Jeffrey MBE commenting,

Jordan is another who I worked with at Ballymena United, and I’ve continued to follow his career during his time at Loughgall and then here at Portadown. We had an open and frank conversation and with Jordan not having much in the way of game time this season, we agreed it was in his best interests to move on.

With regards to Ben Quinn, we did offer Ben a new contract, but he had already decided some weeks ago that the time was right to look for a new challenge away from Portadown.

I’d like to place on record my admiration for Shay, Jordan and Ben for their honesty and professional manner during our conversations, and again all three leave with my and the club’s best wishes.