Barry Johnston

A UEFA “A” License holder, Barry joins the club from St.James Swifts having led them to title success in the Ballymena and Provincial league last season.

Previously Barry was a first team coach at Cliftonville as well as having an illustrious playing career which spanned spells at Shamrock Rovers, Cliftonville, Coleraine, Glenavon & Carrick Rangers as well as playing in the USA. During his playing days Barry won 2 Irish League titles; 3 League Cups and 2 County Antrim Shields and as such arrives at Lisburn Distillery determined to build on a winning career.

Commenting on his appointment Barry said “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Lisburn Distillery as first team manager. I arrive here having had three great years at St James Swifts and I would like to thank them for their support over that time and I wish them well for the future. I have moved to Distillery as I see this as a challenge to bring this great club back to the position that it truly deserves and I will give 100% to ensure we achieve those goals. Yes there will be a lot of hard work involved to reach the lofty targets that I will be setting myself and the team but I look forward to now getting stuck into the challenge that lies ahead.”

Club director Colin Hopkins went on to comment “After the last few weeks of upheaval at the club following the unexpected resignation of Raymond Alexander as first team manager, we are genuinely delighted to have secured the services as first team manager of a real winner in Barry Johnston. As our supporters will soon discover Barry is very passionate and knowledgeable about the game and we have no doubt his appointment will take the club into a new era of success.