Barry Gray has stepped away from his role as Newry City manager “for the time being” after the club confirmed he has been undergoing cancer treatment for a “number of weeks”.
In a statement, Newry said Gray feels now is the right time to “focus solely on his recovery”.
Gray joined Newry in January after he resigned as Warrenpoint Town boss.
Former Newry captain Gavin Dykes will assist first team coach Dermot McVeigh for Newry’s upcoming games.
Newry, who are bottom of the Irish Premiership, face Glenavon at Mourneview Park on Saturday.
“The committee of Newry City AFC wishes to inform our supporters that Manager Barry Gray will be stepping away from first-team duties for the time being,” read Newry’s statement.
“Barry has been undergoing cancer treatment for a number of weeks and feels the time is now right to focus solely on his recovery.
“Former club captain and personal friend of Barry’s, Gavin Dykes, will assist Dermot McVeigh and the current coaching staff for the upcoming games, beginning away to Glenavon on Saturday.
“We know that all supporters and indeed the wider football family will join us in sending Barry our best wishes and we hope to see him return to the club when he is fit and able to do so.
“We kindly request that the privacy of Barry and his family is respected at this time.”
