Former Dundalk and Newry City defender John Whyte is urging supporters to get behind the friendly match between the two clubs on Sunday 26 February, which would give a much-needed cash boost to the Irish League outfit.
The 42-year-old was speaking after the launch of the game, which is set to become an annual cross-border challenge cup, similar to the format of the Malone Cup played between Dundalk and Drogheda United every year.
(Pictured above is Nathan Murphy, Darren King (Newry City Club Captain) and Stephen McDonnell at the cup launch)
Whyte, now first-team coach at Dundalk, made his senior debut with the Lilywhites and also finished his career at Oriel Park, but in between he made 219 appearances over two spells with Newry, who were at the time called Newry Town.
In December, Newry announced an ‘almost complete wage budget reduction for players, management and administration’.
And Whyte is hoping that Dundalk fans can help their neighbours’ coffers.
“I would encourage Dundalk fans to go anywhere, but especially just down the road,” Whyte told dundalkfc.com. “It’s only ten minutes down the motorway now, as opposed to what it was years ago.
“There are no checkpoints or nothing now – it’s just straight to The Showgrounds.
“If the fans can come down, it would be great, and they would be helping out Newry. It’s only £5 in and you have a great opportunity of winning £500.
“Deccy (Declan) McParland is a pal of mine down there and he’s organising this game. He’s doing fantastic work.
“He actually had me down in Kilbroney Park during the week showing me some of the runs, down in Rostrevor; we might take some of the lads from here down as part of pre-season.
“They’re the type of people that you’re dealing with at Newry. They’re the salt of the earth. Especially Deccy – he’s a great contact. I know him a long time.
“It’s horrible to see any club struggling, especially one that you played with for so long.
“They have been very good to me. Overall, I spent eight seasons at Newry. They gave me my chance at senior football and, to be fair, only for that, I may not have played senior football.”
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