Dundela have paid a glowing tribute to Niall Currie after he was named as Portadown's new manager on Wednesday evening.
The Ports were granted permission to speak to former Duns boss Currie before sealing a deal to bring the 50-year-old back to Shamrock Park for a second spell.
Currie transformed the fortunes of Dundela after joining the club in September 2021.
Read more: Portadown confirm Niall Currie as club's new manager
This season they sit third in the Championship and have reached the semi-finals of the County Antrim Shield. They also defeated Crusaders in the BetMcLean Cup.
The Duns voiced their disappointment at losing Currie, but praised the former Carrick Rangers and Loughgall manager for the impact he made at Wilgar Park.
In a statement, Dundela said: "Dundela FC tonight can confirm that following a request from the Portadown FC Chairman to speak with our manager Niall Currie, an offer has been made to Niall from Portadown FC to return to the Premiership club, sadly for Dundela Niall has accepted this offer.
"Dundela FC wish to place on record our thanks to Niall for everything he has done for Dundela FC. Niall came to the club in September 2021 at a time when Dundela were rooted to the bottom of the Championship table, a team and club very low in confidence and to a team that seemed certain for relegation.
"Niall and his staff transformed things both on and off the pitch, by implementing a new era of professionalism across the playing squad, which in turn made all us within the club improve, and installed a new belief that the players never had.
"An incredible run of results saw Dundela achieve safety, and finish only a few points from a top six finish.
"This season has seen the positivity continue, a great start to the season with the signing of a very strong squad, the club sitting third in the Championship, and a semi final with Larne in the County Antrim Shield to look forward to."
Currie arrives at Shamrock Park with Portadown rooted to the bottom of the Irish Premiership and still seeking their first league win this season.
He returns for a second spell after managing the Ports from 2016 to 2018.
Dundela added: "Whilst we are deeply disappointed from a footballing perspective to lose Niall, we understand the decision, and respect the decision he has made to return to the Premiership, a place we hope to see Dundela FC in the very near future.
"Also leaving the club will be Cliffy Adams and John MacAllister, who will be joining Portadown FC with Niall.
"Dundela FC wish to thank Niall, Cliffy and John for everything they brought to the club, their professionalism, and most importantly for leaving the club in such a strong standing going forward, which makes seeking a replacement a much easier task.
"We would also like to place our thanks to Portadown FC for the professionalism in the way that this process was handled and managed.
"Good luck Niall, Cliffy and John."
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