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Belfast Live
Sport
Gareth Fullerton

From Linfield to Binfield, the comical football journey of ex-Irish League ace

From Linfield to Binfield will probably stir a few sarcastic jokes from Irish League fans.

But for former Windsor Park striker Garry Haylock, that's the comical twist of fate that has led to the latest move in his football career.

That's because ex-Blues hitman Haylock is the new manager of Binfield FC.

Read more: NI Football Programme and Memorabilia Fair returns after three-year break

The club - which currently plays in the Isthmian League South Central Division - announced the new appointment on Tuesday.

Irish League fans will remember Haylock from his days playing with Linfield and Portadown.

The now 51-year-old spent two years at Windsor Park before joining the Ports in 1995 where he would spend three years before moving to Greek club Panionios Athens.

He also had loan spells with Glenavon, Glentoran and Ards during his stellar career.

Since turning to management, Haylock has worked with clubs including Yeading, Hayes and Yeading United, Farnborough and Bedfont Town.

Binfield FC said: "Garry brings to the club a significant amount of playing and managerial experience. A full-time professional footballer, Garry played for many seasons at Huddersfield Town and enjoyed some very successful seasons playing in the top flight of Irish League Football where he won many awards and accolades, including winning the Republic of Ireland League Championship twice and the Northern Ireland League Championship twice.

"His honours list also includes three FAI Cups and two IFA Cups. A Golden Boot winner on two occasions, Garry also played 26 times in European competition and even has a season of playing in Greece to add to his significant and experienced playing career.

"Garry has had an equally impressive managerial and coaching career. He was manager at Hayes & Yeading United for a number of years and won promotion to the National League with them in 2009. He was First Team Coach at Exeter City for four seasons as well as manager at Farnborough, Walton & Hersham and has been involved in numerous high-profile academies and enjoys close ties to many local clubs that play at a higher level.

"A UEFA Pro Licence holder, Garry has spent his whole life involved in football. There’s just too much to list here other than to say that he will be retaining his day job role as Director of Football at King Edwards School, combining this with his role at Binfield FC."

Binfield Chairman Andy Cotton added: “Securing Garry’s signature is a huge milestone for our football club. His playing and managerial experience, combined with his incredible coaching knowledge and history of player development is remarkable.

"I’m absolutely thrilled that Garry has come aboard and I know that our hugely talented First Team will be equally delighted that he’s joined the Binfield family. Garry has been following the progress of the team for some time now and is eager to just get started, excited about the group and the challenge ahead."

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