4 days ago
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Son of former Ballinamallard United boss takes charge of Cambodian champions: ‘This is a huge moment in my career'
The 32-year-old, who is the son of former Ballinamallard United manager Harry, has been promoted from the role of assistant manager and has described the move as a 'huge moment in my career'.
McConkey had previously coached at Under-20 level with Ballinamallard before taking his skills abroad.
Now comes an opportunity to lead Svay Reing replacing Spaniard Pep Munoz who had been in charge for two years.
McConkey knows the club well having been assistant boss since 2021, first working under Irishman Conor Nestor and then Nunez.
Announced as the new man at the helm on Tuesday, McConkey said: 'When I was offered the position, I made up my mind in less than three seconds.
'This is a huge moment in my career. I'm grateful to the club and management for their trust, and I look forward to pushing together towards more success. Our goals are ambitious, and I'm ready to give everything to achieve them.'
McConkey, who has a UEFA A Licence, takes over a side that have become used to success winning the Cambodian Premier League under Munoz in 2024 and 2025
This season Svay Reing made it to the final of the AFC Challenge League becoming the first from Cambodia to reach the decider of the Asian tournament's third-tier competition losing to FK Arkadag from Turkmenistan.
McConkey, renowned for a strong work ethic, will aim to build on what went before having played a significant role in Svay Reing's recent triumphs as a number two.
'Many coaches aspire to lead a team like this. We can't be assistants forever,' said McConkey, a former pupil of Enniskillen Royal Grammar School.
The Fermanagh man is not the first person from Northern Ireland to work with Svay Reing. Previously Belfast born Colum Curtis, who is the Sporting Director at Bangkok FC, was assistant boss at the club.
