David Jeffrey makes a return to management after two years out, appointed as Portadown's new manager. The 63-year-old, who departed Ballymena United in 2023, will take over at the season's end from interim boss Gary Thompson, who stepped in following Niall Currie's departure earlier this month. David Douglas joins as head of recruitment and football operations, having worked as performance analyst under Currie from 2023 until 2025.

Jeffrey enjoyed considerable success during his previous roles at Linfield and Ballymena United. After a 14-year playing career with Linfield, Ards and Larne, he took charge at Windsor Park in 1997, guiding the Blues to nine league titles, seven Irish Cups—including six league and cup doubles—while also claiming the inaugural Setanta Cup in 2005 before departing in 2014 after a 17-year tenure.

Following a two-year hiatus, he took over at Ballymena Showgrounds and led the Sky Blues to their first and only League Cup success in his debut season, while finishing second in the league in 2019. He also guided the club to two further League Cup finals, three Irish Cup finals and two County Antrim Shield finals before stepping down in 2023. Jeffrey will take over at the conclusion of this campaign, with Thompson remaining in charge for Saturday's final league game against Bangor.