A top banker elected as the new chairman of the Irish Football Association (IFA) is hoping his commercial experience can help deliver results on and off the pitch.
Gerry Mallon, chief executive of Danske Bank UK, said he felt privileged to take on the role with the IFA. Mr Mallon was first appointed to the IFA's board as an independent non-executive director last year.
His election as chair comes amid interesting times at IFA HQ in Windsor Avenue in Belfast. The Northern Ireland international team is in with its best chance of reaching a major tournament in years, sitting second in its European Championships qualifying group, and the team's home stadium at Windsor Park is undergoing a multimillion-pound redevelopment.
But that project was rocked earlier this year when structural cracks forced the demolition of one of the four stands.
"As someone who is passionate about football, I feel very privileged to be taking on this position at such an exciting time in the IFA's history, both on and off the pitch," said Mr Mallon.
"I have great faith in the continued progress of the team and also hope that I can bring a high level of commercial and board experience to the set-up here and ultimately play a support role in helping to guide the organisation over the next couple of years.
"I have been very impressed with the management and plans that are now in place within the IFA and I look forward to working with chief executive Patrick Nelson as he seeks to secure exciting times ahead for the team and the fans."
Mr Nelson said he was delighted Mr Mallon was taking up the post.
"Not only does he bring superb business acumen to the role, but he is also a passionate supporter of football," he said.
"I have no doubt he will be a great asset to the Irish Football Association as we develop and nurture the game here, deliver a fantastic new National Stadium and inspire every child in Northern Ireland to be part of our football family and to dream of wearing the green jersey."