Manager’s programme notes
Posted : 22nd July 2021
Tonight we welcome the champions of Bosnia, Borac Banja Luka to Windsor Park for this eagerly anticipated UEFA Conference League second round, first leg tie.
We have thoroughly researched our opponents in preparation for tonight’s game and there is no doubt that we will face a formidable challenge, as we aim to extend our participation in Europe for as long as we possibly can.
Banja Luka were only eliminated from the Champions League in the final minute of extra time in their first-round tie against the seasoned European campaigners of Cluj from Romania. They will therefore enter tonight's tie in good form and full of confidence and belief that they can make further progress in this new Conference League competition.
We were disappointed to lose over the two legs to Zalgiris Vilnius and while the Lithuanians scored two stunning goals at Windsor Park last week, I nevertheless believed that we deserved to take something from the game on the night.
I've been delighted to welcome two new on-loan signings from Hull City - striker Billy Chadwick and wide player Ahmed Salam. Both players come highly recommended by our former player and Hull manager, Grant McCann and they've been added to the squad for tonight's game. They will add to the competition levels within the squad and while Billy is with us until the January transfer window, Ahmed has signed on a season long loan.
Over the summer we've said farewell to several players - Andrew Waterworth, Mark Haughey and Mark Stafford to Glenavon, Ryan McGivern to Newry City, Shayne Lavery to Blackpool, Eamon Scannell to Ards, Brandon Doyle to Crusaders while Joel Cooper has returned to Oxford on loan. In addition, Alex Moore has joined Dungannon on a season long deal.
We will be missing Jack Ruddy, Kyle McClean and Jake Corbett due to injury. Jordan Stewart will also be an injury doubt tonight.
Congratulations to Kirk Millar who made his 300th appearance for this club in last week's Champions League tie against Zalgiris Vilnius at Windsor Park. Kirk is one of several highly experienced players who we will rely on to make a significant contribution in the season ahead.
It was great to welcome some of our greatly missed supporters back to Windsor Park for last week's game against Zalgiris Vilnius. We hope there will be a greater number in attendance tonight and we will need them to generate a special atmosphere to drive the players on, to secure a result that will keep the tie very much alive for what is sure to be an exciting atmosphere in north western Bosnia next week.
These European games are very special occasions and our players will be aiming to add to the club's reputation and pedigree in the European arena.