Manager’s programme notes
Posted : 1st October 2021
Tonight we will face a huge challenge against an in form Cliftonville team, roared on by a large travelling support. The Reds have won five of their opening six league games and have been defensively solid, so we have no doubt that they will provide a formidable obstacle to our efforts to try and secure a vital win tonight.
Last week’s game away to Glenavon was hugely frustrating and not just because of the disappointing scoreless draw. The red card picked up by a very much in form Christy Manzinga will deprive us of his services for three games due to suspension.
The players responded to the setback in the best possible way with an impressive 3-0 midweek win at the Oval. We had strong performances from every single player and I was delighted with the result which I know sent all of our travelling supporters home happy.
Jamie Mulgrew had to come off relatively early in the game at the Oval, so we will have to assess his fitness ahead of tonight’s eagerly anticipated game. He made his 641st appearance for this club in the game against Glentoran and has moved ahead of another legend, William Murphy in the club’s all time list of appearance makers. Jamie’s place among the all time greats of this club is assured but despite all he has achieved at this club, he remains as focused as ever to try and bring further succces to this club.
Kyle McClean continues to make good progress on the road to recovery from injury and we will also be missing Conor Pepper, Jake Corbett and Jack Ruddy, due to injury tonight.
George McCartney has joined us as a coach in recent weeks. He’s considerable experience from his playing career with Sunderland, West Ham and the Northern Ireland international team and he’s settled in well with our backroom staff and is making a positive contribution behind the scenes.
After the enforced absence of supporters last season, it’s been great to see our travelling support in attendance at our recent away games against Glenavon and Glentoran. We will need to have the vocal and positive backing of our home support in the North Stand tonight, if are to secure the result we want to maintain the momentum generated from a hugely encouraging performance and result at the Oval on Tuesday night.
In closing, I just want to extend every best wish to our Swifts squad for their Steel and Sons Cup tie against Malachians at New Midgley Park tomorrow and also to the Rangers squad for their opening game in the Harry Cavan Youth cup which has been delayed to next weekend, away to Crusaders under 18s.