Manager’s programme notes
Posted : 9th October 2021
Today we will face a tough challenge from a Carrick Rangers side that is fourth in the league table, having recorded impressive wins against Glenavon and Ballymena United in recent weeks.
Stuart King and one of his key signings, Jim Ervin will be looking forward to today’s visit to their old stomping ground but they will be coming here aiming to maintain their early season momentum and form.
Ross Oliver has watched Carrick a few times this season, so we will be well prepared for what we know will be a formidable challenge in today’s game.
I felt we deserved the hard earned point in our most recent home league game against Cliftonville. It was a tough battle, as it always is against the Reds but on the night, a draw was probably a fair outcome.
I was delighted with the midweek 1-0 home win against Ards in the County Antrim Shield. We took the opportunity to rest several players who needed a break and to give valuable game time to players who needed competitive action. We also fielded three of our Full time Academy scholars in Josh Archer, Ewan McCoubrey and Callum Marshall and they all acquitted themselves well. Ewan and Callum made their first team debuts and they have the potential to carve out good careers for themselves, if they continue to work hard and apply themselves in the right manner.
I was delighted for Martin Donnelly that he got his first goal for the club and the winning goal in midweek, as he’s made a very positive impression around the club since he joined us in pre season.
Jordan Stewart made his 150th appearance for the club in midweek and he will continue to be an important player for us, with his flair and his eye for openings for goal scoring opportunities.
We will welcome Christy Manzinga back to the squad for today’s game, following suspension but we will be missing Trai Hume and Cameron Palmer who were in Russia last night and Spain this coming Tuesday with the international under 21 squad.
Unavailable due to injury today are Conor Pepper, Jack Ruddy, Jake Corbett and Kyle McClean but we are hopeful we will have Jamie Mulgrew available again, following the injury that forced his withdrawal from the recent league win at the Oval.
It was a huge personal honour for Ross and I to have been in charge for the 300th time in the midweek win against Ards. Next week we will have been in post for six years and it’s been hugely enjoyable and rewarding. When I started here, my only aim was to bring further success to this hugely successful club and while we’ve achieved that to date, my focus remains the same, as I am fully aware of the expectations at this club.
It’s been great having our supporters back in numbers in recent weeks and we will again need the large vocal and positive backing from everyone in the North Stand today. Your support is valued and appreciated, so please continue to get behind each and every one of the players on duty today.