Manager’s programme notes
Posted : 21st December 2021
Tonight we will face a huge challenge from a Ballymena United team that will be aiming to maintain their push towards a place in the Top six of the league table.
David Jeffrey's team have recorded several impressive recent league wins, including a 2-1 win at home to Larne and Saturday's 2-0 win in Dungannon, so they will want to maintain that momentum tonight. They defeated us in a NIFL League cup quarter-final last month, so they will come here with no fear for tonight's rearranged league game.
While we were disappointed not to pick up maximum points in our most recent home league game against Warrenpoint, the response in Friday's away game in Larne was hugely pleasing and I was delighted with what was an impressive performance and 1-0 victory. While the headline makers were Chris Shields and Christy Manzinga, all our players deserve immense credit for their efforts at what is a very tough venue against a quality Larne team.
On the injury front we have had several players unavailable for selection recently. These have included Jamie Mulgrew, Kirk Millar, Niall Quinn, Sam Roscoe, Conor Pepper, Cameron Palmer, Ross Larkin and Jack Ruddy. We are hopeful of having some of those players back and available for selection soon, although it will likely be our next game before we will be able to welcome Kirk Millar back to the match day squad.
It was pleasing that we were able to welcome both Trai Hume and Michael Newberry back to first team action in Friday night’s win away to Larne and I look forward to getting more of our first team squad fit and available for selection again.
We announced a few days ago that young defender Ross Larkin will be going into hospital in the coming days for a planned procedure.
Everyone at the club sends our very best wishes to Ross for a full and speedy recovery from the procedure and we look forward to welcoming him back to the club at the appropriate time.
I know all our personnel and supporters will keep Ross in their thoughts and prayers at this time.
I want to wish David Dorrian, his staff and players every success in the Christmas morning Steel and Sons Cup final against Newington at Seaview. It’s a prestigious tournament and as our Swifts’ team are the current holders of the famous old trophy, I am sure that our supporters will turn out in large numbers, to cheer our young players on to what we are all hoping will be a successful outcome.
A few weeks ago, I was delighted that we clocked up the 200th win in my time as manager when we won at the Coleraine Showgrounds. As proud as I am of that record, it’s always the next win that I am focused on and since the final whistle at Larne on Friday night, all my thoughts have been on preparing for what we all hope will be a win that we all want and need from tonight’s hugely important game.
As always, we will need our supporters to help us achieve our target from what is sure to be a tough game tonight, so please get behind each and every one of the players on duty this evening.
In conclusion, I want to wish all our personnel and supporters a very Merry Christmas. Please stay safe in these most uncertain and worrying of times.