Manager’s programme notes
Posted : 8th February 2022
Having played Larne as recently as Friday night, we know exactly how tough tonight’s game is going to be against a talented team challenging for European qualification through either the cup or league route.
We’ve been disappointed with recent away results at both Coleraine and Larne and we will be seeking and expecting a positive reaction and response from tonight’s hugely important game.
Recent results have seen us lose pole position in the league table and while that has been disappointing, we are only two points behind the leaders and we remain full of belief and determination that the gap can be made up over the coming weeks.
It’s a very competitive league, with all the teams capable of taking points off each other and I’ve no doubt there will be further twists and turns over the coming weeks. We will approach each game on a one game at a time basis and aim to collect as many points as we can, to close the gap on the leaders and keep ahead of the several challengers who are only a few points behind us.
In recent weeks we’ve welcomed several new signings to the squad. Ben Hall is a defender who’s joined us from Falkirk until the end of the 2023-24 season and another defender, Michel Parker, who is a free agent and was previously with Motherwell, has joined us until the end of the season.
Two players have signed for us on loan until the end of the season - Jake Hastie is a wide player who has joined us from Rangers and Kieron Evans is a playmaker who’s joined us from Cardiff City.
They are all quality players who will strengthen the squad and increase the competition levels within the squad over the coming weeks.
Adam Carroll has gone on loan to Annagh United until the end of the season and we’ve reached agreement with Jack Ruddy for his contract to be terminated by mutual consent.
I’m delighted that Jamie Mulgrew has extended his contract for a further year and I also want to congratulate Matthew Clarke who recently completed his 300th appearance for the club in the recent away game in Coleraine.
Sam Roscoe will return to the squad tonight, having missed Friday’s cup tie in Larne due to a one game suspension.
Ross Larkin will be unavailable for the rest of the season and our medical team are working hard to try and get Chris Shields, Jordan Stewart, Martin Donnelly and Cameron Palmer fit and available for selection again as soon as possible.
We will need the patience, backing and positive vocal encouragement of all our supporters in what is effectively the first of 13 cup finals tonight, so please get behind each and every one of the players on duty tonight.