Manager’s programme notes
Posted : 19th July 2022
Tonight’s game will be another huge challenge for everyone at the club but one that we will relish and approach with keen and eager anticipation.
We know all about Bodo Glimt’s recent history in European competition and they deserve enormous respect, on account of their hugely impressive and eye-catching results last season against Celtic and Jose Mourinho's Roma side that went on to win the inaugural UEFA Conference League competition.
However, we have proven in recent years that we can compete against some of the continent's leading sides in European competition and this is another huge opportunity tonight for our squad to test themselves against genuinely quality opponents.
We have prepared as thoroughly as we possibly can for tonight's challenge and we will be ready come kick off time, to give it our all, as we aim to maintain and enhance the club's proud reputation on the European stage.
Last week's Champions League first round, second leg win against the New Saints was a memorable occasion for everyone at the club. The players showed patience and remarkable will to win, to break down the stubborn resistance of the New Saints rear-guard.
The goal by Jamie Mulgrew in the fourth minute of injury time to draw the aggregate scores level was an absolutely world class strike and one that will live long in the memory of all those who were privileged to be in attendance on the night.
Our fitness levels were superb and we demonstrated that by having the drive and determination to add a superb extra time winner through Ethan Devine, following great build up play by Matthew Clarke, Jordan Stewart and Chris McKee.
Of course, the one down side to what turned out to be a brilliant night for everyone at the club was the serious injury that resulted in Joel Cooper having to be stretchered off, deep into extra time. Unfortunately, Joel will be unavailable for several weeks and he will be greatly missed, as he showed in the New Saints game the positive impact and significant contribution he will be able to make for us, when he returns to full fitness.
We will also be missing Jimmy Callacher this evening, due to injury but Eetu Vertainen has been added to the panel, since the squad that was available on duty for the New Saints games.
In the absence of Jimmy and with Jamie Mulgrew on the bench, Matthew Clarke assumed the captaincy role and showed what fine leadership qualities he possesses. We have experience, role models and strength in depth across our squad and we will need to rely on all the players in our squad over the course of what's sure to be a long and demanding season ahead.
Another of our fine role models, Niall Quinn has been awarded a richly deserved Testimonial season, in recognition of the excellent service he has given the club over a 10-year period and I want to take this opportunity to wish him every success with all the various fundraising initiatives.
The noise generated by our 3000 supporters when Jamie Mulgrew and Ethan Devine scored the all important goals last week against New Saints was incredible and the atmosphere in the stadium was electric. We will need the same intensity and passion tonight, to help inspire our players on what we all hope will be another memorable and hopefully successful European occasion at Windsor Park.