Manager’s programme notes
Posted : 15th August 2023
On Saturday our new season in the Sports Direct NIFL Premiership got underway in Dungannon and tonight we will face our first home game, as we welcome Glenavon to Windsor Park.
Glenavon pushed us hard last season and we required late winners in both home games, so I expect tonight's encounter to be just as tight.
They were unlucky to lose to a late goal in their season opener against Glentoran and tonight will be a special night for Niall Quinn who will return here as a visiting player, after 11 years and a well-deserved Testimonial season with ourselves.
Europe is over for at least another year and while it was disappointing to be eliminated against Pogon Szczecin, I felt over the two legs our performances were better than the rather harsh aggregate scoreline of 8-4 would tend to indicate.
The home and away games against KF Vllaznia and Pogon Szczecin have been excellent preparation for the league campaign which we have been fully focused on since our return from Poland.
We will be missing long term injury absentees Robbie McDaid and Jordan Stewart tonight but I'm hopeful that we will have Stephen Fallon available again in the near future.
I've been delighted to welcome Darragh McBrien to the squad on a two-year contract. Darragh will bring pace, power and goals and I've every confidence that he will make a significant contribution to the squad over the duration of his contract. He's a 21-year-old forward who's had a tough year with injury at Dungannon but he's back to full fitness and he will certainly increase the competition levels within our squad.
Ethan Devine has gone on a season long loan to Dungannon Swifts and I see this move as a really positive learning experience for him. Ethan needs to get game time and I hope he can benefit from increased opportunities at a well run club. I hope the loan move can work out well for him and he can score a lot of goals.
Conor Pepper has been released from his contract to allow him to join Cliftonville and I want to thank him for his service and wish him well in the future.
Chris Johns has clocked up his 150th appearance for the club and continues to turn in consistent performances and congratulations to Jamie Mulgrew who scored his 50th goal for the club in our recent game in Poland.
Best wishes to Matthew Clarke whose Testimonial season has just started and I'm sure he will get the full backing of everyone at the club.
Thank you to everyone who has got behind us in our European games and we will continue to rely on your wholehearted support over the course of what's sure to be a demanding and competitive domestic season over the coming months.