Manager’s programme notes
Posted : 26th September 2023
Tonight we will face an experienced Crusaders team who started the season strongly but who will be looking to get back on track after a couple of disappointing setbacks.
Games against Crusaders are traditionally tough and hard fought and I expect tonight's game will be just as close and competitive.
We suffered a couple of disappointing results against Larne. In the home County Antrim Shield game, we competed well and used the occasion to give much needed game time to several players who hadn't featured as much as they'd have liked and we also gave first team debuts to several of our promising young players.
In the subsequent league game at Larne, we turned in a disappointing performance and as a consequence, Larne deservedly collected the points.
Over the course of a season, every team suffers setbacks and we have to ensure that nights like that one are a one-off and are not repeated.
On the recent transfer deadline day, Euan East joined us until the end of the season. He's a defender with experience at Queen of the South, Albion and Queen's Park and he will increase competition levels within the squad. I believe he will make a positive contribution to our season.
It's been great to welcome Stephen Fallon back to the team following injury and he made his 200th appearance for the club in the recent league game at Larne. Kirk Millar is close to his 400th game for the club but he's missed several games lately, due to an injury concern.
John Robertson also missed several games due to a slight injury concern but he returned to action with the Swifts, scoring a fine goal in last week's game against Crusaders reserves.
Our longer-term absentees, Jordan Stewart and Robbie McDaid continue to make steady progress on the road to recovery from injury, under the watchful eye of our medical team.
I also want to wish Jimmy Callacher all the very best for a full and speedy recovery, following the cruciate injury he unfortunately suffered in Crusaders' recent game away to Newry.
Chris McKee played in Northern Ireland under 21s recent 1-0 defeats to both Luxembourg and Ukraine and Jack Scott was also in the squad for both games.
I want to congratulate East End LSC whose members celebrated their 90th anniversary with a function in East Belfast recently. It's a fantastic achievement and I want to thank everyone at the club for their continuing loyalty, dedication and support.
Tonight we will really need the patience and vocal backing and encouragement of our supporters, to help make our home advantage count and drive our players on to the positive outcome we seek from what we know will be a tough local derby game.