As the new season beckons we approach it with a great sense of optimism. Preseason has been the toughest out of the past three years with maximum effort given by the whole squad. The past six weeks have been geared towards our first game next Tuesday night and we will be more than ready for it. We have brought in eight new players and they have settled into what was already a decent squad. That said last season wasn’t good enough and we need to make sure everyone ups their game to give us the best possible chance of promotion.

This is a tough league but with the new additions I feel we are now in a position to seriously threaten for the league title. Other teams will also have strengthened but all we can do is concentrate on ourselves to ensure we are prepared for each and every game. Our away form was far from acceptable last season and although we are not using it as an excuse we now know what to expect on our travels. We will be prepared to battle as well as play our way out of this league.

As well as new additions some players have left the club and we wish Neil Barr, Chris Fay, David O’Connor and Stefan Martin all the best with their new clubs. As per any season we will be relying on our fans to give us their full support and I’ve no doubt they will do so in their numbers. The support they provide gives an added incentive to succeed and I thank them for that in advance.

Nothing is ever guaranteed in football but I can assure you on behalf of the coaching staff that every effort will be given to take the club back to where it deserves to be.

Yours in Sport,
Darren

Upcoming Fixtures:

Tuesday 11th August, H v Valley Rangers, Int A, k.o. 7.45pm
Saturday 15th August, A  v AFC Craigavon, Int A, k.o. 2.30pm
Saturday 22nd August, A v Ardstraw FC, Irish Cup, k.o. 1.30pm