Pre-Season
As mentioned, a trip to Scotland started off our pre-season preparations and goals from David Cushley, Mark Surgenor and Matthew Tipton saw off Armadale Thistle while a brace from Darren Boyce was enough to defeat Threave Rovers.
As expected, Middlesbrough were too strong but a valiant performance from my boys saw the score a respectable 2-0 against a team of full time professionals.
We travelled near the Irish border to face Newry City AFC - a re-incarnation of the defunct Newry City FC - and a Gary McCutcheon goal sealed the win before rounding of with a routine 5-0 victory over lower-league neighbours Chimney Corner - Boyce, McCutcheon, Bryan McCaul, Kyle McVey and Gary Thompson getting the goals.
Squad
I retained the entire squad while loaning midfielder Dale Gorman from Stevenage Borough, left back Niall Quinn from Linfield and signing ex-Northern Ireland international Jeff Whitley and feel rather positive about the season ahead.
Objectives
I sat down with John and the board and after a lengthy discussion, the objectives were both set out and agreed as follows...
League: Finish in the Top Six for the first time since the split was introduced.
Irish Cup: Runners up last season - another good run to the semi’s would be ideal.
League Cup: A cup we are looking to win and start with an away trip to Championship One side Ards in the first round.
County Antrim Shield: We won this trophy two seasons ago and want to do it again! We have been drawn at home to Championship One side Carrick Rangers in Round One.
With just a few days to go to our opening fixture - at home to Warrenpoint Town - I was starting to think tactics...
