Turnstiles and triumph for volunteers behind club's top flight return

About 70 dedicated volunteers work behind-the-scenes at Bangor FC, who are featuring in the top flight for the first time since 2009

Financial turmoil, multiple relegations, and even exiting senior football entirely - Bangor FC have seen it all since they last played in Northern Ireland's top flight.

Despite a proud history that includes competing in Europe and a 1993 Irish Cup triumph to their name, the future of the club at one point looked bleak during their 16-year absence from the top division, as attendances at matches started to dwindle.

Fast forward to 2025, and a new era of hope, as more than 1,800 fans crammed into a packed Clandeboye Park to see the club's first Irish Premiership match since 2009.

A 3-1 win over Cliftonville - and the scenes of delirium it inspired amongst the raucous home fans in yellow and blue - was more than just three points; it was testament to the club's slow, arduous climb back up the football pyramid and the tireless work of an army of volunteers behind the scenes.

Board member Melissa Gibbons says so much credit for Bangor's recent success is down to the many people who give up their time to volunteer at the club

On Tuesday night, the fans will flock to Bangor's second home game of the season, against Crusaders, hoping for a repeat performance.

A director on the board, Melissa Gibbons, said she's been officially involved with the club for about a year, but her unofficial association goes way back.

"My family and I have supported Bangor for as long as I can remember," she said.

"My brother plays for the reserves and my dad has been coming to games for years, so really it's been a lifelong connection for us."

Unlike the vast resources available to teams in the Premier League - and even in lower-league football in the rest of the UK - a club like Bangor relies on the sweat of volunteers.

She gives a huge amount of credit for the club's resurgence to those who have given up their free time to pitch in.

"We have so many fantastic volunteers, and every single one is vital, no matter what role they fulfil on match days," she said.

"From running the tuck shop to the stewards, the people helping with the kits, or working the turnstiles - everyone plays their part."

Seeing bigger and bigger crowds at Clandeboye Park is fantastic to see for turnstile operator Gary Shufflebottom

That includes people like Gary Shufflebottom, a turnstile operator at Clandeboye Park for the past four years.

Watching huge crowds stream through the gates for the first home game of the season was a really special moment, he said, especially after seeing the club drop down to the Ballymena and Provincial Football League in 2017.

"Every season you'd go down thinking, this couldn't get any worse - and then, of course, it did get worse when we were relegated again," Gary said.

"But to be here now, seeing the buzz back around the place, it's just unbelievable."

Gary said with things improving both on and off the pitch in recent years, he's seen crowds continue to grow first hand.

Stephen McCullough bought his first Bangor FC season ticket in the 1980s and has been hooked ever since.

Now, his passion for the club stretches beyond the terraces - he works as the club's safeguarding officer, sits on the youth committee and even helps on the turnstiles when needed.

He said following Bangor has been "an emotional rollercoaster" but one that comes with huge pride for the club and his home city.

Stephen McCullough got his first season ticket for Bangor back in the 1980s and now performs a number of roles for his club

"When I first started, we weren't great," he recalled. "But then we had that amazing spell in the late '80s and early '90s.

"If you'd asked me seven or eight years ago whether we'd ever see that again, I wouldn't have believed you, but now, we've got that special feeling back.

"Obviously, there's still work to do but it's great to be back competing with the big boys again."

Volunteer club photographer Jordon Connolly says the "feel-good factor" is back at Clandeboye Park

The scenes of celebration at Clandeboye on the opening game of the season were captured by volunteer club photographer Jordon Connolly, who said seeing so many smiling faces was proof the "feel-good factor is back".

"We've always been a well-supported side, even down the leagues, but to see people turning out in their droves to back their local side is fantastic," he said.

Jordon's earliest memories of following the club in the lower leagues often involved typing "obscure grounds" into a sat-nav and setting off, never quite sure where they would end up.

"Now we're back playing at big stadiums like the Oval and Windsor Park - and it's so encouraging to be back competing at that level again."

Back in business, battling to stay

For Bangor fan Cameron McKay, supporting Bangor has its ups and downs

Fan and business owner Cameron McKay, who regularly sponsors players and match balls, said Bangor's return to the top flight is a huge boost for the city.

"The club is at the heart of the community, and its growth in recent years has been fantastic for the whole area.

"So much credit must go to the board, the players, manager Lee Feeney, and everyone working behind the scenes.

"The turnaround is phenomenal - and it's not just the men's team benefiting.

"The whole club is thriving, with the women and youth sides going from strength-to-strength as well."

Despite an encouraging start to the season, with a win over Cliftonville and a narrow defeat away to Glentoran, Cameron said this year's ambition remains simple.

"Stay in the league - just stay in the league."