Glenavon season preview

2024-25 league position: 10th

Manager: Paddy McLaughlin

Opening fixtures: Ballymena United (H) - 9 August; Carrick Rangers (A) - 16 August; Glentoran (A) - 19 August; Coleraine (H) - 23 August; Cliftonville (A) - 30 August

Having been forced into some mid-season firefighting when he was appointed last November, Paddy McLaughlin hopes to drive Glenavon forward after a first pre-season at the helm.

It has been a busy summer, too, with eight players signed amidst a raft of departures.

Squad additions include versatile and experienced Kris Lowe and former Republic of Ireland under-21 international Stephen Mallon, both of whom worked under McLaughlin at Cliftonville. Last week, McLaughlin also added winger Francelo Lomboto from Sligo Rovers.

First up on Saturday is a home fixture against Ballymena United, who finished one place above the Lurgan Blues last season.

McLaughlin will be hoping that last weekend's 3-0 pre-season defeat by H&W Welders was only a blip as he plots a fast start to the season.

2025-26 signings so far: Kris Lowe (Cliftonville), Jordan McMullan (Ballymena United), Oran O'Kane (H&W Welders), Luke Cartwright (Loughgall), Patrick Burns (Coleraine), Stephen Mallon (Sligo Rovers), Harry Murphy (Glentoran), Kyle McClelland, Francely Lomboto (Sligo Rovers), Jacob Carney (Newport County)

2025-26 departures so far: Mark Haughey (Bangor), Harry Norton (Loughgall), Aaron Prendergast (Loughgall, loan), Rhys Marshall (retired), Callum Birney (unattached), Marc Matthews (Ards), Gareth Deane (Bangor), Aaron Heaney (Derry City - end of loan), David Toure (Ballymena United), Len O'Sullivan (Ross County), Chris Atherton (Chelsea), Stephen Teggart (Armagh City), Harry Lynch (Bangor), Matthew Snoddy (Carrick Rangers)