Glenavon transfer window review

2024-25 league position: 10th

Manager: Paddy McLaughlin

Next five fixtures: Dungannon Swifts (H) - 6 September; Larne (A) - 13 September; Linfield (A) - 20 September; Crusaders (H) - 27 September; Portadown (A) - 4 October

It has been a busy summer at Mourneview Park, with 12 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.

The Lurgan Blues have a new goalkeeper in the form of Jacob Carney and young defenders in Paddy Burns, Harry Murphy and Kyle McClelland, who have shown glimpses of their potential in this league at other clubs.

Whilst many of the acquisitions look like smart business, be it experienced or young players eager for regular game time, early indications suggest that McLaughlin will need time to bed in so many new players as his side are winless in their first five games.

The loss of dynamic full-backs David Toure and Len O'Sullivan and exciting midfielder Isaac Baird are big blows and they may also regret Matthew Snoddy moving to Carrick Rangers.

They will also hope Bridel Bosakani can score regularly as they, like many sides in the Irish Premiership, lack a clinical striker.

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), Josh Kee (Larne, loan), Bridel Bosakani (Drogheda United, loan)

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), Isaac Baird (Linfield)