'Fans got full value for money' - Baxterpublished at 18:41 9 August
18:41 9 August
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Stephen Baxter was impressed by his team's composure when 3-0 down
Carrick Rangers manager Stephen Baxter was thrilled with his team's composure in their comeback 4-3 win at Crusaders.
Trailing by three after 32 minutes, Baxter still felt his team could turn things around and they did just that in superb fashion.
Although it was far from the perfect performance, Baxter felt "the fans got full value for money" and the win was a good way to start the new season.
"It was a tremendous game of football for an opening game," he told BBC Sport NI.
"There was some tactical stuff that will drive me and the coaches mad, but on the while, you have to give tremendous credit to the players a 3-0 down to come back and win.
"I turned to the boys on the bench when the third goal went in and there was no panic. We were 3-0 down to Cliftonville here many a year ago when I was Crusaders' manager and won 4-3. No panic, find your way into the game and we did that.
"You have to have the confidence to build on things. We weren't tight enough in our defensive shape and they got through us too easily, so these are things we'll work on."
Glens 'found a way to win' against Ports - Devinepublished at 18:25 9 August
18:25 9 August
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Image caption,
Devine's side won their opening game at Shamrock Park
Glentoran boss Declan Devine said his players "gave absolutely everything" in their opening day 1-0 win against Portadown at Shamrock Park.
Full-back Danny Amos volleyed home from a superb Jordan Jenkins cross to score what proved to be the winner before half-time.
And Devine was delighted that his side were able to grind out a win in the absence of a number of first team regulars.
"Winning is absolutely the main thing. We had a lot of setbacks coming into the game," he told BBC Sport NI.
"Cammy Palmer's suspension from the play-off, injuries to Joe Thompson and Markus Kane Dylan (Connolly), and Christy Patterson being suspended, and yesterday we lost Pat Hoban."
"We lost David Fisher after a few minutes, which meant we had to change our shape. It's full testimony to the group because I don't think we played great by any stretch.
"There weren't any free-flowing combinations or attacking moves, but we found a way to win and dug in against a really good Portadown side."
Ports' end product lacking in Glens loss - Curriepublished at 18:18 9 August
18:18 9 August
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Currie's side finished eighth in the Irish Premiership last season
Portadown boss Niall Currie said his side's final ball "let them down" as they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Glentoran on the opening day of the Irish Premiership season.
Danny Amos scored the winner for the Glens at Shamrock Park three minutes before half-time.
And Currie was frustrated that for all their possession, the Ports failed to test Andrew Mills in the Glentoran goal.
"I didn't think there was anything in it - in fact, there wasn't. Aaron McCarey had a comfortable day, but their goalkeeper also had too easy a time," he told BBC Sport NI.
"We created so many great opportunities in the first half, getting down the sides numerous times and into great positions, but our final ball let us down.
Glentoran had offered very little - it was a good finish from Danny Amos, but it came from one breakaway, and that's what you get with quality. We were punished, but we still felt the game was there for us."
Currie also voiced his displeasure that Josh Ukek's close range finish from Stephen McCullough's cross was disallowed for a foul in the build-up to the goal.
"We've looked at our goal in the second half, and if there's anything wrong with it, it's very soft," he added.
"Moments like that change games, so we're disappointed it wasn't given. I think a draw would have been fair."
Carrick sign midfielder Snoddy from Glenavonpublished at 11:06 9 August
11:06 9 August
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Snoddy spent five years at Glenavon
Carrick Rangers have completed the signing of midfielder Matthew Snoddy from Glenavon for an undisclosed fee.
The 32-year-old was made available for transfer by the Lurgan Blues this summer after spending five years with the club.
Snoddy previously worked under Carrick boss Stephen Baxter at Crusaders and also had a spell at Coleraine.
He becomes Carrick's ninth summer signing and joins ahead of their Irish Premiership opener against the Crues at Seaview.
"I'm delighted to be here and get the deal over the line. When I knew Carrick and Stephen were interested it was a no brainer for me," Snoddy told the club's website.
"Stephen didn't have to sell the club much to be fair, I know there's a project here and it's exciting and it's definitely a club on the up.
"It can be difficult moving to a new club, but knowing I was coming here with a lot of boys I've played with before made the decision a lot easier and I'm looking forward to getting amongst all the lads."
Portadown sign Gibson ahead of Premiership openerpublished at 20:35 8 August
20:35 8 August
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Gibson spent the past two seasons with Loughgall
Portadown have added experienced midfielder Jordan Gibson to their squad ahead of their Irish Premiership opener against Glentoran on Saturday.
The 30-year-old has spent the past two seasons with Loughgall in the top flight after previous spells with Dollingstown, Lurgan Celtic, Carrick Rangers and Ballymena United.
He becomes the Niall Currie's fifth summer addition after Jamie Rea, Alex Moore, Divin Isamala and Rayhaan Tulloch.
"Obviously everyone is well aware of me and Jordan's history, he's been a Premiership player from the moment I signed him for Carrick Rangers and was brilliant for me in my time there and went on to get signed by David Jeffery at Ballymena United, so he's got great experience now at the highest level," Currie told the club's website.
"He's 30 and coming into his prime years and his versatility is always great for any squad.
"We're delighted to have the big man on board and his desire to come to our club was there for all us to see."
Derby's Evans signs to ease Coleraine keeper crisispublished at 12:50 8 August
12:50 8 August
Image source, Dylan Kirkpatrick/Coleraine FC
Image caption,
Harry Evans has joined on loan from Derby County
Coleraine have signed Harry Evans on loan from Derby County to ease a potential goalkeeping crisis at the Showgrounds.
The 20-year-old, who spent time training with the club in July, has joined the Bannsiders with current number one Ryan Schofield currently injured.
Summer signing Schofield picked up a long-term injury in a pre-season friendly with Fleetwood Town and Max Little is suspended for the opening game of the season, which means Evans could make his debut against Larne on Sunday.
"We are delighted to have Harry on board," manager Ruaidhri Higgins told Coleraine FC's website.
"Due to Ryan Schofield's unfortunate injury, it has been important that we bring in someone with quality and Harry ticks all the boxes.
"We saw first-hand how excellent he was earlier this summer when he was over training and it's great he already has experience working alongside Michael [Dougherty] and the goalkeeping unit."
Portadown 'massively overachieved' last year - Curriepublished at 11:21 8 August
11:21 8 August
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Niall Currie's side were promoted to the Premiership in 2024 after winning the Championship
Portadown manager Niall Currie believes that his side will 'still be really competitive' despite 'everyone's levels going up' ahead of this year's Irish Premiership.
The Ports were in the chase for the European spots last season and missed out on seventh place by just two points.
"I was really proud of last season and I think we massively overachieved for what we have," Currie told BBC Sport NI.
"You'll see everyone's levels going up this year, so we're going to have to be better than last year and that's going to be really difficult because I thought we were absolutely brilliant."
"However, I think we'll still be really, really competitive for everybody."
Eight players have left Shamrock Park during off season with Jamie Rea, Alex Moore, Divin Isamala and Rayhaan Tulloch joining the club.
Despite believing that his side will be competitive, Currie has acknowledged the need for new facilities at the County Armagh side.
"We have got to hang on here and stay in the Premiership until we get into a situation where we can move to a hybrid model and get a new pitch to give us a chance," Currie continued.
"I am Portadown man since I was born and the town needs new facilities and fingers crossed we'll get a bit of good news.
"If we can get that in, then it changes a lot for us. It gives us our own facilities and it gives us a much better chance to make sure we're in the Premiership for a long time."
Having pushed for a place in last season's European play-offs, Portadown hope to push for a spot in the top six this term.
But Niall Currie's side will be challenged from the outset with a trip to Glentoran first up.
Currie has lost a great deal of experience with Ross Redman retiring and Dougie Wilson leaving for Loughgall. But the Shamrock Park outfit have made some intriguing signings, including a couple of League of Ireland imports in winger Rayhaan Tulloch from Shelbourne and defender Divin Isamala from Bohemians.
Currie has also added goalkeeper Alex Moore following Jordan Williamson's departure to Ballymacash.
The Ports will also be hoping for a better run in the Irish Cup after being dumped out of the fifth round by Annagh United last season.
2025-26 signings so far: Jamie Rea (Loughgall), Alex Moore (Ards), Divin Isamala (Bohemians), Rayhaan Tulloch (Shelbourne), Jordan Gibson (Loughgall)
2025-26 departures so far: Ross Redman (retired), Jordan Williamson (Ballymacash Rangers), Dougie Wilson (Loughgall), Eoghan McCawl (unattached), Paul McElroy (Loughgall), Jake Willis (Ballymacash Rangers), Jamie McDonagh (unattached), Zach Cowan (Banbridge Town - loan), Joe McKay (Banbridge Town - loan)
Coleraine 'should probably' be title favourites - Healypublished at 10:47 8 August
10:47 8 August
Jana McCabe BBC Sport NI contributor
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Linfield manager David Healy believes "huge investments" from other Premiership sides this summer will put the pressure on the champions' title rivals.
The Blues were an impressive 22 points clear at the top of the Premiership last season and lifted the Gibson Cup for the first time since 2022.
They will be looking to defend that title but, after other clubs have strengthened this summer, Healy believes Coleraine "should probably" be considered title favourites.
"There has been huge investments in the league," Healy told BBC Sport Northern Ireland.
"Obviously Coleraine's budgets have probably gone through the roof, but that was to be expected because the owner at the time made the changes with different people leaving their roles at the football club last year, so it was always on the cards.
"Coleraine should probably be going to the season as favourites. Whether they are, knowing how people operate here, they are probably saying 'it's Linfield's to lose' even though Coleraine heavily spent."
Linfield have already had a busy start to the season and remain in the Uefa Conference League after overcoming Zalgiris, but they have only announced one signing with Sean Brown making the move from Larne.
In contrast, Coleraine's first summer transfer window under new Executive Chairman and owner Henry Ross has been a busy one.
Amongst their seven signings are Linfield duo Stephen Fallon and Joel Cooper, who was voted the Football Writers' Player of the Year and netted 19 goals last campaign.
"The investments have got to be repaid back at some stage, as it was at Larne. Tiernan Lynch done an incredible job at Larne and Kenny Bruce has now moved on as there is a new investor in," Healy continued.
"Glentoran have spent heavily again on wages and certainly, with the amount of money that they have spent over recent years, Ali Pour is going to eventually recoup that in some way.
"So there's pressure on other teams. People ask me about the pressure that we have at Linfield, but there's going to be pressure on Coleraine and there is going to be pressure on Glentoran to go and win it and, with the amount of money they have put into it, they will be disappointed if they don't win the league this year."
Linfield season previewpublished at 10:07 8 August
10:07 8 August
Image source, BBC Sport
2024-25 League position: Champions
Manager: David Healy
Opening fixtures: Dungannon Swifts (H) - 10 August; Ballymena United (A) - 15 August (live on BBC iPlayer); Carrick Rangers (A) - 19 August; Cliftonville (H) - 23 August; Coleraine (A) - 29 August (live on BBC iPlayer)
After finishing 22 points ahead of Larne last season, the 2025-26 campaign is all about Linfield preserving their place at the Irish Premiership summit.
Of course, the Blues have a proven track record of maintaining their superiority, having won four titles in a row before Larne broke through in 2023.
Linfield boss David Healy - who will celebrate 10 years at Windsor Park in October - must, however, mount a title defence without some star names, chiefly reigning player of the year Joel Cooper and Stephen Fallon, both of whom have joined Coleraine.
The Blues have added defender Sean Brown following his release from Larne, with Healy admitting his squad was not in "dire need" of additions, but a longer campaign in Europe may change that if Linfield qualify for the Uefa Conference League.
2025-26 signings so far: Sean Brown (Larne)
2025-26 departures so far: Joel Cooper, Stephen Fallon (both Coleraine), Darragh McBrien (Dungannon Swifts), Ethan Devine (H&W Welders), Rhys McGarry (Ballyclare Comrades), Kalum Thompson (Nottingham Forest), Liam Burns (Bangor)
A 'lot going on' at Larne during summer - Rooneypublished at 09:13 8 August
09:13 8 August
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Rooney was replaced as manager by Gary Haveron last year due to not having the require licence to lead a team in Europe
Larne manager Nathan Rooney has said his side are "clicking" despite a "lot going on" during pre-season.
Rooney replaced Tiernan Lynch as manager of the Inver Reds in December, but was replaced by Gary Haveron just three weeks after taking the role due to not having the required licence for European games.
Rooney then took the position of head of football but, after being accepted on to the Uefa Pro Licence course in March, he returned to his original position during the close season and has taken the club into the third qualifying round of the Conference League.
"There is a lot going on," Rooney told BBC Sport NI.
"In terms of the team, we're in a really good fashion. We're clicking and we're working hard together.
"There was a lot of built up energy [last season] and I was working hard behind the scenes and the boots were on. I think in some of the games now, you've seen a little bit more of me on the touchline and through the boys on the pitch."
During this busy period for the two-time league champions, there has been a change in ownership too with Kenny Bruce announcing that he has sold his stake at Inver Park.
His 50% share of the club has been bought by Redball Global FC.
"The new players have come in and the fresh ownership have had the same belief, but things are going to be done slightly differently," Rooney said.
"Obviously we want to be sustainable, we want to do things moving forward and be looking at the youth coming through.
"But if we work hard, train like we're doing and we keep the best players fit, then we'll compete."
There have been big decisions to make on the pitch as well in terms of leadership.
Tomas Cosgrove had previously been club captain and lifted the Gibson Cup in 2023 before being replaced by Cian Bolger the following year.
However, with Bolger set to miss a long spell through injury, Rooney has handed the captaincy back to Cosgrove.
"Sometimes you've got to listen, haven't you? Sometimes it's not just coming in and thinking that you know everything," Rooney said when asked about the captaincy.
"We've had a great captain in Cian Bolger, and I've worked with Cian in the past at Fleetwood Town, but I also knew how well Tomas led a group of men as well.
"With him living now in Larne, and what he does off the pitch community-wise for us and foundation-wise, he was the perfect fit."
Opening fixtures: Coleraine (A) - 10 August; Crusaders (H) - 15 August; Cliftonville (A) - 19 August (live on BBC iPlayer); Portadown (H) - 22 August; Ballymena United (H) - 29 August
Having relinquished the league title to Linfield, this could be a season of transition for Larne after much change behind the scenes with owner Kenny Bruce, chief executive Niall Curneen and general manager Shay Kennedy all leaving the club.
But with Nathan Rooney re-installed as manager after enrolling on his Uefa Pro Licence course, there is stability in the dugout and it has yielded positive European results over the summer.
After seeing off Auda and Prishtina, Larne face Santa Clara in the third round of Uefa Conference League qualifying before starting their Premiership campaign away to Coleraine.
Larne's 2024-25 campaign was disrupted by European commitments, which stretched their squad and left a fixture backlog. If they fail to reach the Conference League this time, they can focus their energy on winning back the title.
But even if they embark on another European adventure, the majority of the squad will know what to expect.
2025-26 signings so far: Matt Ridley (Blyth Spartans), Dan Bent (Lincoln Red Imps), Kobei Moore (unattached), Alfie Bridgman (unattached)
2025-26 departures so far: Ali Omar, Joe Besant, Olatunde Bayode and Harrison Panayiotou(all unattached), Sean Brown (Linfield), Shaun Want (Ayr United), Caolan Donnelly (Ards), Ambrose Ajala (Queen's University - loan)
For Glentoran, the 2024-25 season yielded joy and pain. In winning the County Antrim Shield, they pocketed their first silverware in five years, but failed to add another trophy when they lost the BetMcLean Cup final to Cliftonville.
Their Irish Cup campaign also ended in humbling fashion with defeat by Bangor, while they were knocked out of the European play-offs by Cliftonville.
Finishing 22 points behind Linfield in the league, however, encouraged the club to act decisively in the transfer market. Jordan Stewart has returned to the Oval, a decade on from leaving for Swindon, while Daniel Larmour has followed him to the Glens from Crusaders.
And in 34-year-old Pat Hoban, Glentoran have added a proven goalscorer who Devine labelled a "major coup".
As ever, Devine will be tasked with getting a good tune out of his new players to keep on the right side of an expectant fanbase.
2025-26 signings so far: Liam Burt (unattached), Jordan Stewart (Crusaders), Pat Hoban (Derry City), Daniel Larmour (Crusaders), Peter Urminsky (St Mirren, loan), Ryan Cooney (Crewe Alexandra).
2025-26 departures so far: Fuad Sule (Persis Solo), Kodi Lyons-Foster (Coleraine), Finley Thorndike (Crusaders), Wassim Aouachria (unattached), Jay Donnelly (Newington), Niall McGinn (Peterhead), Patrick McClean (Sligo Rovers), Daniel Gyollai (Kolorcity Kazincbarcika), Theo McToal (Ballyclare Comrades), Harry Murphy (Glenavon)
Cliftonville sign former Derby midfielder Fapetupublished at 18:40 7 August
18:40 7 August
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Image caption,
Fapetu has spent pre-season with Cliftonville
Cliftonville have added midfielder Adebayo Fapetu to their squad ahead of their Irish Premiership opener against Bangor on Sunday.
The 20-year-old started his career at Arsenal before joining Derby County in 2021 where he was a regular in their underage sides.
He has featured for the Reds in pre-season and subject to international clearance will be part of Jim Magilton's side for their trip to Clandeboye Park this weekend.
The Englishman becomes Cliftonville's fifth summer addition after PJ Morrison, Conor Falls, Conor Barr and Rhyss Campbell.
Dungannon Swifts are hoping to build on a memorable 2024-25 campaign that culminated in their first Irish Cup triumph.
That cup win opened the door to Europe for the Mid Ulster outfit, and while they secured a 1-0 away win against Vaduz, they were beaten in extra-time in the return leg.
With their Conference League adventure over, the Swifts begin the domestic season with a trip to champions Linfield on Sunday.
Boss Rodney McAree has, however, had to plan for the new season without a few key players. Irish Cup-winning captain Dean Curry has retired while frontman John McGovern joined League of Ireland side Shamrock Rovers.
McAree has strengthened his squad, though, bringing in defender Mal Smith following his departure from Crusaders while forward Darragh McBrien has returned for a second spell at Stangmore Park after being released by Linfield.
2025-26 signings so far: Mal Smith (Crusaders), Peter Maguire (Ballinamallard), Sean McAllister (unattached), Tiernan Kelly (Loughgall), Darragh McBrien (Linfield)
2025-26 departures so far: Dean Curry (retired), Oliver Crowe (Loughgall - loan), John McGovern (Shamrock Rovers), Grant Hutchinson (unattached), Padraig Lynch (Institute), Tommy Connolly (Ballinamallard United - loan), Aidan Hegarty (Institute - loan)
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