Irish League Football

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Linfield winger Kirk Millar says he wants his side to replicate Larne and reach the league phase of a European competition this season.

The Irish Premiership champions have been drawn against Premier Division champions Shelbourne in the first round of Champions League qualifying.

If they overcome Shels, the Blues will face Qarabag but if they lose, they will drop into the Conference League second round qualifying and will play the defeated side between FK Zalgiris of Lithuania and Hamrun Spartans of Malta.

Millar has enjoyed a trophy-laden spell during his time with Linfield but is desperate to help them make history by reaching the league phase for the first time in Europe.

"It would be brilliant to do what Larne did last year, it is one of the things I want to do, I have won it all so it's a big thing and I'd love us to do it this year," he told BBC Sport NI.

Ahead of the first leg at Tolka Park on Wednesday, 9 July, Linfield will face Dungannon Swifts in the Charity Shield on Friday, 4 July at Windsor Park.

Millar believes the competitive fixture will aid preparations for their European campaign and the upcoming league season as Linfield face the Swifts in the first game of the campaign.

"I'm looking forward to getting a competitive game in before we have a big European game," he added.

"It's my first Charity Shield, I was injured for the last one and we have each other [Linfield and Dungannon] first game of the season so it's good to weigh each other up and see where we are at."

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Dungannon Swifts winger Thomas Maguire says that there will be "more expectation" on his side this year but they go into the new campaign with a "spring in their step".

Rodney McAree's side won the Irish Cup for the first time in May with a dramatic penalty shootout win against Cliftonville in the final.

That earned them European qualification for the first time in 18 years, and they will face Liechtenstein side FC Vaduz in the second qualifying round of the Uefa Conference League.

Maguire hopes they can build upon last year's success which also included an impressive fourth place finish in the Irish Premiership.

"There's going to be more expectation, but I think we'll being going into the season with a spring in our step and we'll be confident in where we can go and what we can do. We want to kick on from here," he told BBC Sport NI.

"It's a great achievement for the club to win the Irish Cup, the European football is a bonus, especially for lads that haven't experienced it, everyone is buzzing.

"We want to try win the first tie at least and get through to the next round, that would be incredible."

The Swifts travel to Liechtenstein for the first leg on Thursday, 24 July, but do have a competitive game before their European exploits as they face Linfield in the Charity Shield final on Friday, 4 July at Windsor Park.

Maguire believes the Irish Cup winners go into the game as underdogs against last season's league winners, but that the fixture will serve as good preparation for Europe and the first league game of the season as the two sides will face each other again on opening weekend.

"It's a bit of a bonus having this game to look forward to, it's not a friendly, there's something to play for against good opposition on a good pitch."

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Goalkeeper Rory Brown has left Coleraine after having his contract mutually terminated.

The 25-year-old played 47 times for the club after arriving in January 2024 from Glenavon in a swap deal which saw Gareth Deane go the other way.

Thirty of those appearances came last season as the Bannsiders finished fifth and missed out on European football after a play-off defeat by Cliftonville.

The shot stopper came off the bench in that defeat at the Showgrounds after Max Little was sent off for the hosts.

Brown previously played for Glentoran, Institute and Ballinamallard United after coming through Wolverhampton Wanderers' academy.

Elsewhere, Crusaders have announced their seventh summer signing with the arrival of Scottish winger Elliot Dunlop from Airdrie.

The 19-year-old arrives after successful loan spell at Scottish League Two side Stranraer where he scored seven goals.

As part of the deal, midfielder Alex King has moved to Airdrie.

Carrick Rangers have announced that former Queen's University boss Peter Thompson has been appointed as Stephen Baxter's assistant manager.

Defender Mark Surgenor has been appointed as a first team coach after leading Carrick on an interim basis last season after Stuart King's departure.

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Linfield will begin the defence of their Irish Premiership title against Dungannon Swifts on the opening weekend of the 2025-26 season.

The Irish League champions will host the Irish Cup winners at Windsor Park on the weekend of Saturday 9 August.

Before that, the teams will meet in the Charity Shield on 4 July, before embarking on their European adventures in the Champions League and Uefa Conference League qualifiers, prior to the start of the domestic season.

Other opening day fixtures see newly promoted Championship winners Bangor host Cliftonville on their return to the top flight, while last season's runner-up Larne face a trip to big-spending Coleraine.

Crusaders are at home to Carrick Rangers, Glenavon entertain Ballymena United and Portadown host Glentoran in the first round of fixtures.

Highlights of the following weekend see Linfield travel to Ballymena United, Cliftonville play Coleraine and Larne against Crusaders.

A set of six matches are scheduled for the evening of Tuesday 19 August.

The first Belfast 'Big Two' encounter of the campaign is scheduled for Saturday 13 September at the Oval.

Ballymena United are set to face Coleraine in their first derby meeting at Warden Street on 11 October, with Crusaders at home to Cliftonville on the same day.

Portadown host Glenavon a week previous on 4 October in the opening mid-Ulster derby.

Larne have home advantage against Carrick Rangers in the east Antrim derby on 20 September.

This year's traditional Boxing Day matches will see Linfield at home to Glentoran, Ballymena United up against Coleraine, Carrick host Larne, Cliftonville entertain Crusaders, Portadown at home to Glenavon and Dungannon come up against Bangor.

The final set of games in the regular season are set for Friday 20 March, with the post-split fixtures on 28 March, 7 April, 11 April, 18 April and 25 April.

All fixtures are subject to change, with the full list of preliminary fixtures as produced by the Northern Ireland Football League available to view here, external.

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League of Ireland side Sligo Rovers have signed Glentoran defender Patrick McClean for an undisclosed fee.

The 28-year-old has signed an 18-month deal with Sligo, returning to the club he had a brief spell at in 2018.

He made 27 appearances during his previous time with the club, scoring once.

McClean joined the Glens from Derry City in 2019 and announced his retirement from football in February 2023 before returning to the sport five months later.

In total he made 199 appearances for the east Belfast side, scored 15 goals and was part of the side that won the Irish Cup in 2020.

Elsewhere, Crusaders have signed striker Adam Brooks from Queen of the South.

The 21-year-old scored 10 goals last season as the club finished third in the Scottish League One.

Midfielder Dylan Boyle has signed a multi-year contract extension at Coleraine after an impressive first season with the Bannsiders after arriving from Ballymena United last summer.

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Tyrone All-Ireland winning forward Cathal McShane has signed for Premier Intermediate side Strabane Athletic after opting out of the Red Hands' panel this year.

McShane decided to step away in May ahead of the All-Ireland series and made his last appearance for Tyrone in April in their Ulster Championship opener against Cavan.

The 29-year-old made his inter-county debut against Donegal in 2015 and during his time in red and white he picked up three Ulster SFC medals (2016, 2017 and 2021) alongside his All-Ireland SFC medal in 2021.

The forward won an All-Star for his performances in 2019, finishing as the All-Ireland SFC's top scorer, kicking 3-48 in nine games.

He has now switched his focus to soccer and returns for another spell at Strabane, who will play in the third tier for the first time next season after winning promotion.

"I'm delighted to be signing with Strabane Athletic, a club I've played with in the past and always kept a close eye on, it was brilliant to see the recent success, a real credit to everyone involved," he told the club's website.

"From a personal note I'm really excited to get back playing and do whatever it takes to help drive the club forward and to reach the heights it's capable of."

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Portadown have signed goalkeeper Alex Moore, who will join the club upon the expiration of his contract at Ards.

Moore began his career at Linfield, making eight appearances for the Blues as well as having two separate loan spells at Dungannon Swifts.

He left Linfield in 2022 to join Ards and he made 90 appearances across three seasons with the Championship club.

The 26-year-old becomes the Ports second summer signing after the arrival of Jamie Rea from Loughgall.

Ports boss Niall Currie said he was "delighted" to sign the goalkeeper.

"We almost got him last season, but to get a keeper of Alex pedigree to come in is wonderful," he told the club's website.

"His best years are ahead but the experience he has now makes him absolutely perfect for us next season."

Moore added: "I'm delighted to sign for Portadown, it's a massive club with a huge support and fan base.

"It is clear that the club is moving in the right direction and this is something that I am excited to be a part of."

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Larne have completed the signing of Gibraltarian international midfielder Dan Bent.

The 29-year-old joins the Irish Premiership club following his departure from Lincoln Red Imps earlier in the summer, having earned a league title in his first season with the club.

Having grown up in England, Bent began his career at Gillingham before a move to the United States saw him involved with a number of clubs including Columbus Crew.

He arrived in Gibraltar in 2019 with Bruno's Magpies, working under now Larne boss Nathan Rooney for four years and then moving to Lincoln Red Imps.

Bent was involved home and away in last summer's Conference League play-off against the Invermen.

Having spent five years in Gibraltar, Dan qualified for the national team and has now accumulated nine appearances, scoring two goals.

"I think first and foremost Dan will fit in really well with the group, personality wise," explained Rooney.

"He is the sort of player who understands that hard work comes first and that gives you the foundation to show what you're about tactically and technically after that.

"In the team he will give us a different type of dynamic as someone who can run beyond.

"Having been here since November I feel I know what the fans want to see, which is someone who sets the tone in outworking the opposition and then gets people off their seats and in Dan I feel we have that."

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Irish Cup winners Dungannon Swifts will face Liechtenstein side FC Vaduz in their first European fixture in 18 years.

Rodney McAree's side enter the Uefa Conference League at the second stage of qualifying, the draw for which the draw took place on Wednesday.

Meanwhile the winners of the first qualifying round tie between Irish Premiership European play-off winners Cliftonville and St Joseph's of Gibraltar will face League of Ireland Premier Division side Shamrock Rovers in the second qualifying round.

Larne will take on FC Sheriff Tiraspol of Moldova or FC Prishtina of Kosovo should they defeat Latvian outfit FRK Auda in round one.

Irish Premiership champions Linfield could face familiar opposition in the form of Qarabag if they overcome Shelbourne in the first round of Champions League qualifying.

The first leg of that tie will be played on 22 or 23 July, with the Blues or Shels at home, followed by the second leg on 29 or 30 July.

David Healy's side lost on away goals to the Azerbaijan side in Europa League qualifying in 2019 despite a famous Shayne Lavery-inspired win at Windsor Park.

The loser of the Linfield-Shelbourne tie will drop into the Conference League second round and will play the defeated side between FK Zalgiris of Lithuania and Hamrun Spartans of Malta.

• Linfield draw Shelbourne in Champions League qualifying

The ties for the second round of Conference League qualifying are scheduled for Thursday, 24 and Thursday, 31 July.

Dungannon qualified for Europe by beating Cliftonville on penalties in a dramatic Irish Cup final in May.

Swifts have twice played in Europe before, when they lost in the 2006 Intertoto Cup to Keflavik IF in the first round and in qualifying for the 2007-08 Uefa Cup, when they were defeated by Lithuanian side FK Suduva.

If Irish Premiership clubs can progress past the second round of qualifying then they are potentially four matches away from replicating Larne's historic run to the League stage of the Conference League last season.

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Glentoran were granted planning permission for the redevelopment of the Oval at a meeting of Belfast City Council's planning committee on Tuesday.

Under the plans, the east Belfast club intend to demolish and replace the existing stands to accommodate 4,000 spectators, while reconfiguring the terracing behind both goals, bringing the total capacity to 6,000.

New turnstiles and associated siteworks including new floodlighting have also been approved as the club seeks a major upgrade to the iconic stadium on Mersey Street.

The Oval is one of the most famous sporting arenas in Northern Ireland, and a popular destination for groundhoppers, but in an interview with BBC Sport NI last week, owner Ali Shams Pour described the venue as "falling apart".

The London-based businessman, who recently increased his stake in the club from 85 to 95%, added that the club could build a stadium for £20million but the level of redevelopment would depend upon how much of the long-awaited Northern Ireland Football Fund the club is granted.

Football clubs throughout Northern Ireland are waiting for a decision on how the £36 million of government funding will be divided with Glentoran describing their application as "robust".

"Securing planning approval is a major step forward in our plans to redevelop the BetMcLean Oval into a modern, multi-purpose stadium that every Glentoran fan can be proud of and one that has the potential to become Northern Ireland football's second stadium," Pour said in a statement after planning permission was granted.

"This project reflects my long-term commitment not just to Glentoran, but to the regeneration of east Belfast and the growth of the game across Northern Ireland.

"It's a bold, forward-looking vision that combines top-level football facilities with real social and economic impact."

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Glentoran won the County Antrim Shield in January, their first piece of silverware since 2020, but missed out on European football, and the associated financial windfall, for a second season in succession.

The club's sporting director Paul Millar said a redeveloped stadium would be a "game-changing project" should plans come to fruition.

"Having worked closely on the planning application, I know just how much this decision means to everyone involved," he said.

"It reinforces the strength of our submission to the NI Football Fund and underlines the serious intent behind our plans to deliver a modern stadium that meets the needs of players, supporters and the east Belfast community."

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Lewis McGregor is the latest arrival at Coleraine with the 21-year-old joining from Airdrieonians on a multi-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

Hot on the heels of defender Adam Long's arrival, the Bannsiders have snapped up the pacey winger to help further bolster Ruaidhri Higgins' squad ahead of the coming season, with Will Patching, Joel Cooper, Stephen Fallon and Kodi Lyons-Foster already signed.

The Scot, who began his career with Greenock Morton, enjoyed a productive spell in Airdrie after making the switch in January 2023, netting 11 goals in 93 appearances for the Scottish Championship club.

Describing the move as a "no-brainer", McGregor said he is excited by the prospect of plying his trade in the Irish Premiership and feels he can make an impact at The Showgrounds.

"I'm really pleased and as soon as the opportunity arose, I was glad and it's nice to know people are watching you," he said.

"It was a no-brainer really to come here. I've not told many people about my transfer to Coleraine but I've had a look at the league and think it's a good one for me to move to.

"I heard about the interest when the season had finished and I had a Zoom call with the manager and I found it exciting with what we want to do this season."

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Irish Premiership winners Linfield have been drawn against Shelbourne in the first round of Champions League qualifying.

Shelbourne, managed by former Chelsea and Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff, won their first League of Ireland Premier Division title in 18 years in 2024 after a dramatic final-day victory over Derry City.

David Healy's Linfield won the Irish Premiership by 22 points in an impressive campaign for the Blues.

The first leg in will take place at Tolka Park on Tuesday 8 or Wednesday 9 July, before the return fixture at Windsor Park on 15 or 16 July.

Linfield last faced Shels in the 2006 Setanta Cup group stages, winning 2-0 at Windsor Park before a goalless draw in the return fixture.

One year earlier, David Jeffrey's side won the cross-border tournament by beating Shelbourne 2-0 in the final at Tolka Park.

Larne, who became the first Irish Premiership team to qualify for the league stage of European competition last season, will face FK Auda of Latvia in the first round of Uefa Conference League qualifying.

Auda knocked Cliftonville out of the Conference League at the second qualifying round last year, with a 4-1 aggregate victory.

Cliftonville will take on St Joseph's of Gibraltar in the first round of Uefa Conference League qualifying.

St Joseph's, who finished second in the top flight last season, defeated Larne in Conference League qualifying in 2022 and lost to Shelbourne in the first qualifying round last season.

Those ties will be played on 10 and 17 July.

Irish Cup winners Dungannon Swifts will discover their second-round Conference League opponents on Wednesday.

Image source, Johnny Caldwell

Glentoran beat Linfield 6-2 at Midgley Park on Monday night to move three points clear at the top of the Women's Premiership table.

The Glens were three goals to the good within the first half hour of the match courtesy of goals from Nadene Caldwell, a Hannah Doherty own goal and Kascie Weir.

Cora Chambers pulled one back for the hosts before half-time and Eve Reilly reduced the deficit further eight minutes after the restart.

The visitors regained control as Demi Vance found the net on 58 and 71 minutes, then Mia Moore, in her second spell at the club, completed the scoring and a resounding victory after 78.

Glentoran host second-placed Crusaders as part of a full programme of four matches on Friday night, with Linfield away to Derry City.

Cliftonville will host Larne and Lisburn Ladies are at home to Lisburn Rangers in the evening's other fixtures.

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Coleraine have announced the signing of defender Adam Long on a multi-year deal.

The 24-year-old is the latest player to join the ranks of manager Ruaidhri Higgins' squad, following the previous additions of Will Patching on loan from Carlisle United, plus ex-Linfield players Joel Cooper and Stephen Fallon and former Glentoran defender Kodi Lyons-Foster.

Long, a left-sided centre-half, played for AFC Fylde last season.

Born in the Isle of Man, Long left the island to join Wigan Athletic's academy in 2017, where he made a breakthrough into the first team and made 23 appearances.

He made a permanent switch to Doncaster Rovers in July 2022, remaining at that club until signing for AFC Fylde in January 2024.

Speaking about his latest arrival, Higgins said: "He will bring a real physical presence, he's a big man and he gives you balance by being a left-footed centre-back.

"He's got a lot of really good attributes, he's only 24 and I'm really excited to work with him.

"He's young, he's hungry and he wants to come here and do well."

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Paul Heatley has signed a one-year contract extension with Irish Premiership side Carrick Rangers.

The 37-year-old has extended his stay at Taylors Avenue after helping Carrick retain their top-flight status with a play-off win over Annagh United.

Twelve years after initially leaving the club, Heatley rejoined Carrick in August after winning three league titles and three Irish Cups with Crusaders.

"To be asked by the Club to give another year was incredibly flattering," said Heatley.

"Carrick are an incredible club, full of fantastic people so it was an easy answer. I'm excited about what the future holds for the club and if they feel I am able to help next season then of course I will happily offer all I have to offer."

Elsewhere in the top flight, forward Jordan Jenkins and midfielder Charlie Lindsay have agreed new two-year deals with Glentoran.

After leaving Carrick at the end of the season, goalkeeper Ross Glendinning has signed for Loughgall as the Villagers look to secure an immediate return to the top flight.

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Defender Sean Brown becomes champions Linfield's first summer signing as he arrives on a free transfer after his release from Larne.

Right-back Brown has signed a two-year deal with the Blues after coming through Larne's academy.

The 20-year-old has spent the last two seasons on loan, first enjoying a six-month stint with Bangor in the Championship and then two-half season spells with Ballymena United in the top-flight.

A former Northern Ireland underage international, Brown said he was "proud" to sign for Linfield.

"It's a massive club with a winning mentality. I'm looking forward to working hard and contributing to the success of the team," he told the club's website.

Manager David Healy added: "Sean is a player we've been monitoring closely. He's young, hungry, and has already shown he can compete at this level.

"We believe he has the potential to develop further and make a real impact in the seasons ahead."

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Former Derry City midfielder Will Patching has joined Coleraine on a season-long loan from Carlisle United.

Patching, who previously had spells at Notts County and Dundalk, initially joined the Candystripes on loan in 2021.

The 26-year-old then made the move to the Brandywell permanent and won the FAI Cup in 2022 under current Bannsiders boss Ruaidhri Higgins.

The Englishman left Derry in January of this year to sign for National League side Carlisle, and he made 10 appearances for the club last season.

Carlisle have a recall option to bring Patching back to Brunton Park in January 2026.

Higgins said that Patching, who becomes the Bannsiders' fourth summer arrival, is an "extremely talented player".

"He scored over 30 goals and provided over 30 assists during his time at Derry, so his output from midfield is outstanding," Higgins told the club's website.

"I know the last 9 to 12 months hasn't gone the way he would have liked personally. He'll have a real hunger to show people what he's capable of, and when he's happy, he is an absolute joy to watch."

The Bannsiders have also confirmed that Conor Murray has put pen to paper on a permanent deal with the club.

The Scottish midfielder signed from Hamilton Academical on loan last summer and made 35 appearances, scoring three goals.

"Once I knew the club wanted to keep me, it was an easy decision and I've thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far," Murray told the club's website.

"I'm just eager to get back into pre-season and the signings we have made so far just shows that the club is moving in the right direction."

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Goalkeeper Gareth Deane has joined newly promoted Bangor after leaving Glenavon.

The 30-year-old has signed a one-year deal with the Seasiders to become Lee Feeney's first summer signing.

Deane arrived at Glenavon in January 2024 in a swap deal which saw Rory Brown move to Coleraine and made 26 appearances for the Lurgan Blues during his 18-months at the club.

He lost his place in the second half of the 2024-25 season to Mark Byrne and Tadgh Ryan and was placed on the transfer list.

The goalkeeper previously spent six seasons with Linfield before joining Coleraine permanently 2020 after a loan spell at the Showgrounds.

Deane is set to replace Patrick Solis Grogan, who returns to Dungannon Swifts after a positive loan spell in which he helped Bangor to the Championship title.

Elsewhere, Crusaders have announced the signing of goalkeeper Musa Dibaga on a two-year deal.

Dibaga joins the north Belfast side upon the expiration of his contract with Inverness.

He kept 14 clean sheets in 32 games in League One in Scotland last season, with his form earning a call-up to the Gambian national team in March for World Cup qualifiers against Kenya and Ivory Coast.

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Midfielder Sean McAllister has returned to Dungannon Swifts following his release from Everton.

McAllister left the Swifts in 2019 to sign for the Premier League side and he spent five years with the Toffees but was released in January after failing to make a senior appearance.

The former Northern Ireland Under-21 international remained on Merseyside to rehabilitate from an injury before joining National League side Marine for a brief stint in February.

The 22-year-old, who trained with the Swifts in the closing weeks of the season, also had a loan spell at Scottish Championship side Inverness last year.

He becomes Rodney McAree's third summer signing after the arrivals of Mal Smith and Peter Maguire.

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Larne have signed defender Matthew Ridley after the departure of Scottish centre-back Shaun Want.

Englishman Ridley becomes Nathan Rooney's first summer signing as he arrives from Northern Premier League side Blyth Spartans, a club he captained last season.

The 25-year-old has also had spells with Billingham Town, Chester-Le-Street Town, Whitby Town and League Two side Sutton United.

"I'm really pleased to bring Matt to the club. He'll add nicely to our defensive options, making this part of the squad a really competitive unit," Rooney told Larne's website.

"His energy and passion for the game is something I have been aware of for a while and I am looking forward to working closely with Matt on his next stage of his career."

Ridley will replace Want, who leaves the club upon the expiration of his contract, returning to Scotland for family reasons.

The 28-year-old was a mainstay for the side after arriving from Hamilton Academical three years ago.

He made 104 appearances for Larne, winning two Gibson Cups, two County Antrim Shields and helping them to qualify for the league phase of the Uefa Conference League for the first time.

"The club respects Shaun's decision to put family first and wishes him the best of luck at his next club," said the club in a post on X.

Ali Omar, Joe Besant, Sean Brown, Olatunde Bayode and Harrison Panayiotou have also left the Inver outfit upon the expiration of their contracts.