Irish League Football

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The winners of the BetMcLean Cup will automatically go into the Irish Premiership's European play-off final from next season.

Cliftonville, who secured European qualification by winning the play-off last season, are also the holders of the BetMcLean Cup.

"It adds real incentive for clubs and fans and raises the profile of the BetMcLean Cup even further," said NIFL CEO Gerard Lawlor.

"This isn't just a cup final anymore; it's potentially a golden ticket to Europe."

The number of European positions for Irish Premiership clubs will remain unchanged.

The league winners will secure a Champions League qualification spot and second place will also automatically qualify for Europe.

Teams which finish from third to seventh will enter the European play-offs, and the winner of that end-of-season play-off will join the Irish Cup winners in earning a European place.

Cliftonville defeated Glentoran 1-0 after extra-time in the final of the BetMcLean Cup in March.

The Reds then defeated the Glens again in their European play-off semi-final and beat Coleraine in the final to join Irish Premiership champions Linfield, runners-up Larne and Irish Cup winners Dungannon Swifts in Europe.

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Coleraine have announced the signing of goalkeeper Ryan Schofield on a multi-year deal.

The 25-year-old arrives at the Ballycastle Road Showgrounds after a recent stint at League Two side Morecambe and will contend with Max Little for the first-choice stopper position following the departure of Rory Brown from the club.

Schofield began his career at Huddersfield Town and made more than 30 appearances for the Terriers' first team at Championship level.

He earned 10 caps representing England at U18, U19 and U20 level, then made the move to Portsmouth ahead of the 2023-24 season, before signing for Morecambe in the recent January transfer window on a deal until the end of the campaign.

Michael Dougherty, Head of Goalkeeping at Coleraine, believes Schofield has all the attributes to be a success in the Irish Premiership.

"Ryan has always been an exceptional talent. You don't play that many games in the Championship at a young age without being a top goalkeeper," Dougherty told the Coleraine FC website.

"I had the opportunity to work with him for a week or so over at Huddersfield during a coaching visit a few years ago and got to see him up close and personal.

"Like I have with many goalkeepers I've worked with or had recommended to me – I've kept an eye on things – he did unbelievably well for England and also in the Championship. He's a top goalkeeper."

Schofield joins Joel Cooper, Stephen Fallon, Lewis MacGregor, Adam Long, Will Patching and Kodi Lyons-Foster as additions to manager Ruaidhri Higgins' squad during the close season.

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Glenavon's 16-year-old forward Chris Atherton has left Mourneview Park to join Chelsea.

The Northern Ireland Under-17 international made headlines in September 2022 when he became the youngest senior footballer in the United Kingdom at 13 years and 329 days old.

The teenager, who joined the Glenavon academy at four years old, broke the senior record when he came on as a second-half substitute for the Lurgan Blues during a 6-0 win over Dollingstown in the BetMcLean Cup.

Atherton beat the record set by Jordan Allan, who played for Airdrie aged 14 years and 191 days.

He was a first-team regular for Glenavon throughout the 2024-25 season, scoring his first Irish Premiership goal against Loughgall in March, as Paddy McLaughlin's side finished 10th in the table.

Glenavon announced his exit on X, with a post stating: "Chris Atherton - blue still the colour.

"We can confirm that academy product Chris Atherton has left the club to sign for Chelsea We wish him the best in his career & hope he and his family won't be strangers at MVP."

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Carrick Rangers have completed the signing of striker Ryan Waide from Loughgall.

The 25-year-old, who previously had a loan spell at Carrick, made 45 appearances for the Villagers, scoring 11 goals after joining from Ballymena United in January 2024.

Waide had joined Ballymena in the summer of 2020 and played 140 times for the Braidmen, scoring 18 goals.

The forward is delighted to be returning to his hometown club, this time on a permanent basis.

"The last time I was at the club I was still a young kid, 18 years of age, but I've played a lot of games in the Premiership since then and I'm still only 25.

"I've matured a lot within the game and understand the game in the Premiership a lot more as I have a couple of hundred games under my belt.

"As soon as I knew it was a possibility to come back home and play for my hometown club it was a no-brainer and I made it very clear from the start that this was a deal that excited me and something I wanted to get done as quickly as possible."

Carrick manager Stephen Baxter commented: "Ryan is a local boy who I believe has yet to reach his full potential.

"I know his excellent ability to take people on and score goals will flourish in this new environment and show everyone what he's all about."

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Armagh gaelic footballer Stefan Campbell has agreed to sign up for a fourth spell with Mid-Ulster Football League side Lurgan Celtic.

The Orchard county forward will play for the Hoops during the 2025-26 season, having previously enjoyed three periods as part of the first team squad after coming through the club's youth system.

Campbell last turned out for the club in 2018.

He missed Armagh's All-Ireland quarter-final defeat by Kerry at Croke Park last weekend because of a hand injury.

His impact from the bench has been a key part of the success enjoyed by Kieran McGeeney's 2024 All-Ireland champions in recent seasons.

Lurgan Celtic manager Niall Lavery expressed delight at the addition of Campbell.

"What a player. I played alongside Soup [Campbell] for long enough to see what he can do. A leader in any changing room," said Lavery.

"He'll add pace, power, goals and all-round quality to the team.

"It's a brilliant addition that drives the professionalism up considerably. Can't wait to see Stefan back and scoring goals."

Last month it was announced that Tyrone All-Ireland winning forward Cathal McShane had signed for Premier Intermediate side Strabane Athletic.

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Cliftonville midfielder Marissa Callaghan said she felt "immense pride" in the Reds' 4-2 comeback win against Glentoran in the Women's League Cup final.

The Reds trailed 2-0 at half-time after Emily Wilson's well-taken double, but they scored four times in the second half to win the trophy for a third successive season.

Callaghan netted the third by heading beyond Ashleigh McKinnon and praised her side's stunning second half display.

"I thought we came out and completely dominated the second half," she told BBC Sport NI.

"First half, we lost ourselves a little bit, we were nervous and lacked a bit of awareness in the game. Fair play to Glentoran, they did well to get their two goals, but what a second half from us, every player gave everything, and we left everything on the pitch and deserved to win in the end."

The former Northern Ireland captain said an honest half-time team talk and a tactical switch of position for forward Naomi McLaughlin were the catalysts for change in the second half.

"Half-time there were words, it was not the first half we wanted but we're a group of winners, we know how to win a game, and the coaches changed it with Naomi coming inside and she changed the game for us, she set up three of the four goals, " Callaghan added.

"It was nice to score what I thought was the winner at the time, there is no better feeling than scoring in a cup final."

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Linfield manager David Healy has pledged his future to the club with confirmation he has signed a three-year extension.

Healy will remain in the Windsor Park hot seat until the end of the 2028 season and Linfield also confirmed that Head of Recruitment and Development, Willie McKeown, will remain at the club too.

The former Northern Ireland striker was appointed manager of the Blues in October 2015 and has delivered six league titles, plus two Irish Cups and three League Cups.

There had been speculation linking the 45-year-old with a move to Scotland, but it is now certain he will remain with the south Belfast side, who will enter the new season as defending champions.

"I am delighted to reach agreement with the board on an extended contract with the club," Healy said.

"Everyone knows how much this club means to me and my focus is now on our important European fixtures in the coming weeks and the new domestic campaign ahead.

"I am also pleased to announce that, despite recent media speculation, our Head of Recruitment and Development, Willie McKeown, will be remaining with the club. Willie is a vital part of my backroom staff, and I am delighted that he has committed his future to Linfield."

Linfield chairman, Roy McGivern said he was delighted to extend Healy's stay with the club.

The Blues romped to the league title last season, and he believes they can build upon that success going into the new campaign.

"I am pleased that we have reached agreement with manager David Healy on a new three-year contract," McGivern said.

"David has brought repeated success to this club and hugely deserves this new contract.

"The manager deserves particular credit for our emphatic league title success last season and the award of this new contract brings stability to the club as we prepare to embark on another important season.

"I look forward to working with David in the years ahead as we strive to maintain our position as the leading club in local football."

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Darragh McBrien has returned for a second spell at Dungannon Swifts after being released by Linfield.

McBrien joined Linfield from the Swifts on a two-year deal in August 2023 in a move which involved Ethan Devine switching to Stangmore Park on loan until January 2024.

The forward made 26 appearances in his first term with the Blues, scoring three goals and helping the south Belfast side win the BetMcLean Cup.

McBrien's game time was limited last season however, making just six Premiership appearances and not featuring since November.

The 23-year-old is looking forward to another stint at Stangmore Park as part of manager Rodney McAree's squad.

"I had some trouble with injury towards the back end of last season so I wanted to come in and get a bit of training under my belt," McBrien told Dungannon Swifts' social media channels.

"I got that training and then had some positive talks and I'm delighted to get it over the line.

"I want to come in here, get a lot more games and show everyone the level that I can get back up to."

Elsewhere, Ballymena United have signed versatile defender Joel Thompson from Finn Harps on a multi-year deal.

The 19-year-old started his career at Crusaders, making his debut at 15 before he moved to Nottingham Forest.

His two-year spell at the club was plagued by injuries and he then had spells at Colchester and Aveley FC before joining Finn Harps in January.

"We're really happy to get Joel in. He trained with us in January and did extremely well, but because he'd already played for two UK clubs last season, he couldn't play for a third," explained Ballymena boss Jim Ervin.

"He ended up at Finn Harps for six months, but we kept in contact with him and when we knew he wouldn't be staying there we were keen to get him in the building.

"He can play a number of positions, left-back, left wing-back, even as a number six. He'll have a bit of a break because he's been playing constantly for Finn Harps recently, but he's up to speed and we're looking forward to getting him in."

Cliftonville have made their first summer signing by snapping up striker Conor Falls.

The 21-year-old joins the League Cup winners from Huddersfield Town, where he spent five seasons which included loan moves with Stalybridge Celtic, Liversedge and Curzon Ashton.

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Ballymena United have completed the signing of right-back David Toure after the defender's recent departure from Glenavon.

The 20-year-old joins the Sky Blues following the conclusion of his contract with the Mourneview Park club.

Toure joined Glenavon from Shelbourne in the January window at the start of 2024 and impressed during an 18-month spell in mid Ulster.

Ballymena manager Jim Ervin said: "David is a quality signing and an exceptional talent.

"He's young, energetic, enthusiastic and has a big future ahead of him. He's another who sets out the standards we're trying to create."

Toure commented: "From the outside looking in I could see this was a squad that's improving and it was a no brainer really. I spoke to a few lads already here and they love it.

"I've had a good season and a half in the league and have a good grasp of it. The club made a good start to last season but it's about maintaining that and pushing on and the top six has to be what we're aiming for at least."

Toure is the sixth addition to the Braidmen's squad ahead of the start of the new Irish Premiership campaign in August.

Ervin has also acquired the services of new arrivals Matthew Clarke, Ryan McNickle, Declan Breen, Jack O'Reilly and Daire O'Connor.

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Glentoran goalkeeper Daniel Gyollai has left the club to join Hungarian side Kolorcity Kazincbarcika for an undisclosed fee.

Gyollai signed for the Glens last summer and his impressive displays saw him named in the NI Football Writers' Association and win Glentoran's Player of the Year award.

He made further headlines for scoring a goal in Glentoran's Irish Premiership win over Cliftonville.

The former Stoke City, Wigan Athletic and Peterborough United goalkeeper signed a contract extension with the east Belfast club in January until the end of the 2025-26 season but will now return to his native Hungary.

"This has been the best year of my football career, and I want to thank everyone at Glentoran for making it so special. From the moment I arrived, I felt part of something special. The fans, the players and the staff welcomed me with open arms and supported me every step of the way," Gyollai told the club's website.

"Leaving is not an easy decision. I do so with a heavy heart, but my family are in Hungary and the time feels right to return home for personal reasons."

Glens boss Declan Devine added: "Dan signed his new contract on the clear understanding that if the opportunity arose to return home to Hungary, we would not stand in his way. His partner, family and closest friends are all based there and this move is purely for personal reasons. That is the only reason.

"Naturally, we are disappointed to lose him because he has been absolutely exceptional since the day he arrived. For me, he was the best goalkeeper in the league. He leaves with our full support, and we wish Dan nothing but happiness and success as he begins this next chapter back home."

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Ballymena United have signed former Cliftonville and Glentoran winger Daire O'Connor from Scottish side Hamilton Academical.

The 28-year-old becomes the Sky Blues' fifth summer signing and joins on a multi-year deal.

O'Connor had spells with UCD and Cork City before his first Irish Premiership stint with Cliftonville in 2020.

He left the Reds after an impressive campaign with the north Belfast club to sign for Scottish club Ayr in 2021, before he then switched to Glentoran in 2023.

During his sole season with the Glens, O'Connor netted 15 goals and registered 12 assists, prompting a move to Scottish Championship side Hamilton on a two-year deal.

He spent the latter part of last season on loan at East Kilbride, helping them to win the Lowland Football League.

O'Connor follows Ryan McNickle, Declan Breen, Matthew Clarke and Jack O'Reilly in joining Jim Ervin's side this summer.

"I was drawn by the ambition. They're very motivated to push up the table, finish closer to Europe and get a cup run," he told the club's website.

"This is a league I've thrived in before, I feel like I know it almost inside out. Things didn't work out in Scotland, but I have a spring in my step again to prove some people wrong and show the Showgrounds what I can do."

Elsewhere, newly promoted Bangor have signed experienced defender Mark Haughey.

The 34-year-old won four Gibson Cups and two Irish Cups during his time with Linfield before spending 10 years with Glenavon.

David Toure and Len O'Sullivan have also left the Lurgan Blues upon the expiration of their contracts after turning down the offer of new deals.

Portadown have confirmed the permanent signing of Divin Isamala from Bohemians for an undisclosed fee after he impressed during a loan spell with the Ports last season.

BBC Sport NI is to broadcast live coverage of both legs of the Champions League first qualifying round tie between Irish Premiership champions Linfield and Irish Premier Division winners Shelbourne.

The sides were paired in the recent draw for the European competition.

The first leg will be played at Tolka Park in Dublin on Wednesday 9 July, with a 19:45 BST kick-off.

The second leg takes place at Windsor Park in Belfast on 16 July, again with a 19:45 start.

Both matches will also be available to view on BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website and app.

The winners of the tie will face Azerbaijan club Qarabag in the second qualifying round, with the losers dropping into the Uefa Conference League second round to play the defeated side between FK Zalgiris of Lithuania and Hamrun Spartans of Malta.

Shelbourne, whose title-winning manager Damien Duff resigned on Sunday, collected their first League of Ireland crown in 18 years in 2024.

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

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.

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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."