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
Image source, Pacemaker Press
Image caption,
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), Rhys Annett (Linfield - loan)
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
Image source, Pacemaker Press
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), Matt Yates (Stenhousemuir), Sam Taylor (loan, Tranmere Rovers), Isaac Baird (Glenavon)
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), Rhys Annett (Portadown, loan), Ryan McKay (Carrick Rangers, loan)
A 'lot going on' at Larne during summer - Rooneypublished at 09:13 8 August
09:13 8 August
Image source, Pacemaker Press
Image caption,
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), Josh Kee (Glenavon, loan), Oisin Devlin (Bangor, loan), Dan Collett (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), MJ Kamson-Kamara (Lincoln City, loan)
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
Image source, Getty Images
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)
Glenavon trying to 'build on positives' - Coates published at 17:15 7 August
17:15 7 August
Image source, Pacemaker Press
Image caption,
Colin Coates retired last season after taking the position of assistant coach at Glenavon
Assistant manager Colin Coates says Glenavon are ready to "build on the positives" after some mid-season "firefighting" after changes in the dugout last year.
The club have made 10 signings with Jordan McMullan, Oran O'Kane, Kris Lowe, Luke Cartwright, Paddy Burns, Stephen Mallon, Harry Murphy and Kyle McClelland have all joined the club.
Fourteen players have left the club, including 16-year-old forward Chris Atherton's long mooted move to Chelsea.
"It's been a busy sort of summer," said Coates, who became assistant manager under Paddy McLaughlin last year following Stephen McDonnell's exit.
"After we came in last November, the first summer transfer window was always going to be busy with us wanting to bring in our own sort of players and maybe move people on whose time had came to an end at Glenavon, naturally more than anything.
"It's been a good summer and so far, it's been productive in terms of recruitment but also our training and our games that we've had, it's been top drawer."
After former Cliftonville boss McLaughlin arrived last season, he helped lift the club from just four points off bottom of the table into 10th place, 14 points clear of Carrick Rangers in 11th and 24 points better off than relegated Loughgall.
"It was certainly firefighting when we first came in and just making sure that we stayed in the league," Coates added.
"Obviously we've done that and now it's about trying to build on the positives and try and move up the table where we believe Glenavon deserve to be.
"We have our ideas of how we want to play and, by bringing in the players that we've brought in, we'll be hoping that we can improve on last year's 10th place finish."
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), 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)
McAree wants Swifts to push for Europe againpublished at 16:38 7 August
16:38 7 August
Image source, Pacemaker Press
Image caption,
Rodney McAree returned to the Swifts in 2023 after stints at Coleraine and Glentoran
Dungannon Swifts manager Rodney McAree says qualifying for Europe again must be "the challenge" for his side ahead of the new Irish Premiership campaign.
During an impressive 2024-25 season, the Swifts won the Irish Cup for the first time to qualify for Europe and finished fourth in the league.
However, they became the second team to exit the Uefa Conference League qualifiers after being defeated 3-1 on aggregate by FC Vaduz despite winning the away leg 1-0.
Even though that defeat put to an end to the Swifts' first European run in over a decade, McAree is hoping his side "can have another go" soon.
"If we can show the grit, determination and desire that we have shown in our European games in the league then we will hopefully be all right," McAree told BBC Sport NI.
"It would be nice to experience this again and that has to be the challenge. If we can win the Irish Cup or be fortunate in the league, then we can have another go at it."
Despite all focus now going to the league campaign, and Sunday's season-opener against champions Linfield, McAree said his players did "the league proud" during their European adventure.
"I am disappointed that we are going out, but I am proud of everyone," McAree continued.
"The boys have done themselves and their families proud and I think we have done the league proud as well.
"It is disappointing for our league that we don't have three teams going through but it is great to see Larne and Linfield fly the flag and we have given it a good go."
Caddell 'looking to build something new' at Cruespublished at 14:40 7 August
14:40 7 August
Image source, Pacemaker Press
Image caption,
Declan Caddell won three Irish Premiership titles as a player with Crusaders
Declan Caddell has said he has "put his own stamp" on a much-changed Crusaders side for the new Irish Premiership campaign.
Caddell led the north Belfast side to a sixth-place finish in his first season in charge after taking over from long-serving manager Stephen Baxter.
The Crues have signed a number of young players from Scotland summer window so far but have lost the likes of Philip Lowry, Daniel Larmour and Billy Joe Burns.
"Everything has been going well. Obviously, there is a big turnover of players, we were all aware there was going to be a rebuild at the club," Caddell told BBC Sport NI.
"We are really happy with the players we have brought in. We have a lot of youth about us, lots of energy, enthusiasm, and a lot of quality as well. They're all gelling and settling in well which is a positive for me.
"This is my second year now and it's always difficult coming into a club. Stephen did such a great job but, ultimately, a lot of them were Stephen's players and obviously times change, and I am looking to build something new and put my own stamp on things."
Caddell paid tribute to the long-serving players like Lowry and Burns for their contributions to the club but says he is excited to move forward with a younger squad.
"It's my responsibility to look after the benefit of the club and where it goes moving forward and big decisions had to be made," Caddell continued.
"We're sorry to lose all those players as they were a big fabric of all the success that the club had, but we had to move on. We now have these younger players coming in and they want to make a name for themselves, and that's something for us all to look forward to."
It has been a busy summer at Crusaders, who look to be rebuilding after an inconsistent first season under Declan Caddell.
As they did last year, the north Belfast side have brought a lot of players in from clubs in Scotland, hoping to unearth the next Kieran Offord, who was a revelation during his six-month spell at the club.
Of their seven additions, five come from Scottish clubs and it is a bit of a gamble whether they will settle in or fail to get going.
They have lost some experienced players with the likes of Billy Joe Burns, Daniel Larmour and Philip Lowry departing, but Kurtis Forsythe is a shrewd addition and Finley Thorndike has the potential to shine with regular game time.
Retaining their pace in the top six and pushing for Europe will be the aim under Caddell this season as well as improving their home form, which was patchy last year.
2025-26 signings so far: Kurtis Forsythe (Carrick Rangers), Kieran McKechnie (Arbroath), Finley Thorndike (Glentoran), Brandon Hamilton (Aberdeen), Musa Dibaga (Inverness), Adam Brooks (Queen of the South), Elliot Dunlop (Airdrie), Fraser Bryden (Ayr United), Evan Easton (Sheffield United - loan)
2025-26 departures so far: Jordan Stewart (Glentoran), Billy Joe Burns, Jimmy Callacher, Adam Lecky (all Carrick Rangers), Billy Vance (unattached), Ryan Kerr (unattached), Mal Smith (Dungannon Swifts), Philip Lowry (Limavady United), Alex King (Airdrie), Harry Franklin (Connah's Quay Nomads), Daniel Larmour (Glentoran), Josh O'Connor (East Kilbride)
There is huge excitement and expectation surrounding Coleraine this season, who have signed some big players in this transfer window from rival clubs.
Last year's Player of the Season Joel Cooper is the obvious one, but they have also added Kodi Lyons-Foster, who was named in the team of the season last year and Will Patching, who impressed at Derry City.
It will be boss Ruaidhri Higgins' first full season in charge but given the calibre of players brought in he will be tasked with preparing the Bannsiders for a title charge this season that will be spearheaded by Cooper.
Time will tell whether Higgins can get his new look side to gel quickly enough, but bringing European football back to the Coleraine Showgrounds will surely be the minimum aim.
They have a tough enough start to the season, with a mouthwatering first game at home to Larne on Sunday and a big game against Linfield later in the month which will be good indicators to see if the Bannsiders are up for the title fight.
2025-26 signings so far: Kodi Lyons-Foster (Glentoran), Joel Cooper (Linfield), Stephen Fallon (Linfield), Will Patching (Carlisle United - loan), Conor Murray (Hamilton Academical), Lewis McGregor (Airdrieonians), Ryan Schofield (Morecambe), Adam Long (AFC Flyde), Harry Evans (Derby County - loan)
2025-26 departures so far: Kyle Spence (unattached), Paddy Burns (Glenavon), Kyle McClelland (end of loan), Rory Brown (unattached), Rhyss Campbell (Cliftonville), Corey Smith (Glenavon), Jack Scott (Carrick Rangers), Aidan Tejada (Institute - loan)
European defeat 'fuel' for league season - Magilton published at 14:50 6 August
14:50 6 August
Image source, Pacemaker Press
Image caption,
Cliftonville finished in seventh position last year but defeated Coleraine in the European play-off
Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton has urged his side to use the disappointment of their European campaign as "motivation" for the new domestic season.
The Reds became the first Irish Premiership team to bow out of the 2025-26 Uefa Conference League qualifying rounds with a 5-4 aggregate loss to St Joseph's.
Hugo Jesslen netted the winner for the Gibraltarian side during extra time at Solitude last month.
"We were all bitterly disappointed," Magilton told BBC Sport NI.
"Over the course of two games if you go down to 10 men, you don't expect to win and that's the disappointing bit as I felt we had them in our grasp, the second game especially, and it's a huge disappointment that we couldn't go on and finish the game.
"We were very competitive right to the death, but we couldn't get it over the line and I would like to think we will use that as motivation and fuel for what is coming next."
It could be a huge season for the Reds, whose club members recently voted to accept a takeover proposal from the Toronto Investment Group.
The takeover by the Canadian consortium could see the north Belfast club move to a full-time model and lead to their Solitude home receiving a facelift, with Magilton saying that the takeover is currently "in the hands of solicitors".
"Cliftonville know where we are in the pecking order for getting players. The takeover isn't in place yet, it's in the hand of solicitors," added the former Northern Ireland midfielder.
"If that were to happen and we were given investment, it gives us a better opportunity to get quality players into the club. We are always very careful with who we bring in because financially we can't compete and that's just a fact and we acknowledge that.
"We always look to bring in players that are going to fit into the programme and bring that quality."
Cliftonville season previewpublished at 14:48 6 August
14:48 6 August
Image source, Inpho
2024-25 league position: 7th
Manager: Jim Magilton
Opening fixtures: Bangor (A) - 10 August (live on BBC iPlayer); Coleraine (H) - 16 August; Larne (H) - 19 August (live on BBC iPlayer); Linfield (A) - 23 August; Glenavon (H) - 30 August
Cliftonville are rebuilding once again after a difficult campaign last season which saw them finish in the bottom half of the table and lose the Irish Cup final.
The north Belfast side have lost some of their best players with the likes of Shea Kearney and Axel Piesold moving on and so far, they seem unable to adequately replace them ahead of the start of the season.
Young players Conor Falls and Conor Barr have been brought in and could thrive under Jim Magilton, who has a knack for unearthing young talents, whilst Rhyss Campbell looks to be a good signing from Coleraine.
They have lost a raft of players and only brought in four, so squad depth could be an issue for the Solitude club this term.
It was evident in their Uefa Conference League tie against St Joseph's which they lost in extra-time with their bench full of academy players.
A top-half finish, European football and some deep cup runs will likely be the aim for last year's BetMcLean League Cup winners.
2025-26 departures so far: Ruaidhri Donnelly (Newington), Declan Breen (Ballymena), Destiny Ojo (unattached), Kris Lowe (Glenavon), Arran Pettifer (Arbroath), Ryan Markey (unattached), Stephen McGuinness (Bangor), Axel Piesold (end of loan, Galway United), David Odumosu (Cork City), Shea Kearney (Dunfermline), Sean Stewart (Sligo Rovers), Reece Jordan (Loughgall, loan), Shay Reid (Preston North End), Coran Madden (Brentford)
The 2024-25 season was a miserable one that many Carrick Rangers fans would like to forget.
They won the promotion/relegation play-off against Annagh United to retain their top-flight status and end a tumultuous campaign on a high after just seven league wins from 38 games.
Boss Stephen Baxter, who replaced Stuart King last year, has opted for players he trusts in the transfer window as he looks to steer the club away from another season of fighting relegation.
The former Crusaders manager has raided his old club for experienced trio Jimmy Callacher, Billy Joe Burns and Adam Lecky.
He has also brought in Nathan Gartside as his new number one goalkeeper as well as striker Ryan Waide and midfielder Jack Scott, who impressed in spells with Coleraine last season, to help boost a thin squad.
They will hope Danny Gibson can continue to score goals to push them up the table after he managed 15 in all competitions last season, but they do have a tough set of opening fixtures to contend with.
2025-26 signings so far: Aidan Steele (Ards), Billy Joe Burns, Adam Lecky, Jimmy Callacher (all Crusaders), Nathan Gartside (Loughgall), Ryan Waide (Loughgall), Jack Scott (Coleraine - loan), Scott Pengelly (unattached), Matthew Snoddy (Glenavon), Ryan McKay (Linfield - loan)
2025-26 departures so far: Kurtis Forsythe (Crusaders), Curtis Allen (retired), David Cushley (retired), Jack Hastings (Larne - end of loan), Jack McIntyre (unattached), Reece Webb (unattached), Shane Forbes (unattached), Ross Glendinning (Loughgall), Albert Watson (Armagh City), Steven Gordon (Ards), Jack O'Reilly (Ballymena United)
Image source, Pacemaker Press
