Irish League Football

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2024-25 league position: 11th

Manager: Stephen Baxter

Opening fixtures: Crusaders (A) - 9 August; Glenavon (H) - 16 August; Linfield (H) - 19 August; Dungannon Swifts (A) - 23 August; Glentoran (A) - 30 August

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)

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Carrick Rangers manager Stephen Baxter has said that he is "building something new" as he approaches his first full season in charge.

Carrick finished 11th last season but a convincing 8-3 aggregate victory over Annagh United in the relegation/promotion play-off secured their Premiership status for the 2025-26 season.

During his first pre-season with Carrick, Baxter has acknowledged that the club are still searching for another two players before the window closes.

"We had 12 players who left so it was a total rebuild at my end and we have brought in good players and we are still on the search for maybe another two before the season starts," Baxter told BBC Sport Northern Ireland.

"We're trying to build a brand new system with new coaching staff and players. It might take a bit of time just to blend it all in while people get familiar with each other, but you're hoping that is what the pre-season is all about and they've all been in working hard.

"I've been very, very pleased with their attitude and their focus. They are all coming in fresh and hungry, and I have to hope that they hit the ground running."

Carrick's first game of the season is against Baxter's former side Crusaders at Seaview.

Baxter led Carrick to a 3-0 win over the Crues at Taylors Avenue last season, but Saturday's fixture will be his first visit to the Shore Road as a visiting manager.

"It is definitely an exciting fixture for everybody," added Baxter, who led Crusaders to three league titles and four Irish Cups during his 19-year stint at the helm.

"I'm just reasonably glad that we're getting it out of the way very quickly on my return.

"It is something that I'm actually looking forward to. It is going to be very strange to walk into the away dressing room. I might walk into the wrong dressing room."

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Bangor have completed the signing of former AFC Wimbledon defender Paul Osew ahead of their Irish Premiership opener against Cliftonville on Sunday.

The 24-year-old enjoyed a successful trial with the Seasiders in pre-season, making two appearances and scoring the opener in a victory against St James' Swifts.

Although regarded as a full-back, Osew has featured in midfield and in attack throughout his career which has included 77 appearances for AFC Wimbledon.

The Wandsworth native moved from the Brentford academy before making the switch to Plough Lane where he spent most of his career.

He has also enjoyed spells with Northampton Town, Woking and Welling United before arriving at Bangor this summer where he sufficiently impressed manager Lee Feeney to earn a full-time deal with the newly-promoted club.

Osew becomes the seventh summer arrival at Clandeboye Park following the signings of Gareth Deane, Stephen McGuinness, Mark Haughey, Liam Burns, Ross Ferguson and Harry Lynch.

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Bangor manager Lee Feeney has said his promoted side are not expecting to be "also-rans" in their first season back in the top flight in 15 years.

It was a successful season last year for the County Down side who finished five points clear at the top of the Championship and reached the semi-finals of the Irish Cup.

"We believe we can compete with anybody on any given day," Feeney told BBC Sport NI.

"We know that we're capable of beating anybody. Whether we can do it over 38 games a season, we'll find out.

"The club have suffered a lot and it wasn't long ago they were in the Ballymena League and some of the players that are still here played in there five years ago - so credit to them, now they have the reward of playing in the Premiership.

Feeney believes the club's tough road back to the Premiership can serve as motivation in the top flight.

"These players aren't here to just be also-rans. They are going to come here and try and compete and be the best they can be because they know how hard it's been to get here. They're not going to just throw it away lightly.

After winning the Premier Intermediate title in 2023 to return to the second tier, former Bangor player Feeney helped the side secure promotion back to the top flight for the first time since 2009.

However, he has admitted that pre-season hasn't been an easy one, especially in the transfer market.

"The players have worked really, really hard, but for me, as a manager, it has been frustrating trying to get players in because essentially we're bottom of the food chain when it comes to signing players and the budgets.

"One thing I've noticed is that any players you're in for, everyone's after them. I'm used to hearing no from the player, but we've made some very decent signings, and I'm delighted with the signings we have made."

The Seasiders' first game of the season is against Cliftonville on 10 August with Feeney "delighted" that the game will be in front of the BBC cameras.

"I'm delighted for the club to get this opportunity," he added.

"I am glad we are at home and we will try to make it difficult for Cliftonville."

2024-25 league position: 1st (NIFL Championship)

Manager: Lee Feeney

Opening fixtures: Cliftonville (H) - 10 August (live on BBC iPlayer); Glentoran (A) - 16 August; Crusaders (H) - 19 August; Ballymena United (A) - 23 August; Dungannon Swifts (H) - 30 August

A first season back in the top flight since 2009 awaits Bangor, who have a tough set of early-season fixtures, including Sunday's opener against Cliftonville at Clandeboye Park, which is live on the BBC.

Manager Lee Feeney, who signed a three-year contract extension in the summer, has moved to add some Irish Premiership experience to his team with the additions of Gareth Deane and Mark Haughey from Glenavon.

Stephen McGuinness and Harry Lynch are exciting additions as young players attracted to the Seasiders with the promise of more regular game time.

While retaining many of the key performers from their title-winning season, their squad still looks a bit undercooked for the demands of the top flight, something Feeney will want to address before the window shuts.

They will hope Championship Player of the Year Ben Arthurs can make the step up to the Irish Premiership after netting 23 goals in the second tier last season.

His goals will be crucial to Bangor's hopes of staying up, with survival their main aim this campaign.

2025-26 signings so far: Gareth Deane (Glenavon), Stephen McGuinness (Cliftonville), Ross Ferguson (Larne), Mark Haughey (Glenavon), Harry Lynch (Glenavon), Liam Burns (Linfield), Paul Osew (unattached), Oisin Devlin (Larne - loan)

2025-26 departures so far: Adam Neale (Ballymacash Rangers), Jack Reilly (Ards), James Taylor (Ards), Callum Byres (Victoria Athletic), Ben Fry (Knockbreda), Patrick Solis Grogan (Dungannon Swifts - end of loan)

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Ballymena United manager Jim Ervin believes last season was a "reality check" for his side, but believes the Sky Blues have "gelled really well" ahead of the new campaign.

After finishing ninth last term, it was a busy transfer window on Warden Street with eight players joining the side and 12 leaving the club.

"They have all gelled really well. We had a training camp two weekends ago and it was all about trying to get the new boys gelled in," Ervin told BBC Sport Northern Ireland.

"Obviously there are a lot of new faces and big personalities and stuff like that. So it's important that you try and get them gelled in as quickly and as early as possible.

"I think the guys have settled in really well and they're just itching to get going as well."

Despite last season bringing welcome improvements from the previous campaign when the side finished 11th and had to overcome Institute to retain their Premiership status, Ballymena still struggled with consistency through 2024-25.

During the final six games, they registered just one victory after going 12 games unbeaten earlier in the season.

"The biggest disappointment of last season was how we faded off in the split. It was a massive reality check to me and the staff in terms of what we want to do and where we want to go," added Ervin.

"That's why we've went and recruited certain positions and certain personnel. We are trying to improve not only that position, but also the competition levels.

"We want everything to be as high a standard as we possibly can and we feel with bringing in certain types of players that we've brought in, they'll hold that standard really high and they'll call people out when they fall below it."

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2024-25 league position: 9th

Manager: Jim Ervin

Opening fixtures: Glenavon (A) - 9 August; Linfield (H) - 15 August (live on BBC iPlayer); Portadown (A) - 19 August; Bangor (H) - 23 August; Larne (A) - 29 August

Just like last season, it has been a busy summer at the Ballymena Showgrounds with plenty of ins and outs.

Some of the new arrivals will excite the Sky Blue faithful with the likes of Daire O'Connor, Matthew Clarke and David Toure among the more eye-catching additions who have performed well in the Irish Premiership with different clubs.

While Ben Kennedy scored 11 goals in 12 games in the early part of last season, when they started to dry up Ballymena lacked a clinical striker to share the burden, a position Ervin will surely be keen to try and strengthen before the window closes.

The Sky Blues made a bright start to the 2024-25 campaign, briefly topping the table in October after an eight-game winning run in the league, but then their form dipped, and they registered just six more win from 26 games.

The Braidmen will hope to cut out those inconsistencies this time around with a stronger squad as they push to break into the top six.

2025-26 signings so far: Ryan McNickle (Newry City), Declan Breen (Cliftonville), Matthew Clarke (Livingston), Jack O'Reilly (Carrick Rangers), Daire O'Connor (Hamilton Academical), David Toure (Glenavon), Joel Thompson (Finn Harps), Ali Gould (Watford)

2025-26 departures so far: Luke Hawe (Southampton), Johnny McMurray (retired), Sam Johnston (unattached), Caleb Crawford (unattached), Fiontan O'Boyle (Ballyclare Comrades), Shane Flynn (unattached), Jordan McMullan (Glenavon), Duncan Idehen (Derry City, end of loan), Conor Barr (Derry City, end of loan), Ethan Devine (Linfield, end of loan), Joe Moore (Armagh City), Shea McAuley (Coagh United, loan), Lewis Tennant (Dundela, loan), Caolan Loughran (Ards, loan)

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Linfield hammered Crusaders Strikers 6-0 to remain top of the Women's Premiership table ahead of Glentoran.

The Glens defeated Derry City 4-2 to stay one point behind the Blues with a game in hand.

Lisburn Rangers defeated winless Larne 3-1 in Friday's other fixture.

Cliftonville were not in action as they prepare for their Champions League Group Six game against Georgian opponents Lanchkhuti on Saturday in Prishtina.

Eva Myles netted a quick-fire hat-trick in the first half as Linfield blew Crusaders away at Seaview.

Zoe McGlynn added a fourth before Eve Reilly and Cora Chambers rounded out the emphatic win.

Glentoran, who play their game in hand against Larne on Monday, kept the pressure on their title rivals with a 4-2 win away to Derry City.

Jess Foy and Rachel Rogan put the visitors into a two-goal lead but Tara O'Connor-Farren pulled a goal back for Derry.

Kascie Weir soon restored the Glens' two-goal margin, but the hosts hit back again through O'Connor-Farren's second of the game.

However, Rogan netted her second of the game to secure a big three points on the road for Kim Turner's side.

Lisburn Rangers moved back into the top half of the table with a 3-1 win away to Larne.

Tierna Bell opened the scoring for Lisburn but the hosts levelled through Kirsty Cameron.

However, Rangers retook the lead with 15 minutes left through Gracie Conway and Abbie Smyth secured the win.

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Linfield manager David Healy says he will "assess" the transfer market after the club's progression in the Uefa Conference League.

The Blues, who won the Irish Premiership by 22 points last season, beat Lithuanian champions Zalgiris 2-0 at Windsor Park on Thursday and will now play Faroese side Vikingur Gøta in the third round of qualifying.

Linfield are just two rounds away from reaching the lucrative league phase, a feat managed by domestic rivals Larne last season, but have had a relatively quiet summer so far.

Despite losing star player Joel Cooper to Coleraine, Larne defender Sean Brown is the only addition to the squad to date, although Callumn Morrison, Kieran Offord and Alex Rodriguez Gorrin were all recruited during the 2024-25 campaign.

"The board and the chairman have backed me immensely since I've been at the club," said Healy, who has won six titles in 10 years at Windsor Park.

"I've never wanted to go crawling and begging for situations. We're not in dire need.

"All in all, we have a beefed-up squad from where we were last year. There were six players missing [against Zalgiris], and it still shows you the level of quality we have in the squad."

Healy is still dealing with a number of injuries before two games in the space of four days next week - the first leg against Vikingur is on Thursday while the Blues start their title defence against Dungannon Swifts on Sunday.

Should the right player not become available, however, the manager said he would "move on very quickly".

"The squad was probably a little bit thinner than we wanted with some of the injuries that we've collected over the three or four weeks since the Shelbourne game," he added.

"We'll assess what we think may help us. If it's not there and it's not applicable, then we'll move on very quickly."

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Women's Premiership leaders Linfield have announced the signing of Northern Ireland Megan Bell.

The Blues have also signed Jodie Loughrey and Grace McKimm.

Bell came through Linfied's academy and moved to Durham in 2019 before she had spells at Rangers, Hearts and Nottingham Forest.

The 24-year-old, who has 38 international caps, won three Women's Premiership titles in her first spell at the club.

Left back McKimm is a Northern Ireland youth international and joins from Cliftonville, while Loughrey joins her sister, Keri, at the club after moving from Sligo Rovers.

Ryan McConville's side hold a one-point lead over Glentoran but have played a game more than their title rivals.

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Larne defender Tomas Cosgrove says the Irish Premiership side "need to keep the ball better" in Thursday's Uefa Conference League second qualifying round second leg against Prishtina in Kosovo.

The east Antrim side were held to a goalless draw in the first leg of their tie at Ballymena Showgrounds last week.

"It was a weird game. We did well for 65 minutes and were disappointed we didn't score a few goals," said Cosgrove.

"We ended up with 0-0 and we were happy about it because we really hung on towards the end.

"It's a massive game on Thursday night. We know what we did right in the game and we know what we did wrong so we'll try to address that."

Cosgrove believes Nathan Rooney's side must dictate the pace of the game more in the second leg.

"They are a good team. They are at the same stage of the season as us but they kept the ball really well.

"We need to keep the ball a bit more, have a bit more belief.

"I think we were trying to force it and go for goal every time rather than recycling the ball and slowing the game down to our tempo."

The ex-Cliftonville player was part of both Irish Premiership title-winning squads with the Invermen in 2023 and 2024 and says that Rooney's arrival has brought a fresh approach.

"It's a new era at the club, new ideas. Kenny [Bruce. former owner] is away as well.

"Nathan brings in a lot of enthusiasm, he's really keen on the job.

"He brings a lot of energy into the building every day. We're all getting a big boost from it."

Whoever comes through the tie between Portuguese club CD Santa Clara and Croatian outfit NK Varazdin will be awaiting the winners.