Irish League Football

Image source, Pacemaker

Larne manager Gary Haveron on his side's 2-0 win, clean sheet and three points:

"We pride ourselves on clean sheets. You're going to win games of football if you don't concede, especially with the firepower we have. We scored two brilliant goals, and it took two brilliant goals to break down a stubborn Bangor team. I feel we're going to get a lot of very good results, especially at home."

Haveron on substitutes making an impact, including Conor McKendry's strike:

"Conor's been a wee bit unfortunate, serving a suspension from the end of last year that cut his season short.

He's been patient and waiting for his opportunity, but that's exactly what you want from him. He's capable of moments of brilliance. The wee man comes on, and that's what he does - he's done it throughout his career. It's great to have him come on and take that vital goal."

Haveron on Benji Magee's late goal:

"It was important for Benji."

"It had been a frustrating afternoon for him, then he puts one in the corner, probably the most difficult of his chances today. He definitely had a lot of easier ones, and it was frustrating at times because you just wanted him to go and kill the game. But what a strike, worth the entrance fee alone for the fans."

"Benji's been a breath of fresh air, a really energetic player, and it was brilliant to see him get the goal he deserved."

Haveron on momentum and the squad getting stronger:

"We've still got a number of players to come back. Jordan McEnuff was on the bench today, maybe a wee bit early for him, but he'll come into contention. Leroy Millar is very close now, long-awaited, and we've also got Dylan Sloan and Alfie Bridgman to return from international duty.

"It bodes well because competition for places is there. When you're winning games, everyone wants to be part of it and contribute. The boys have been brilliant - working hard in training and taking it into matches."

Haveron on being linked with the permanent job:

"Listen, I think the owners are happy enough with the results and how we've been going about our work. We've got an exceptional group of players, and the credit always goes to them. They work so hard every day to show their qualities, and they're desperate to play and contribute. I'll just keep trying to do my best by them, supporting them and keeping them on the straight and narrow."

Image source, Presseye

Glentoran remain two points ahead of Cliftonville at the top of the Women's Premiership after both sides won their respective matches on Friday night.

The Glens won 2-1 at Lisburn Rangers, with Jess Foy opening the scoring deep into stoppage time at the end of the first half, then Faye Loughran scored against her former club early in the second half.

Gracie Conway grabbed a late consolation for Rangers with three minutes remaining.

Cliftonville meanwhile were 2-0 victors away to third-placed Linfield courtesy of two Teegan Lynch goals, one in either half.

Caoirse Doherty grabbed a double and Tara O'Connor-Farren was also on target as Derry City won 3-1 at home to Crusaders Strikers, Michelle McDaid was the scorer for the Crues.

Lisburn Ladies drew 0-0 with Larne in the night's other game.

Image source, Inpho

Holders Cliftonville will begin the defence of the BetMcLean Cup with a home first-round tie against Premier Intermediate side Coagh United.

The Reds beat Glentoran after extra time in last year's final courtesy of substitute Joe Gormley's goal.

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

All Irish Premiership sides and the top four ranked Championship clubs were seeded for the draw.

Last year's runners up and early Irish Premiership pacesetters Glentoran have been drawn away to Championship side Institute.

Gibson Cup holders Linfield will face Queen's University, Larne are away to Dergview whilst Crusaders host Ballymacash Rangers.

Irish Cup winners Dungannon Swifts travel to Ards, Carrick Rangers are away to Armagh City and Ballymena United welcome Ballinamallard United to the Showgrounds.

Promoted side Bangor will be at home to Lisburn Distillery, Coleraine will travel to Dollingstown, who received a bye through to the first round.

Portadown will be away to Newry City and Glenavon face a trip to Warrenpoint.

All ties will be played on Tuesday, 7 October unless specified and the games will be played to a finish.

BetMcLean Cup first-round draw

Ards v Dungannon Swifts (to be played Wednesday 8 October)

Armagh City v Carrick Rangers

Ballymena United v Ballinamallard United

Bangor v Lisburn Distillery

Cliftonville v Coagh United

Crusaders v Ballymacash Rangers

Dergview v Larne

Dollingstown v Coleraine

H&W Welders v Dundela

Institute v Glentoran

Linfield v Queen's University

Loughgall v Strabane Athletic

Moyola Park v Annagh United

Newington v Limavady United

Newry City v Portadown

Warrenpoint Town v Glenavon

Image source, Inpho

Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton has agreed a contract extension to remain at the Solitude club until 2028.

The former Northern Ireland international was appointed in June 2023, leading the Reds to Irish Cup success in 2024.

Alongside assistant manager Gerard Lyttle, who has also signed an extension until 2028, Magilton guided the club to more silverware last season - winning the BetMcLean Cup in March.

"Jim Magilton and Gerard Lyttle have been instrumental in the successes the Club has enjoyed over the last two seasons," chairman Kieran Harding told the Cliftonville website.

"As a management team, they have delivered trophies, European football and some hugely memorable experiences for supporters young and old.

"Their dedication to Cliftonville and to improving players on the training pitch cannot be underestimated and, as well as expressing my own delight at extending their contracts for a further three years, I'm sure I speak on behalf of Reds fans around the world when I say how much we're all looking forward to what we can achieve in the seasons ahead."

Image source, Inpho

Cliftonville say there are "clear gaps and outstanding issues to be resolved" in an update about a proposed takeover of the Irish Premiership club.

Club members voted to accept a proposal from the Toronto Investment Group [TIG] in April.

However, progress on finalising the investment had stalled and Cliftonville held an extraordinary general meeting with members about the takeover on Monday.

"It became evident that there remained clear gaps and outstanding issues still to be resolved," chairperson Kieran Harding said.

"As a result, it was agreed that the board would appoint an additional legal representative who would engage with TIG's lawyers to explore whether a resolution to those issues could be found."

When the proposed investment from the Canadian consortium was first announced, it was felt it could see the north Belfast club move to a full-time model and make improvements to their Solitude home, where the men's and women's senior teams play along with the club's youth set up.

Harding told BBC Sport in April that TIG would own 90% of the club, whilst the members will have a 10% stake as the group were keen to let the members have a "voice" in the running of the club.

In a statement on Monday, Harding said that it was hoped a decision on the takeover "will be made within the next two months".

He added that the board was "focused on protecting the long-term interests" of the club and supporters.

"A new Board subgroup was appointed involving the Chair, two newly co-opted Board members together with two representatives from the Membership of Cliftonville FC," Harding added.

"The subgroup will provide oversight on the discussions and guidance to the legal representative.

"The subgroup will report findings to the Board before a final decision on the investment is made by the Members."

Image source, Inpho

BBC Sport NI and NIFL have confirmed the next set of Irish Premiership fixtures that will be broadcast on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.

Ballymena v Linfield – Tuesday, 16 September (19:45 BST)

Coleraine v Glentoran – Friday, 19 September (19:45 BST)

Bangor v Linfield – Friday, 26 September (19:45 BST)

Cliftonville v Glentoran – Friday, 3 October (19:45 BST)

Larne v Linfield – Sunday, 12 October (15:00 BST)

Portadown v Linfield – Friday, 17 October (19:45 BST)

Glentoran v Portadown – Friday, 31 October (19:45 GMT)

Cliftonville v Linfield – Sunday, 2 November (15:00 GMT)

Follow live Irish Premiership coverage on Radio Ulster and the BBC Sport website every Saturday from 14:00 on Sportsound with in-play clips and live text commentary from every Irish Premiership game.

You can also follow our dedicated Irish League Football page on the BBC Sport NI website with all the latest news, reaction and highlights from the Irish Premiership.

Image source, BBC Sport

2024-25 league position: 8th

Manager: Niall Currie

Next five fixtures: Linfield (A) - 6 September; Coleraine (H) - 13 September; Bangor (H) - 20 September; Cliftonville (A) - 27 September; Glenavon (H) - 4 October

Just the six signings for Portadown this summer, but plenty of outgoings as Niall Currie looks to trim his squad.

The Ports have lost a great deal of experience with Ross Redman retiring and Dougie Wilson and Paul McElroy leaving for Loughgall, but have kept the impressive Ahu Obhakan and Josh Ukek.

The Shamrock Park outfit have also 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, as he does best, has also added players like Jordan Gibson, Aaron Wightman and Rhys Annett who will be keen to kickstart their stagnating careers.

Annett scored on his first start against Crusaders and the Ports will hope he can bring a regular supply of goals.

2025-26 signings so far: Jamie Rea (Loughgall), Alex Moore (Ards), Divin Isamala (Bohemians), Rayhaan Tulloch (Shelbourne), Jordan Gibson (Loughgall), Rhys Annett (Linfield - loan), Aaron Wightman (Glentoran - 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)

Image source, BBC Sport

2024-25 League position: Champions

Manager: David Healy

Next five fixtures: Portadown (H) - 6 September; Glentoran (A) - 12 September; Ballymen United (A) - 16 September; Glenavon (H) - 20 September; Bangor (A) - 27 September

Linfield, like Larne, have had a relatively quiet summer transfer window in terms of incomings, but they have lost two of their key players from their Gibson Cup winning campaign.

They have added just four players in defender Sean Brown, midfielder Isaac Baird and forwards Matt Yates and Sam Taylor to try and boost their squad depth.

Baird appears to be the most exciting of those four additions when he can get up to match sharpness, although Yates and Taylor should provide good cover if the in-form Kieran Offord or Matthew Fitzpatrick suffer injuries.

The loss of Joel Cooper, which the Blues knew about from January is a blow and they have not moved to find a direct replacement, although that seems to have worked so far with Offord becoming their talisman with a run of games.

It is Nottingham Forest's deadline day acquisition of Orr which looks like it could prove more problematic.

The 18-year-old was a mainstay in their defence since breaking through last season and the late move meant David Healy's side did not have time to bring in an adequate replacement.

They already looked a bit light in central defence before last season's Young Player of the Year moved to England and Chris Shields may have to step into that role if they suffer any injuries.

With the fee banked from Orr, they may look to address that problem in January or promote from within giving the success the young defender had last year when thrust into the first team.

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), Matthew Orr (Nottingham Forest)

Image source, BBC Sport

2024-25 league position: 2nd

Manager: Gary Haveron (interim)

Next five fixtures: Bangor (A) - 6 September; Glenavon (H) - 13 September; Crusaders (H) - 16 September; Carrick Rangers (H) - 20 September; Glentoran (A) - 27 September

By Larne's standards it has been a quiet transfer window with just four additions, but there has been plenty of change behind the scenes.

Owner Kenny Bruce, chief executive Niall Curneen and general manager Shay Kennedy all left the club before the season started, before Nathan Rooney, who was only re-installed as manager in May, was relieved of his duties after one game of the season.

Gary Haveron has stepped in as interim boss once again and is working with a squad and signings who admittedly are not his own.

When Rooney was in charge he brought in Dan Bent from Lincoln Red Imps and he already looks like their best addition as he has slotted into the team seamlessly as a box-to-box midfielder.

Kobei Moore is an exciting, if raw front player, whilst Matt Ridley adds some much-needed physical presence to the backline in the absence of injured captain Cian Bolger and Shaun Want, who departed in the summer.

With Andy Ryan out injured, and no other strikers brought in a lot will be asked of the likes of Benji Magee, Matty Lusty and Tiernan O'Connor to produce consistently for the Invermen.

Larne have made a few decent additions but, given their big injury list too, maybe not enough to help them challenge on multiple fronts.

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)

Image source, Inpho

2024-25 League position: 3rd

Manager: Declan Devine

Next five fixtures: Ballymena United (A) - 6 September; Linfield (H) - 12 September; Coleraine (A) - 20 September; Larne (H) - 27 September; Cliftonville (A) - 4 October

Glentoran, like Coleraine have acted decisively in the transfer market and did much of their business early on to offset the departures of some big players and move on some of those deemed surplus to requirements.

Jordan Stewart has returned to the Oval, a decade on from leaving for Swindon, and whilst many fans weren't too happy with the deal his performances so far for the Glens have certainly changed their mind.

Daniel Larmour has followed him to the Glens from Crusaders and looks a good acquisition to try and replace Kodi Lyons-Foster, who was named in the team of the season last year.

Alongside him in that team of the season was goalkeeper Daniel Gyollai, who has returned to Hungary and midfielder Fuad Sule, who has gone to Persis Solo.

Alex Mills has performed admirably so far for the top of the table Glens, keeping four clean sheets in five games and making some big saves, whilst Josh Kelly's return to fitness has given them more defensive midfield options as they look to replace Sule.

And in 34-year-old Pat Hoban, Glentoran have added a proven goalscorer who Devine labelled a "major coup" as they look to address their long-standing goalscoring problems, although he has had an early season injury and has made a solitary appearance off the bench.

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)

Image source, Inpho

2024-25 league position: 10th

Manager: Paddy McLaughlin

Next five fixtures: Dungannon Swifts (H) - 6 September; Larne (A) - 13 September; Linfield (A) - 20 September; Crusaders (H) - 27 September; Portadown (A) - 4 October

It has been a busy summer at Mourneview Park, with 12 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.

The Lurgan Blues have a new goalkeeper in the form of Jacob Carney and young defenders in Paddy Burns, Harry Murphy and Kyle McClelland, who have shown glimpses of their potential in this league at other clubs.

Whilst many of the acquisitions look like smart business, be it experienced or young players eager for regular game time, early indications suggest that McLaughlin will need time to bed in so many new players as his side are winless in their first five games.

The loss of dynamic full-backs David Toure and Len O'Sullivan and exciting midfielder Isaac Baird are big blows and they may also regret Matthew Snoddy moving to Carrick Rangers.

They will also hope Bridel Bosakani can score regularly as they, like many sides in the Irish Premiership, lack a clinical striker.

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), Isaac Baird (Linfield)

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Cliftonville moved to within two points of leaders Glentoran in the Women's Premiership with a comfortable 6-0 win against Lisburn Ladies at Solitude.

Naomi McLaughlin opened the scoring for the Reds three minutes before half-time, heading home from Abbie Magee's cross.

McLaughlin added her and her side's second five minutes after the restart with another close-range finish.

A long-range strike from Kirsty McGuinness two minutes later extended their advantage.

Aoibhe O'Neill, Katie Markey and Carla Devine then netted to wrap up the win for the reigning champions.

In Monday night's other game, Crusaders fought back from a two-goal deficit to beat Larne 4-2 at Inver Park.

Larne raced into a two-goal lead after just 16 minutes at Inver Park.

Striker Hollie Johnston broke the deadlock as she stroked home from Sasha Clarke's pass.

Clarke then turned from provider to goal scorer, firing home from range to double the home side's lead.

Their advantage was short-lived, however, as Crusaders pulled a goal back on 24 minutes as Michelle McDaid converted after a Larne defensive mix-up.

The Crues were level six minutes later through a goal from Ali McMaster and on 34 minutes they completed their comeback.

Emily Reid scored to turn the game on its head and give the Crues a half-time advantage.

Larne then missed a huge chance to draw level on 63 minutes as after Mia Little was upended in the box, Clarke's resulting penalty was saved by Crues goalkeeper Maddy Harvey-Clifford.

They were left to rue that miss when Maja Stachura extended the away side's lead seven minutes later.

Image source, Inpho

2024-25 League position: 4th

2024-25 Irish Cup winners

Manager: Rodney McAree

Next five fixtures: Glenavon (A) 6 September; Crusaders (H) - 13 September; Cliftonville (H) - 20 September; Ballymena United (A) 27 September; Larne (H) - 4 October

Dungannon Swifts have made a poor start to the season and are clearly missing Irish Cup-winning captain Dean Curry, who has retired and frontman John McGovern, who joined League of Ireland side Shamrock Rovers this summer.

Neither of those players have been adequately replaced internally as the Swifts would have hoped as Caolan Marron has struggled in defence and Tomas Galvin has yet to find the net at the other end.

Boss Rodney McAree aimed to strengthen his squad this summer after last year's incredible season as he brought in defender Mal Smith following his departure from Crusaders forward Darragh McBrien, who has returned for a second spell at Stangmore Park after being released by Linfield.

Both players, who are looking to reignite their careers at Stangmore, have yet to really get going in the Swifts' run of five straight defeats with fellow new signings Sean McAllister and Tiernan Kelly, who have started most of those games, also struggling.

It is safe to say so far, their business looks a bit underwhelming, and they seem not to have been able to add to the squad even from a position of strength after last year.

The late additions of former Glentoran striker Junior and youngster Sam Anderson from Luton should offer them some different profile of forwards.

They will hope both can quickly get up to speed hit the ground running as they look to transform their fortunes and get off the bottom of the table.

2025-26 signings so far: Mal Smith (Crusaders), Peter Maguire (Ballinamallard), Sean McAllister (unattached), Tiernan Kelly (Loughgall), Darragh McBrien (Linfield), Junior (unattached), Sam Anderson (Luton Town - loan)

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), Brandon Bermingham (Cliftonville - loan), John Scott (Loughgall - loan)

Image source, Inpho

2024-25 league position: 6th

Manager: Declan Caddell

Next five fixtures: Coleraine (H) - 6 September; Dungannon Swifts (A) - 13 September; Larne (A) - 16 September; Ballymena United (H) - 20 September; Glenavon (A) - 27 September

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.

Fraser Bryden's early season form indicated that they may have found their Offord replacement as he has four goals in four games whilst Adam Brooks and Elliot Dunlop have also impressed in helping Crusaders add more pace and creativity going forward.

It is at the other end where the Crues have struggled so far this season, shipping too many goals.

Goalkeeper Musa Dibaga has already lost his place to Jonny Tuffey after some early mistakes whilst they will hope Evan Easton, signed on loan from Sheffield United can replace the Daniel Larmour shaped hole in their defence.

They have lost some experienced players with the likes of Billy Joe Burns, Jimmy Callacher, Larmour and Philip Lowry departing, but Kurtis Forsythe is a shrewd addition, and Finley Thorndike has the potential to shine with regular game time.

They still look a couple of defenders short as they aim to stop conceding so many goals and retain their place in the top six.

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)

Image source, Inpho

2024-25 League position: 5th

Manager: Ruaidhri Higgins

Next five fixtures: Crusaders (A) - 6 September; Portadown (A) - 13 September; Glentoran (H) - 20 September; Carrick Rangers (H) - 27 September; Bangor (A) - 4 October

There is huge excitement and expectation surrounding Coleraine this season as they did most of their business early and signed some big players 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 hasn't quite clicked yet for Cooper and Patching in an attacking sense, although the former did net the winner against Larne on the opening day.

Lyons-Foster, meanwhile, has formed a solid partnership already with Charles Dunne, Lewis McGregor looks a real threat on the wing and Aidan Harris seems to have solved Coleraine's goalkeeping issues.

They added Zane Okoro from Lincoln on loan and midfielder Rowan McDonald late in the window and it will be interesting to see if Okoro can be the latest young striker to take the Irish Premiership by storm.

Time will tell whether Higgins can get his new look side to gel quickly enough, but they certainly have the squad to challenge for the league title, helped by their impressive summer business.

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), Zane Okoro (Lincoln City - loan), Aidan Harris (Newcastle United - loan), Rowan McDonald

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)

Image source, Inpho

2024-25 league position: 7th

Manager: Jim Magilton

Next five fixtures: Carrick Rangers (A) - 6 September; Ballymena United (H) - 13 September; Dungannon Swifts (A) - 20 September; Portadown (H) - 27 September; Glentoran (H) - 4 October

It was another summer of upheaval and rebuilding at Cliftonville, but probably not on the scale they hoped.

The calibre of players they could bring in to improve upon a disappointing campaign last season was hindered by the protracted takeover, which has not happened yet, so the Reds were unable to splash the cash in this transfer window.

They have had to rely mainly on free transfers and loan deals and contend with again losing some of their best players with the likes of Shea Kearney and Axel Piesold moving on and promising young players Coran Madden and Shay Reid going across the water.

The only player they paid a fee for, forward Rhyss Campbell, ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in his knee against former side Coleraine and is already out for the season.

A number of young players have been brought in from England with the likes of Adebayo Fapetu, Tom Lavery and Darien Wauchope showing glimpses already and they could thrive under Jim Magilton, who has a knack for unearthing young talents.

PJ Morrison has also impressed in goal since being handed the chance to start, but the squad lacks pace and the creative burden looks set to fall on the shoulders of captain Rory Hale with the goal scoring one still firmly on Joe Gormley despite a raft of strikers now at the club.

2025-26 signings so far: Conor Falls (Huddersfield Town), PJ Morrison (Alloa Athletic), Conor Barr (Derry City, loan), Rhyss Campbell (Coleraine), Adebayo Fapetu (unattached), Tom Lavery (Sunderland, loan), Darien Wauchope (Mansfield Town), Brandon Bermingham (Dungannon Swifts, loan)

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)

Image source, Inpho

2024-25 league position: 11th

Manager: Stephen Baxter

Next five fixtures: Cliftonville (H) - 6 September; Bangor (H) - 13 September; Larne (A) - 20 September; Coleraine (A) 27 September; Ballymena United (H) - 4 October

Going big on Irish Premiership experience is what springs to mind when looking at Carrick Rangers' summer business.

Stephen Baxter has raided his old club Crusaders 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.

Matthew Snoddy and Aidan Steele also look like smart additions to add more mobility to Carrick's midfield and many of the new signings have hit the ground running to help the Gers to an unlikely unbeaten start to the season.

The loss of Kurtis Forsythe, a consistent performer through the years has not yet been felt whilst Lecky and Danny Gibson have already formed a solid partnership with Waide waiting in the wings for his chance.

They have clearly added depth and upgraded in a number of positions. It looks like a good window by Carrick's standards.

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)

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

Manager: Lee Feeney

Next five fixtures: Larne (H) - 6 September; Carrick Rangers (A) - 13 September; Portadown (A) - 19 September; Linfield (H) - 27 September; Coleraine (H) - 4 October

Bangor have not gone crazy in the transfer market for their first season back in the top flight since 2009.

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 and the return of Lewis Francis from Loughgall on deadline day.

The first two players have gone straight into the side alongside Stephen McGuinness, who had a productive loan spell with the Seasiders last year.

Other additions are mostly young players keen to get regular game time and it will be interesting to see if the likes of Harry Lynch, Oisin Devlin and Liam Burns can cement a place in the side.

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.

The best piece of business they did was tie Championship Player of the Year Ben Arthurs down to a new deal and he has already two goals in five games. His goals will be crucial to Bangor's hopes of staying up.

The deadline day addition of Patrick Solis Grogan, who performed so admirably on loan last year in the Championship, on a permanent deal will also help.

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), Lewis Francis (Loughgall), Patrick Solis Grogan (Dungannon Swifts)

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), Matthew Ferguson (Dundela)