Football season set to kick off

THE football season is set to kick off again this weekend, with both Loughgall and Armagh City in Championship action.

Loughgall manager Darren Murphy will be keen to lay the ghosts of last year’s disastrous Premiership campaign to rest, with the Villagers demoted to the Championship and saying farewell to long serving manager Dean Smith in a messy wrangle.

The club has seen some big departures on and off the pitch, while new signings have brought in a mix of youth and experience.

And they’ll need all of that for Friday night as they host a strong Institute side at Lakeview Park.

Darren said, “It was always going to be the case, after spending two years in the Premiership that we were going to lose some players. That’s inevitable and not unique to Loughgall.

“All the departures left on what we wanted, and likewise the players coming in.

“We’re trying to form a new group and we’ve brought in a wee bit of experience and a wee bit of youth. We tried to do that very early in the window to give us an opportunity to gel together.

“Pre season has been very good, at this moment in time we have everyone fit and available going into Friday’s game.

“Going into your last week of pre-season with all the squad available is a nice position to be in for all the players. A hard position to be in for me, but you want the job to be as hard as it can

“It will be difficult picking the 11, and even more difficult picking the 18.”

He said there may be one or two more additions before the transfer window closes, and there might even be one or two departures, “That’s just where we are.”

It’s now a case of steadying the ship, “We have a new group of players coming together.

“Last year was disappointing for everyone involved in the club, it was a tough season both on an off the pitch.

“We have lost some really good people, the likes of Hilbert Willis was a big blow to the club, he was a man who has been around it a long time.

“There’s been a lot of change and sometimes change can be difficult.”

He went on, “Ultimately, the main goal is stabilisation.”

Looking around the Championship he pointed out, “There’s been investment in Limavady, there’s been investment in Harland and Wolff Welders, there’s been investment right beside us in Armagh City, who have signed very well.

“So it’s always going to be a really tough challenge when you add experienced campaigners to it like Annagh Utd and Dundela.”

He was not sugarcoating the task ahead, “It’s going to be a really tough division and a hard division to get out of and we start with a difficult game on Friday night at home to Institute.”

For Armagh City, the side has been bolstered by some key signings.

During the close season they have seen the permanent signing of Stephen Teggart from Glenavon.

The 27-year-old midfielder has already shown his quality and commitment around the squad and is ready to make a big impact in 2025.

And the club recently reintroduced Joseph Moore.

A spokesman said, “Joe arrives from Ballymena with serious quality, experience, and leadership.

“A calm head, a clever football brain, and a competitive edge - he’s exactly the kind of player who lifts standards across the pitch.

“Already settling in with the squad, Joe’s presence will be massive this season. Let’s give him a warm welcome (again) as he suits up for the Eagles.”

City have enjoyed a good pre-season run and it all kicks off in earnest for them on Saturday when they make the trip to Belfast to take on the rather handy Harland and Wolff Welders at the Blanchflower Stadium. Kick-off 3pm.