Reflecting on your managerial career to date, you have managed at Warrenpoint, Portadown, and Ards, what are the key lessons that have you taken from these experiences? “Reflecting on my managerial career so far, I’ve had some really enjoyable and successful spells, particularly at Warrenpoint and Portadown. Starting chronologically, my journey began at Warrenpoint shortlyContinue reading “Exclusive: Matthew Tipton on management, player development and his next steps”
Author Archives: Callum McFadden
Matthew Tipton on scoring goals in England, Irish League memories and representing Wales at international level
Reflecting on your playing career as a striker, during which you represented clubs like Oldham, Macclesfield, Mansfield, and Bury in English football, what are some of your standout memories or defining moments from that period? “Honestly, all of them. People often ask, “How can you have only good memories? There must have been some toughContinue reading “Matthew Tipton on scoring goals in England, Irish League memories and representing Wales at international level”
Barry Smith on Celtic, Dundee, playing and coaching abroad
Reflecting on your playing career, you came through the ranks at Celtic and broke into the first team at a young age. What stands out to you when you think back on your time at the club? “To be honest, when you’re growing up and want to play football at a professional level, getting theContinue reading “Barry Smith on Celtic, Dundee, playing and coaching abroad”
Exclusive: David Odumosu on Irish Cup success and life at Cliftonville
Before we delve into last season’s Irish Cup success, you’ve made an impressive start to this season, earning the Player of the Month award. How satisfied are you with your early performances and the momentum you’ve built so far? “On a personal level, winning awards like Player of the Month is always gratifying. It’sContinue reading “Exclusive: David Odumosu on Irish Cup success and life at Cliftonville”
Exclusive: Gary Hamilton on Glenavon success, his departure and next steps
You grew up supporting Glenavon, and after joining the club on loan, you eventually signed on a permanent basis before quickly transitioning into the role of player-manager. Remarkably, you held that managerial position for over 12 years, which is an incredible achievement in today’s football environment. During your playing career, you spoke about howContinue reading “Exclusive: Gary Hamilton on Glenavon success, his departure and next steps”
Exclusive: Gary Hamilton on Blackburn Rovers, Irish League playing days and Northern Ireland
As a player, you had an incredibly successful career, particularly in the Irish League with standout performances for Portadown and Glentoran. You won the league title at Portadown and added to that success by winning the Irish Cup, before going on to achieve further accolades at Glentoran, including league titles, League Cups, and CountyContinue reading “Exclusive: Gary Hamilton on Blackburn Rovers, Irish League playing days and Northern Ireland”
David McCracken: From captain to coach and unfinished business within football
Given your experience as a player, particularly in leadership roles such as captaincy, how did your tenure as co-manager at Falkirk alongside Lee Miller enhance your perspective on coaching and management? “Absolutely. I gained invaluable experience during that period. Lee and I both have fond memories of our time there. The way it concluded wasContinue reading “David McCracken: From captain to coach and unfinished business within football”
Exclusive: Albert Watson on Carrick Rangers, Larne, coaching and facing Spanish legend Raùl
How would you evaluate your experience with Carrick Rangers since joining the club in 2023? “Ever since I came in, I’ve had a fantastic time. In my first year, we achieved the highest finish the club has ever seen, with the highest points total and position. “We qualified for the European play-off, whichContinue reading “Exclusive: Albert Watson on Carrick Rangers, Larne, coaching and facing Spanish legend Raùl”
Exclusive: Barry Johnston on making his way in management with Lisburn Distillery
You are in the first job of your managerial career at Lisburn Distillery. How do you reflect on your time at the club since taking over in 2022? “It’s been extremely beneficial for my self-development. “I joined a club with no players, no structure—essentially a blank canvas. I needed to rebuild the club’s reputation toContinue reading “Exclusive: Barry Johnston on making his way in management with Lisburn Distillery”
Exclusive: Larne Chairman Gareth Clements on Conference League Qualification
How would you summarise the significance and pride of being the first Northern Irish club to reach the UEFA Conference League? “It was surreal when it happened. Within 24 hours, we were on a whirlwind journey through Dublin, Paris, Nice, and Monaco. In the cold light of day, when you sit down and reflectContinue reading “Exclusive: Larne Chairman Gareth Clements on Conference League Qualification”
Callum McFadden 