You reunited with Paddy McLaughlin at Glenavon in 2023, this time in a new capacity as assistant manager. How have you found the transition from playing to coaching and what are your thoughts about the upcoming season and the direction the club is heading? “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working alongside Paddy. I always had the secondContinue reading “Colin Coates on Working Alongside Paddy McLaughlin at Glenavon and on his Playing Career for Clubs and Country”
Tag Archives: Glenavon
NIFL Premiership 2025/26 Season Preview: Five Clubs To Watch
As the new NIFL Premiership season draws closer, anticipation is high following a summer of intriguing transfer moves and changes of ownership at several clubs. As ever, multiple teams across the league will be eyeing silverware – many of whom will be buoyed by Dungannon Swifts’ Irish Cup success last season, which proved that youContinue reading “NIFL Premiership 2025/26 Season Preview: Five Clubs To Watch”
Paddy McLaughlin on Glenavon Impact and Striving for Continual Improvement
You took over as Glenavon manager in November with the club sitting in 11th place and in the relegation playoff position. As we speak now – in mid February – you are in 9th place and 11 points clear of 11th place. What do you put the improvement of fortunes under your management down to?Continue reading “Paddy McLaughlin on Glenavon Impact and Striving for Continual Improvement”
Five Potential Successors to Tiernan Lynch as Larne Manager
Tiernan Lynch has been a transformative figure for Larne, guiding the club from the NIFL Championship to the UEFA Conference League in seven and a half years. With Lynch now set to depart for Derry City, Larne will need a strong replacement to sustain their upward trajectory. Here are five potential candidates who may backContinue reading “Five Potential Successors to Tiernan Lynch as Larne Manager”
Exclusive: Andrew Waterworth on goalscoring and overcoming adversity to work at the highest level
As the Head of Elite Player Development at the Irish FA, could you share what your role entails and how you’re finding the experience? “Formally, my role involves overseeing the elite player development pathway, which we’ve split into two phases. The first is the elite competition phase, which encompasses our senior team, U21s, and U19s—essentiallyContinue reading “Exclusive: Andrew Waterworth on goalscoring and overcoming adversity to work at the highest level”
Ciaran Caldwell on his playing days, Newry experience and managerial aspirations
You were most recently at Newry City as first team coach under Barry Gray. How do you reflect on your time at the club? “Firstly, I am grateful for the opportunity to work at a higher level within the game. Moving into the role of first-team coach was an invaluable experience, even if, ultimately,Continue reading “Ciaran Caldwell on his playing days, Newry experience and managerial aspirations”
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”
Callum McFadden 