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: NIFL
Jim Ervin on managing Ballymena United, lessons from his playing career and aiming high for the new season
You are heading into your third season in charge of Ballymena. How do you reflect on the first two seasons that you’ve been in charge so far? “I always knew that going into management would be a bit of a learning-on-the-job type of experience. “The experiences I’ve had from the moment I came in untilContinue reading “Jim Ervin on managing Ballymena United, lessons from his playing career and aiming high for the new season”
Daryl Fordyce: From Portsmouth to Canada via a memorable career in the Irish League with Glentoran and Linfield
You made a life-changing decision to move to Canada during your playing career in 2023 and you still remain there to this day where you are an assistant coach at Valour FC. What has the transition from player to coach been like for you in Canadian football? “It has been an incredible journey forContinue reading “Daryl Fordyce: From Portsmouth to Canada via a memorable career in the Irish League with Glentoran and Linfield”
Aidan McAdams on Arbroath, His Journey Through the Leagues and Looking Ahead to the New Season
You are now at Arbroath, who won SPFL League One last season. With the new Championship starting soon, how much have you enjoyed your time at the club and how excited are you to be back at Championship level? “I have loved my time at the club so far. “Last season was brilliant. We hadContinue reading “Aidan McAdams on Arbroath, His Journey Through the Leagues and Looking Ahead to the New Season”
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”
The End of a Glorious Era: Kenny Bruce Sells His Shareholding in Larne FC
A pivotal chapter in the modern history of Larne Football Club and Northern Irish club football has come to a close. Kenny Bruce, the man whose vision and ambition transformed the club from a lower-league outfit into a powerhouse of Northern Irish football, has officially stepped down from his role as majority shareholder. His 50%Continue reading “The End of a Glorious Era: Kenny Bruce Sells His Shareholding in Larne FC”
Irish Premiership 2024/25 Season Review: Every Team Graded
By Dr Grant Campbell As another gripping season in the Irish Premiership comes to a close, I reflect on the highs, lows, surprises, and disappointments from across the league. From historic European achievements to title glory and the low of relegation, here’s how each of the 12 clubs fared, complete with their end-of-season grades. LinfieldContinue reading “Irish Premiership 2024/25 Season Review: Every Team Graded”
Ross Oliver on Building Success at Linfield and Working Alongside David Healy and George McCartney
Ross Oliver has been a central figure in Linfield’s footballing success over the last decade, working closely alongside manager David Healy to build a formidable partnership on and off the pitch. With league titles, youth development achievements, and new coaching opportunities with West Ham United, I sat down with him as he reflects on theContinue reading “Ross Oliver on Building Success at Linfield and Working Alongside David Healy and George McCartney”
Chris Lee on Irish Football and his new book ‘Shades of Green’
When reading the book, it is clear that a lot of meticulous research went into the writing process. Were there any particular interviews or discoveries that surprised you or changed your perspective on Irish football? “For example, the book is structured chapter by chapter on various facets of the Irish game. “What really fascinated meContinue reading “Chris Lee on Irish Football and his new book ‘Shades of Green’”
Stuart King on Life Post Carrick Rangers, Working in the Media & His Desire to Return
You left Carrick Rangers in October after four years in charge. How do you reflect on your departure and taking some time out of the game? “In all honesty, my departure probably came at the right time. When I look back, I probably should have gone in the summer instead of waiting until 10Continue reading “Stuart King on Life Post Carrick Rangers, Working in the Media & His Desire to Return”
Callum McFadden 