We are now over halfway into our season and the assessment at this stage is that we have not been good enough. It has been a steep learning curve for both players and coaching staff but it has presented us with a new challenge. Whilst many of our defeats have been by a single goal and involved tight games there have been too many to say we had an off day. It is very frustrating as I feel we have a squad that is capable of doing better but ability alone will not win this division. It is a physical league with some tight pitches but also includes some very good foot-balling teams. We can have no excuses but we certainly aren’t feeling sorry for ourselves as there are plenty of games remaining to finish the league as high as possible. Winning successive promotions was always going to be a tough ask but one we had genuine belief in. The ambition of promotion will always remain whatever league we are in and we are going to have to learn from the mistakes we are making. Warrenpoint Town and Dollingstown both had to earn their passage from this division into Championship football and we are going to have to do the same. I can assure our fans that we are working hard both on and off the pitch to make this ambition a reality. The players at the club will have to work hard between now and the end of the season to prove they are worthy of a place at the club and as manager it is my responsibility to ensure we finish the season strongly.
Finally, I would like to wish Joe Campbell and Aaron Brilly the best of luck with their new clubs. Both players have made a positive contribution to the club and will always be welcome at The Showgrounds.
Yours in Sport,
Darren