Teams preparing for "tightest-ever" Irish League season
Ballymena and Crusaders kick-off fixtures programme tomorrow evening
The new Danske Bank Irish Premiership season kicks off tomorrow.
Ballymena entertain Crusaders in the opener with the rest of the fixtures on Saturday.
Last night the season was officially launched at the National Stadium at Windsor Park with players and managers from all 12 clubs in attendance.
NIFL managing director Andrew Johnston said it promised to be one of the most tightly contested seasons in recent years.
"Last season we witnessed one of the most dramatic title races in recent times with the destination of the Gibson Cup determined on a nail biting last day of the Season. Linfield overcame a nine-point deficit to win the Danske Bank Premiership to deny Crusaders a third successive title,” he said.
“Linfield will be keen to retain their title but it won’t be easy as all twelve clubs have set about their business in recent months to strengthen their playing squads for the new season.”
Nicola McCleery, Head of Marketing at Danske Bank said: “We’re very proud to be entering our sixth season as title sponsors of the Danske Bank Premiership. Our partnership with the Northern Ireland Football League in both the Men’s and Women’s Premierships is very important to us; it not only allows us to play our part in the community but also provides good visibility for our brand given the strong following behind all the clubs. We are delighted to be here at the National Stadium at Windsor Park and alongside the teams, the fans and the followers that make the Premiership such a success. We look forward to an exciting season ahead.”
Linfield begin the defence of their title at home to Carrick Rangers on Saturday.
In an interview with Downtown & Cool FM, boss David Healy’s said his side were up for the challenge.
“It’s going to be hard – it’s going to be difficult –I’m under no illusions,” he said.
“Teams have strengthened but we are looking forward to the challenges.
“The boys have worked hard pre-season – we have had a good prep – and we are ready.”
season W forward to we have had a good the boyus have worked hard in pre season we have had a good rpepa so the boys are ready
Elsewhere on Saturday (3pm) - Glentoran will travel to Fermanagh to take on Ballinamallard, Cliftonville will welcome back Joe Gormley back to competitive action against Ards at Solitude, Coleraine and Dungannon Swifts will be wanting to build on an encouraging last term when they meet at Stangmore Park.
Last season’s Championship winners Warrenpoint Town host Glenavon for an evening kick off (5.30pm) at Milltown.
FIXTURES AT A GLANCE
Friday 11 August – 7:45pm
Ballymena United v Crusaders
Saturday 12 August – 3:00pm
Ballinamallard United v Glentoran
Cliftonville v Ards
Dungannon Swifts v Coleraine
Linfield v Carrick Rangers
Saturday 12 August – 5:30pm
Warrenpoint Town v Glenavo