WATCH: "The bond my players have is unique' - Institute manager Paddy McLaughlin
BetMcLean Football Show on Cool FM's Facebook page
Institute Paddy McLaughlin has revealed his side’s incredible spirit and determination to succeed – in the face of adversity.
He was speaking as a guest on our latest BetMcLean Football show, in association with NIFL, now available to view on Cool FM’s Facebook page (see link below).
Just two weeks after his appointment, a flood destroyed the club’s Riverside Stadium.
But he tells us that this only made the players stronger.
"To start from scratch two weeks into the job was a big ask, not just for me but for the players,” he said.
“We all stuck together and it brought us all tighter. The bond the players have after what they went through, and got promoted, it's unique."
McLaughlin says their Premiership survival could hinge on the goals of Michael McCrudden.
The captain has found the net five times already, and the club sit in 8th place after a bright start to life back in the top-tier.
"He's hit the ground running, which is brilliant for us,” he said. “We know it's going to be tough for us to compete against the best sides in the country. We speak about it regularly and Michael's a massive part of it - not just as our captain in the changing room, but as a player out on the pitch."
However, McLaughlin knows that if McCrudden keeps scoring, other clubs might be tempted to make a move.
"You always have that worry with all players, especially when we have so many young players,” he said.
“They're exciting and they have so much talent so there's a worry one of the bigger sides will come in. But we've got a tight unit, and we believe that if we stick together we can enjoy a journey in the Premiership."
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