Football is back this weekend and those involved cannot wait to get started
The Irish League returns this weekend and the excitement levels are going through the roof.
Every year we seem to predict an even better campaign than the last and this season is no different.
With the financial investment, full-time teams, player recruitment, extended European runs and increased media coverage many think this season could be the best ever.
We asked some of the main protagonists in the Irish League have they noticed a difference heading into this campaign.
Stephen Baxter, Carrick Rangers
“There are players coming in from everywhere, there are finances…it just seems to be booming now.
“It’s great. I think the amount of social media coverage has really lifted our game to new heights. I think you are seeing that now in the attendances, the cup finals and just huge numbers.
“I think it’s really superb. It’s a very exciting product right now. As I say, hats off to the media, NIFL and others who have really promoted the game.
“I think that’s reflected then in the clubs themselves and how hard they are working. I see that difference with the coaches and the quality and all the things that are going on at clubs. It’s definitely over the last ten years been superb.”
Colin Coates, Glenavon
“I’ve certainly noticed that being on the other side of it now, you’re dealing with agents and all now. It probably wouldn’t have happened as much in my day.
“You’ve players coming in from Scotland and you’ve agents phoning you now from all over the world. People want to come and play in the Irish League.
“NIFL have done great work to brand the league and obviously there’s a lot of social media coverage, the BBC are streaming games and the local media coverage as well all plays its part.
“From when I first started playing in terms of the coverage, it’s night and day. I used to run home and get the Ireland’s Saturday Night, that was about all you got.
“The coverage is great for the league and it’s great for the young players too. It gives them a real platform to go and showcase their talents.”
Jim Magilton, Cliftonville
“I think as a group of players and managers we have a responsibility to promote the league, and NIFL continue to do a wonderful job around that as well.
“So, if we can attract really good players come into the league and continue to enhance that reputation as well as it also being a hotbed for young players.
“The likes of Shea Kearney, once he came into our team, he never went out of the team. He had a terrific spell.
“A two-year period where he’s won an Irish Cup, lost an Irish Cup but scored a wonderful goal, won a League Cup and played in Europe twice.
“His reputation now is enhanced, which attracts attention from Scotland and England and the boy’s gone, hopefully that will continue to happen.”
Lee Feeney, Bangor
“It just seems to be everybody’s talking about it. It’s a fantastic league. Watching the games, you’re going to get everything in it.
“Crowds are getting better. Quality is getting better. I’m glad to see the teams are progressing in Europe.
“All these teams are part of the furniture in this league. It’s new to us but we’ll take it in our stride.”
Ruaidhri Higgins, Coleraine
“It’s brilliant. Investment is good for the league. My opinion is the more clubs that become full time the better.
“The better the product the better. To do that it needs investment as well. I’m not naive in that regard but I think it’s becoming more professional.
“I think it’s being treated more seriously. I’ve been very pleasantly surprised at how our club is functioning and how our club works on a daily basis.
“We can have no complaints and we’ve got everything at our disposal to try and make the club become successful.”
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