Official Club Corporate Sponsors 2008-2011

© 2008 Glenavon Football Club

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NEWS ARCHIVE

Check out this page for recently archived Glenavon news or use the links above for older stories.

You can also use the Search facility to find specific items on the site.

TESTIMONIAL FOR GERARD MCMAHON

Glenavon have awarded Gerard with a Testimonial year. As you will all know Gerard has been a great servant to Glenavon over the years and to date he has 158 full appearances, 11 as a substitute and has scored 37 goals for the Club that he loves dearly. Notably, the biggest goal that he has scored for the club was back in 1992, as a 17 year old, in the Irish Cup final against Linfield. Only a matter of days later Gerdie made the big money move to Tottenham Hotspur where he went on to play for the first team and in the process won 17 Northern Ireland caps.

A Committee has been formed to organise events to mark this special year for our favourite son. Further events are in the planning stage at the minute but we hope to have a ‘big name’ friendly in pre-season, a golf day and also a draw towards the end of the season.

For further information please contact Deane Burrell on 07793817107 or Eddie Drury on 07866273306.

STEWARDS APPEAL

Glenavon Stewards have been given a room underneath the Geddis Stand for use on match days and for training purposes. The stewards are attempting to construct this room at their own expense. As of today (Friday) they have just levelled the floor and the concrete should be in place.

"We have managed to get the cross bars moved to give additional room - our gratitude to Victor Jennet and George Emerson who have carried out the work free of charge" said Club Safety Officer Ronnie Quigg.

Once the concrete has settled the stewards will be putting in a wooden floor.

"We are now looking for sponsors in the electrical and joinery department - if anyone out there can help?" said Ronnie. "We are grateful to George Emerson of Norman Emerson and Sons for sponsoring the concrete for the base floor. If any one wishes to help they can contact Raymond Flannigan on 07703112511 or myself on 07725878147."

BANNER ADS

You will no doubt have noticed that, for the past couple of months, we have had a banner advert at the top of this main page. This is part of a unique revenue raising venture organized by the Marketing Department of the IFA with clubs in the Carnegie Premier League.

Put simply, a number of high profile companies agreed to place a series of banner adverts on the IFA, IPL and official club websites with a financial return being received by all parties based on page impressions and click-thru’s.

You can help maximise the revenue Glenavon receives from this scheme by simply clicking on the banner ad on your next visit to the site. It only takes a moment of your time but it will ensure that the club returns the highest possible figures and with it as much income as possible, funds that can be put towards such things as site developments or hosting fees for example. The revenue obtained will be small at first but the more visitors to this site who can view the banner ads the better.

In some cases, certain internet software blocks banner adverts and this will restrict the potential revenue generated. If you cannot see the advert online, then you may have a 'banner ad blocker' in place and Glenavon will not receive any money for this visit.

CLUB LICENCE

Glenavon's application for a Domestic Club licence for the 2008/09 season has been successful. The possession of the domestic licence is an essential requirement for the new 12-team Premier League which commences in September.

A decision is expected from the IFA within the next seven days as to which 12 teams will make up the new Premier League structure.

The Club did not apply for the UEFA licence for next season.

GOLF CLASSIC

Yes, it's time to dust off the clubs and polish the shoes for the return of the Glenavon Golf Classic. The popular event, organized by the hard-working Glenavon Directors, is set to tee off at 12 noon on Friday 23rd May at Lurgan Golf Club. The event is another part of the Directors' drive to increase revenue and assist team building for the 2008-2009 season, with a number of other initiatives also in the pipeline.

Update: Ian Irwin reports that the entry sheet for teams for the Golf Classic is now full but a few sponsorship opportunities are still available. If interested please contact Ian on 07725 128146.

It is hoped that a number of well known celebrities will be taking part and, after the last putt has been sunk, local comedian Gene Fitzpatrick will be taking centre stage as the master of ceremonies at the Grand Auction that follows the afternoon's play. The top item in the auction is a unique three wheeled golf buggy, the only one in Ireland, that has been brought in from Austria.

This unique three-wheeled Austrian golf buggy is the top item in the Glenavon Golf Classic Auction

AWARDS FOR 2007-2008 SEASON

TRIANGLE CLUB AWARDS

The Triangle Glenavon Supporters Club held its Annual Dinner and Awards ceremony on Friday night. Tuda Murphy was presented with the 'Player of the Year Award and Sammy Stewart was the 'Young Player of the Year'.

Sammy Stewart is presented with the Glenavon Triangle Supporters' Club 'Young Player of the Year' by secretary Cecil Withers and Glenavon manager Terry Cochrane.

VICTORIA CLUB AWARDS

Tuda Murphy is presented with the Victoria Supporters' Club 'Player of the Year' award by vice chairman Michael Scott. Looking on are Terry Cochrane and Dean McCullough.

The Victoria Glenavon Supporters Club held its Annual Dinner and Awards ceremony on Friday night. Tuda Murphy was presented with the 'Player of the Year Award; and Eamon Murray was the 'Young Player of the Year'.

Former Glenavon player Dean McCullough presents Eamon Murray with the Victoria Supporters' Club 'Young Player of the Year' award. Looking on are the Glenavon management team, Stephen McBride, Alan Fraser and Terry Cochrane.

21st April: McKERR'S BUSY WEEK!

Most of us wouldn't have known it, but Glenavon fullback Michael McKerr who played the full 90 minutes on Saturday against Linfield, only got back to the Province in the early hours of the morning of the game!

The young defender, currently coming to the end of his spell on loan from Birmingham City, was in a Northern Ireland Under 20 squad that played a mini International tournament in Portugal during the week as part of the preparations for the Under 21 Championships.

Northern Ireland played three games between Monday and Friday against Portugal, USA and Cape Verde.

15th April: CLIC SARGENT

At Saturday's match at Shamrock Park Portadown FC Youth held a bucket collection as the Portadown and Glenavon fans passed through the turnstiles and after the match they held a penalty kick competition with all the proceeds going to CLIC Sargent's "Kick for Children with Cancer" campaign.

This evening a cheque for £550.00 was handed to CLIC Sargent. The organizers would like to thank the Portadown & Glenavon fans for the generous support and to all who entered the penalty competition.

12th April: REPRESENTATIVE MATCH AT MVP

A Mid Ulster Juvenile League team took on the Scottish Youth Football Association on Saturday 12th April in a representative match at Mourneview Park.

9th April: WEE WHITES TRIUMPH IN YOUTH CUP FINAL

The re-arranged Harry Cavan Youth Challenge Cup Final between Portadown III and Lisburn Distillery III  on Wednesday night at Mourneview Park was won by the Wee Whites for the first time in their history after a dramatic penalty shoot-out. The game had finished 1-1 at the end of normal time and extra time produced no further goals.

Contrasting emotions at the end of the Harry Cavan Cup Final.

20th March: TUDA, GERDIE, CARVILLE SIGN UP

Tuda Murphy has signed a one year extension to his contract that takes him up to May 2009, this despite an official approach from Linfield who were keen to get the big keeper signed on a pre-contract agreement. The Cayman Islands International had no hesitation in turning down that approach as he is very happy at Mourneview Park where he enjoys a great relationship with the fans and he just loves the town!

Glenavon fans will also be delighted with the news that Gerard McMahon has also signed up for another year. Gerdie has been playing some of the best football of his career this season and he will no doubt continue to be a big asset to Terry Cochrane's team.

Left-sided midfielder Paul Carville also joins the list of players who have committed to Mourneview Park for a further year as the Club ensures key players are on board for next season.

MATCH & BALL SPONSORS FOR SAT 8th MARCH

Glenavon v Newry City (8th March)

Glenavon Victoria Supporters Club were match sponsors against Newry City. Alistair Carson hands over a cheque to Glenavon director Ian Irwin. Included are Pauline Dalzell, Michael Scott, Leigh Livingstone and William Steele.

Ball Sponsors

The Glenavon Victoria Supporters Club (Junior Section) sponsored the match ball. Adam and Robin Carson and Andrew Archer were thanked by Glenavon director Eddie Drury.

Ball sponsor Steve Foster of 'Game-On' sports wear, Portadown, with Glenavon director Eddie Drury.

CLUB NEWS MARCH 1ST

"The Glenavon Aces"

As part of the planned expansion of the Glenavon Academy and in line with our 3 year Development plan the Glenavon Academy is delighted to announce the formation of "The Glenavon Aces" in conjunction with EVO'S Soccer School.

The "Aces" will provide Mini Soccer for Boys and Girls aged 6-12. The course starts on Friday 14th March.

Registration will be open from 6.00pm on Friday 14th March, and due to the expected high demand for places you should arrive early as numbers will be limited. The Glenavon Academy will be monitoring the Ace’s progress with a view to recruiting players for the new under 10 and under 11 teams for the 2008/2009 season.

Check out the new Aces page for full details of times and how to register.

Suspension for Conor

Conor Walsh has been handed a two match ban, effective from Monday 3rd March, for reaching his 10th caution. This means he misses Saturday's home game against Newry City and the following Saturday's trip to Coleraine.

Bracken Away

David Bracken has secured his release by Glenavon and is expected to sign for new Eircom League side Sporting Fingal.

FRIENDLY FINNS

Glenavon 1-1 Finn Harps

Finn Harps visited Mourneview Park on Friday night as part of their preparations for the new Eircom League season which kicks off next week for the Ballybofey side with a visit from Cobh Ramblers, both teams having just been promoted to the Eircom Premier Division.

Hugh Dickson gave Glenavon the lead in the 17th minute of the game at a wind-swept Mourneview. Trevor Molloy's cross was spilled by Gallagher in the Harp's goal and David Morris twice tried to force a shot in but managed to hit a prostrate defender. Gerard McMahon showed a cool head to pick out Dickson who stroked a right foot shot into the corner of the net. Gavin McDonnell went close with a glancing header from a corner and Molloy cut inside and curled a left foot shot just wide of the far post.

Harps winger Chris Breen had a shot in the first half that was held by Tuda Murphy.

The second half saw both managers ring the changes as the fierce wind got even stronger at the Harps players' backs. Paul Walsh, one of the Glenavon substitutes, sent over a corner which McDonnell headed on and Donnelly sent a shot from just inside the box curling wide of the post. Funston then fired a shot into the side netting for the visitors before late substitute Mark Brolly drilled an 89th minute equaliser through a crowd after a wind-affected corner evaded the Glenavon defenders.

Teams

Glenavon: Murphy (Cairnduff 46), McKerr (McAdam 77), Turkington (P Walsh 68), Dickson (Haughey 73), McDonnell, Harper (McCain 68), McMahon, Douglas (C Walsh 57), Morris (Donnelly 51), Molloy (Magennis 46), Carville.

Finn Harps: Gallagher, Roddy (Gill 85), Holmes, Labonte, Malcolm (Boyle 46), Shields (Brolly 85), Williams (Kelly 46), McGowan (Funston 46), Parkhouse (Ramsey 65), Gethins, Breen.

PATS WIN FRIENDLY

Glenavon 0-1 St. Patrick's Athletic

Glenavon put in a pleasing performance against the full-timers of St. Pats with a Bobby Ryan goal in the 29th minute the only score of the match. Before the goal Trevor Molloy had glanced a header wide from Paul Walsh's cross and Walsh himself wasted a great opportunity two minutes before the goal when Glenavon broke quickly and Molloy fed the ball out to the young winger but, with Stephen Magennis unmarked at the back post he elected to shoot and could only send a rising shot into the side netting.

An error from Gavin McDonnell, just back from a four game suspension and looking a little rusty, allowed Bobby Ryan to square the ball to former Glenavon striker Glen Fitzpatrick. Tuda Murphy, just returned from his World Cup exploits, made a good save at close range but Glenavon failed to clear the rebound and Ryan was able to stroke the ball into the empty net.

Gerard McMahon, for whose testimonial the proceeds of the match and programme will be donated, was unfortunately forced off in the 61st minute after talking a knock. Conor Walsh was also replaced through injury earlier in the second half and Terry Cochrane will be sweating on their fitness ahead of next week's crucial League game against Donegal Celtic.

11th February: Appointments

The following appointments have been announced today by Glenavon FC Manager Terry Cochrane.

RESERVE TEAM MANAGER: Neil Adair

ACADEMY DIRECTOR OF COACHING: Alex Denver

Neil Adair was formerly Senior Coach with Lurgan Town and, of course, Alex Denver has been involved with Glenavon in various capacities for a number of years.

7th February: Academy Review

Following a review of the Academy structure it has been agreed that the Under 18 team will move to the senior structure; all other teams will come under the Academy banner. Gordon Wylie will continue in his role as overall Academy Coordinator with a brief to create a professional player-focused Academy.

An announcement on a new Director of Coaching, following Stephen McBride's move to the senior team, should be made shortly.

29th January: MID-ULSTER CUP EMBARRASSMENT

Loughgall 6-3 Glenavon

Despite leading twice in Tuesday night's Rushmere Shopping Centre Mid-Ulster Cup Quarter Final game against Carnegie First Division leaders Loughgall a second half collapse saw Glenavon slump to a heavy defeat at Lakeview Park.

Ciaran Donnelly restored Glenavon's lead in the 40th minute

Eamon Murray put Glenavon in front in the 3rd minute when Loughgall keeper Marc Robinson dropped Mark Turkington's cross and the young winger arrived in the box to net with a  low drive through the crowded area. In the 12th minute the home side's keeper redeemed his earlier error when he made a fabulous double save to beat out shots from Trevor Molloy and David Morris. The ball was swept quickly up to the other end and Ryan Moffett found himself with a free header from Lukas Adamciuk's cross and he made no mistake from 12 yards.

Molloy headed over at the back post from his strike partner Morris' 23rd minute cross and it was the sublime skills of Molloy that set up the second goal for Glenavon five minutes before the interval. He picked up a throw-in from Turkington and beat two defenders, took the ball into the box and fired a low cross that Ciaran Donnelly slotted in at the near post.

Glenavon held that lead until the interval but the half ended on a sour note as Andy Hageman was stretchered off in obvious agony with a suspected ankle ligament injury after he landed awkwardly.

This required a re-shuffle for the second half with Adrian Harper coming on and Conor Walsh dropping back into the centre of defence. Harper forced an excellent save from Robinson five minutes into the half before the home side's Andy Brown crashed a header off the upright a few minutes later. Darragh Peden did pull the Villagers level in the 63rd minute when he evaded his marker at a corner and headed in at the back post. An almost identical corner six minutes later was again not dealt with by the Glenavon defence and this time Peden's header dropped for his fellow centre half Richie Allen to stab home from close range.

Trevor Molloy then picked up a yellow card for some reason known only to Referee Mark Courtney and seconds later Brown did get the goal his play deserved but he had to thank a dreadful error by Glenavon's debutant goal keeper Paul Cairnduff as he dropped a routine cross right at the big striker's feet.

Surely things couldn't get any worse? Oh yes they could as a rush of blood saw the young keeper race off his line in a vain attempt to get to the ball before the attacker, leaving his goal exposed. Conor Walsh managed to clear it off the line but the ball fell straight to Moffet and he had as easy a finish as he is ever likely to see.

Glenavon's Stephen McCain had an 81st header cleared off the Loughgall line as he made good connection with Donnelly's corner and seconds later debutant Johnny McClurg's shot was brilliantly saved by Robinson.

Moffet completed his first ever hat trick with another free header as he connected with Brown's cross three minutes from time before McCain got the goal that he had threatened on a couple of occasions earlier, sending a looping header over Robinson.

TC's Reaction

Speaking after the match Terry Cochrane said "That's unacceptable to Glenavon Football Club. I've come here to do a job and I've been embarrassed tonight with a team like that. They've got no guts. Things will be changing; I've got to change things. I'm embarrassed and sorry for the fans."

28th Jan: MIDFIELDER SIGNED

Manager Terry Cochrane has today added to his first team player pool by snapping up Chimney Corner's right-sided midfield player Johnny McClurg. The 19 year old, who is just under 6' in height, was formerly on the books of Ballymena United. He has signed a short term contract and will be included in the squad for tomorrow night's Mid Ulster Cup game at Loughgall.

TUDA'S WORLD CUP

In the Broomhill Suite after the match on Saturday Hubert Watson congratulated Tuda Murphy on his call-up to the Cayman Islands World Cup squad and presented the big keeper with a cheque on behalf of the Glenavon Directors.

Tuda will miss tomorrow night's Mid-Ulster Cup game and also Friday's League game against Institute. This gives the opportunity to newly signed keeper Paul Cairnduff.

MORE SIGNINGS

Glenavon have this afternoon agreed terms with Armagh City for the transfer of their 23 year old left back Mark Turkington.

Mark, who hails from Lurgan, had made over 170 appearances for Armagh and is widely regarded as one of the best left-sided defenders in the Carnegie Premier League. He has signed a one and a half year contract. It is expected that the paperwork should be completed to enable him to make his Glenavon debut against Larne at Mourneview Park on Saturday.

Glenavon also today announced the signing of the former Blackburn Rovers and Blackpool midfielder Ciaran Donnelly.

Ciaran, 23, was born in Blackpool. He gained 40 caps for England at various Youth International levels and most recently was playing with Fleetwood Town in the Unibond Premier League. Ciaran has also signed a one and a half year contract and will be moving to live in the Lurgan area. He too should play on Saturday.

The club has also signed a new goalkeeper, the highly rated Paul Cairnduff, 20, from Amateur League side Bryansburn Rangers. The signing follows excellent reports on his performances.

BACKROOM CHANGES

Manager Terry Cochrane has announced changes to the backroom staff at Mourneview Park:

COLIN TELFORD, the former Manchester United and Glentoran midfielder and ex Chimney Corner manager, has been appointed Assistant Manager. He holds a UEFA “A” licence.

ALAN FRASER will remain with the club in an advisory role and will also have coaching and scouting responsibilities.

Dr STEPHEN BEST will continue as Club Doctor, GARY HEASLEY as Sports Therapist and STEPHEN TOPPING as first team attendant.

STEVIE McBRIDE steps up from Director of Coaching with the Academy to take over as Reserve team manager. He also holds a UEFA “A” licence.

The post of Director of Coaching with the Academy will be filled shortly. The Academy coaches at Under 18, under 16, under 14 and under 12 levels will remain unchanged.

BILLY SINCLAIR has been appointed as the club’s Chief Scout and will head up a network of scouts covering all aspects of the local game.

All backroom positions will be reviewed at the end of the 2007/08 season.

HUGH DICKSON

21st January: Glenavon Football Club is delighted to announce that it has this evening completed the signing of Hugh Dickson from Elgin City on a 2 1/2 year contract.

Dickson, a 26 year old central defender and former NI Under 21 International, played for Linfield, Glentoran and Wigan before spending the last 4 1/2 years at City, the last 3 1/2 as Club Captain. 'Shug' as he is known to the Elgin City faithful, cited personal reasons and a desire to move back home to Northern Ireland when he announced his decision to return to the province. Glenavon flew Dickson over today to discuss personal terms and the deal was completed this evening.

Chairman Adrian Teer was delighted to secure Dickson's signature, "Ballymena United, Glentoran, Linfield and Portadown were all interested so I am very pleased that we have secured his services for the next two and a half years.

"I also hope to be able to announce further signings later this week." he went on to say when he spoke to glenavonfc.com on Monday evening.

CLUB LATEST

PLAYERS RELEASED

22nd January: Neal Gawley and Ciaran McGuigan have been granted their release after they put in requests last week and Glenavon Manager Terry Cochrane has tonight (Tuesday) also informed Barry Meehan, Jonny Cowan, Colm Kearney, John Douglas and Ormand Okunayia that they are being made available to other clubs.

MORE SUSPENSION WOE

Gavin McDonnell has been handed a further two match suspension on top of the two already being served. He will be missing for a total of four matches. One of these will take in the Mid Ulster Cup fixture so this will mean three League fixtures will be missed.

CLUB NEWS

STRIKER SIGNED

The registration of 23 year old striker Nathan Jameson from Billingham Town has been completed and he will be eligible to make his debut on 26th January against Larne.

LOTTERY NEWS

Director Stevie Campbell has been nominated by the Board of Directors to co-ordinate, oversee and promote the Club Lottery with immediate effect. Stevie will be assisted by a small support team which will be finalised shortly.

Sam and Kris Earn Call-Up

Sam Stewart and Kris McAdam, two young players who have featured recently in the Glenavon First Team, have both earned call-ups to the Northern Ireland Under 18 squad for a game against Australia Under 18.

The game takes place at Ferney Park Ballinamallard on Wednesday afternoon, January 23rd. The match, organized by the Fermanagh and Western Schools’ Football Association, is one of two games that day with the girls Under 18 teams also playing at the same time in Fisher Park.

The Under 18 games are now to be played at Irvinestown's Bawnacre Centre due to playing conditions at both Fisher and Ferney. Please try and spread the word and encourage everyone to get behind the boys and girls in Irvinestown. Kick off remains 1.00pm.

Commercial Restructuring

The Board of Directors has decided on a restructuring of the Club’s commercial arm. All such activity will now be co-ordinated by a sub-committee of the Board, the sub-committee which has attracted many of this season’s match and ball sponsors, new advertisers around the ground, spearheaded the successful Christmas Prize Draw and is currently engaged in organising a Club Golf Day planned for May 23rd. This means Norman Livingston will no longer hold the post of Commercial Manager.

In a statement the directors thanked Norman for his work as Commercial Manager and stated that companies or individuals interested in sponsorship opportunities should contact the Club office (Monday–Friday, mornings only) or any member of the board.

Shares

Glenavon supporters and benefactors are reminded that it is still possible to purchase shares in the club. A limited number remain available at £100 each. Applications to purchase should be submitted to the club in writing and addressed to Company Secretary Harry Cherry.

12th January: PRESS CONFERENCE

New Manager Announced

At a Press Conference at Mourneview Park today Glenavon Football Club announced the appointment of Terry Cochrane as its new full-time manager. Chairman Adrian Teer told the assembled press core that Glenavon had received a total of 19 applications from both sides of the border and from England.

"As a Board, we were pleasantly surprised by the calibre of the applicants and by the experience that some of those applicants had." Mr Teer said.

Glenavon chairman Adrian Teer officially welcomes Terry Cochrane to Mourneview Park as manager at the press conference..

Profile

"At the end of the day we had a profile of a manager in mind. We set out to look for someone who had played the game at the highest level, who had played under some of the top managers in the game, who had made a name for himself at Club level and ideally at International level. Someone who had his coaching badges and the requisite 'A' licence for the invitational league next year but, as a Board, we were also anxious to get someone in to the manager's chair with fresh ideas, someone who would come in and have a look at the whole playing side of the Club, review training methods, coaching methods, our scouting network, take an active interest in the Academy and how its been set up and where its going and what part it's playing under the Glenavon umbrella.

"We wanted someone who had contacts in football, someone whom we thought could put Glenavon back on the map again, someone that we wanted to take the playing side by the scruff of the neck and, if you like, carry out a root and branch review.

Five Year Plan - Full-time Manager

"We, as a Board, have a five year plan to get Glenavon back to where they were before; not only challenging for trophies but winning trophies. Part of that five year plan, if circumstances and finances permitted, was to recruit a Manager on a full-time basis; someone who could devote his time 24/7 to Glenavon Football Club.

Outstanding Applicant

"When we examined the list of applicants, there was one, in our view, outstanding applicant. I spoke to the Chairman of an English Premier League Club this week about this applicant and got a glowing testimony from that person about our new Manager. Our Board met this morning and has endorsed the appointment of Terry Cochrane on a two year full-time contract as the new Manager of Glenavon Football Club.

Glenavon Mean Business

"Terry will be based, initially anyway, in Killyleagh, and, you never know, we might sign a striker from down there! We are absolutely delighted, not only to have Terry Cochrane on board, but to have a full time Manager. We hope that is a sign to rest of the Irish League that Glenavon mean business."

Some links to details of Terry Cochrane ...

Wikipedia Football Heroes

9th January: NICE WETHERS!

Lurgan man Cecil Wethers was the lucky winner of the first prize, a brand new Renault Clio, provided courtesy of Frank Gardiner Car Sales, in the Glenavon Christmas Draw. Cecil's name was drawn out of the hat by local snooker hero Joe Swail at halftime during the Boxing Day derby game with Portadown - at least one Glenavon supporter was happy that day!

The Christmas Draw winners were:

1st prize: Renault Clio - Cecil Wethers, Lurgan
2nd prize: Short break in Barcelona - Andy Crozier, Banbridge
3rd prize: £250 cash - Kanko Junni, Finland

Glenavon Chairman Adrian Teer was delighted with the success of the venture "The Christmas Draw proved to be an outstanding success thanks to a lot of hard work and a real team effort on the part of the Board of Directors, management, players and backroom staff, the Supporters Clubs and supporters, friends of Glenavon and not forgetting many individuals with no affiliation whatsoever to our club who kindly participated. Tickets were sold far and wide and the Board is very, very grateful to everyone who contributed, in any way, to ensure the draw was such a highly successful venture.

"The sincere thanks of the Board also goes to Frank Gardiner and Terra Travel who helped make the draw possible."

28th December: CLUB STATEMENT

"Glenavon Football Club announces the unanimous decision of its Board of Directors to replace Colin Malone as Manager and Neal Carson as Assistant Manager with immediate effect.

"The Directors thank Colin and Neal for their services and wish them well in their future careers in football.

"Until further notice Alan Fraser will take over as Manager and Stephen McBride will assume the role of Head Coach."

Alan Fraser takes charge until further notice

MAJOR SIGNINGS

Colin Malone has today completed a deal to bring Motherwell striker Trevor Molloy on a free transfer to Glenavon. Molloy, previously with St. Pats and Bohemians, has 3 League Winners medals, 2 FAI Cup winners medals and 3 League Cup winners medals and he was the Golden Boot winner in 2001-2002.

He moved from St. Pats to Bohemians for a Club record fee of IR£40,000. After a brief spell at Carlisle United he returned to play for Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers before re-signing for St. Pats. His move to Fir Park in January 2007 was for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of £70,000. After Mark McGhee took over as Motherwell manager in June 2007 Molloy found himself with limited opportunities and he was released by mutual agreement.

Colin Malone was full of praise for the Glenavon Board for their backing in bringing in a player that he describes as being of similar calibre to Glenn Ferguson and Tony Grant. "This is a huge signing for the Club and I want to express my gratitude to the Board for their support in completing this deal" he told glenavonfc.com today.

Also completed by the Glenavon manager today was a deal with Drogheda United Head Coach Pat Doolin to sign Under-21 defender Andrew Hageman. The 6'3" central defender, who can also play in central midfield and comes highly recommended by former Glenavon striker Tony Grant, has been signed until the end of the season with an option to extend the deal.

Mr. Malone was not willing to comment on recent speculation that full back Michael McKerr could be on his way back to Mourneview Park on loan from Birmingham City.

15th December: FIVE IN A ROW

Glenavon 1-2 Cliftonville (Carnegie PL)

"I thought overall we completed well, particularly in the second half. Their second goal came totally against the run of play. It was a very positive performance, a lot better than Tuesday night. I wouldn't fault the players today. Everyone of them put in  a lot of effort and commitment. At the end of the day there is not a lot of difference between us and the so-called top of the league teams. We've had that sort of performance now against Newry and against Glentoran a fortnight ago so there's not a whole lot in it and if we can just maintain the effort and commitment against the other sides.

"We won the midfield in the second half and started to get Eamon Murray back into it. He showed glimpses of the form that he showed earlier in the season. I thought today we played with a bit more heart and a bit more belief and it was encouraging. Hopefully in the window we can strengthen and add that bit more quality and if we can do that we won't be far away. Those games that we are losing by the odd goal, I would hope to see that turn around."

11th December: CRUES CRUISE IT

Crusaders 2-1 Glenavon (Carnegie PL 11)

Colin Malone was clearly an unhappy man after the match "We played for two or three minutes but after that we were outfought from start to finish. It was so disappointing. We were sitting level on points going into tonight so to come here and get a result was so important but we've let ourselves down, there's no doubt about it. It was a very poor performance, it's probably been our worst performance in that we never controlled any part of the game at any time or any areas of the park at any time.

"The players know where they stand after tonight - it just wasn't good enough. We had a good support down and too many players decided to have an off night. We never got to grips with the game outside the first couple of minutes when we got that excellent start. They got hold of the midfield and we never got it back. I tried changing numerous things but we were losing out everywhere and to cover one area you weakened another.

"I hope the players will hold their hands up. They've a job to do and they're getting well paid for it but tonight there were too many passengers. On Saturday because we're playing a big team I've no doubt they'll turn up and play a wee bit but that's not the thing. Tonight was the night when we should have got a result but instead we looked dead legged, we looked tired, we were second to the ball all over the pitch. That sort of performance gives no encouragement to the players or manager or supporters - it's just criminal."

7th December: TOMMY WEST

Sadly Tommy West, a long-standing member/secretary of the City of Armagh Supporter's Club and a Glenavon board member in the 1970's-1980's passed away today, aged 72. Glenavon FC extends sympathy to Tommy's family circle and the members and officials of the Armagh Club. Donations to Armagh Gateway Club, c/o K. G. Cheevers & Son, 28 Dobbin Street, Armagh BT61 7QQ.

1st December: ROBBED AGAIN!

Glenavon 1-2 Glentoran (Carnegie PL 10)

Colin Malone was delighted with the performance and commitment of his team, though obviously disappointed by the result, "We've lost all three points on a day that I feel we were the better side over the 90 minutes but we've got nothing and that's hard to take.

"We said at the start we would be positive in our approach and try and get at them as often as we could and I think we did that. We cut through them numerous times down both flanks and played some very good football. The goal itself was brilliant football but unfortunately at the end of the day it hasn't been enough.

"The referee got the big decision wrong, he's been conned. I said to him after the match 'Do you realize you've been conned and he said 'I thought he touched him' but you have to be 100% certain on those type of decisions."

Edwin Poots MLA, Minister for Arts, Culture and Leisure, attended Mourneview Park for Glenavon's league game against Glentoran. Also included is Mayor of Craigavon, Councillor Robert Smith.

27th November: MID-ULSTER CUP

Swifts Swept Aside

Glenavon 8-0 Markethill Swifts

Gerard McMahon was a surprise inclusion on the bench and he scored shortly after coming on at the start of the second half. By that stage Glenavon was already 4-0 up thanks to a brace from Neal Gawley and one apiece from Ormond Okunayia and skipper Conor Walsh. Walsh added two more in the second half to complete his hat trick and David Bracken, another half time sub, was also on the score sheet with a spectacular volley from the corner of the box.

Glenavon Team: Murphy, McAdam, Meehan, Cowan, McDonnell, Murray, Okunayia, C Walsh, Magennis, Douglas, Gawley. Subs Stewart for Magennis (65), McMahon for Okunayia (46), Bracken for Douglas (46).

24th November: ROESIDERS GRAB THE POINTS

Limavady United 1-0 Glenavon

Carnegie Premier League

Colin Malone felt that, had his side taken their chances in the first half, the result would have been different "In the first half we had numerous opportunities to take the lead and that has cost us. Had we taken the lead then when we should have ... to come in at half time with a 0-0 score line has given them a wee lift.

"The goal that they got was very disappointing. It came from our free kick to start with; we didn't beat the first man, it went back to their goal keeper, a bad kick out results in their free kick and a free header. It's a set piece goal against us again which is very very disappointing.

"I thought we had a shout for a penalty but I was a long way away from it. Obviously the ref's a lot closer and if he thought it wasn't a penalty I've no gripes with that.

"The second half performance was disappointing and I thought we missed the boat in the first half. I thought we had the better opportunities but we didn't take them and at this level, if you don't take your chances you get punished.

"We seemed to be a bit shot-shy. We worked ourselves into great positions and never pulled the trigger."

14th November: RECRUITMENT DRIVE

Board Allocates Funds to Strengthen Squad

Glenavon Chairman Adrian Teer has confirmed that manager Colin Malone will have full backing from the Board of Directors in his quest to attract new players to the club as soon as possible.

Mr Teer said "The manager attended last week's meeting of the board and the directors expressed their desire to see a number of quality, experienced players brought into the club. First realistic opportunity will be the January transfer window when, the board accepts, those players may not be readily available within Northern Ireland. The manager was advised to widen his net, identify his targets early and seek to recruit on permanent or short-term contracts or by loan arrangements.

Mr Teer continued "the board recognises that the first team squad requires strengthening and has allocated funds specifically for this purpose. The board is anxious to ensure the club continues its progress towards the top end of the league table and is embarking on a 5 year plan to restore former glories to Mourneview Park."

"I am delighted with the additional funds that the board is making available" Colin Malone told us  at glenavonfc.com today "and we are already working on our plans for improving the squad."

10th November: LATE HEARTACHE

Newry City 2-1 Glenavon

A grim-faced Colin Malone was fuming about the referring decisions that he felt denied his side at least a share of the points "I'm very angry at the referee. I just feel as if we've been mugged. The referee has decided who won that game today, not Newry or Glenavon. I'm absolutely disgusted and angry at the whole situation. That's as bad as I've seen it.

"We're totally frustrated. The boys put in a good innings there. They worked their socks off and created by far the better chances over the 90 minutes and to come away with nothing over decisions, it's unbelievable.

"Gawley's running in on goal and the last man takes him down - it doesn't take a brain surgeon to work it out. It's a red card and he's off and he (the referee) explains to me that he's running away from goal! That's bizarre, an absolutely ridiculous statement to make.

"The decisions today, which to most people today were black and white, went against us. The explanation I have got is ridiculous. A player bearing down on goal, through the middle and he's running away from goal? I can't explain that and I'm sure he can't but that's the excuse I got." 

DISAPPOINTMENT FOR GERARD

Derry City had agreed to play Glenavon in a challenge game at Mourneview Park next Tuesday evening with all proceeds going to the Gerard McMahon benefit fund. The Eircom League Cup winners were happy to take the game in preparation for their play-off with the Eircom League First Division champions on November 20th for a place in the 2008 Setanta Cup. The Candystripes were expected to bring a full squad including goalkeeper Patrick Jennings (son of Pat), skipper Peter Hutton (ex Portadown), NI international Pat McCourt and under 21 international Sammy Morrow.

However the game had to be called off when the Mid Ulster FA decided to switch the date of Glenavon Reserves Bob Radcliffe Cup semi-final from Tuesday 20th to Tuesday 13th because of the under 21 international with Moldova at Mourneview Park on the original date. Appeals by Glenavon to the Mid Ulster FA to have the Cup semi-final changed from Tuesday 13th were in vain, even though the final is scheduled for Boxing Day!

Glenavon had hoped to stage the Derry City game and follow it with another for Gerard McMahon's benefit fund later in the season.

3rd November: CONOR ENDS HOME HOODOO

Glenavon 1-0 Coleraine

Glenavon’s poor run at home finally came to an end thanks to Conor Walsh’s 83rd minute winner at Mourneview Park on Saturday.

A smiling Colin Malone was in no doubt that the performance by both sides was shoddy but so long as the three points belonged to Glenavon he didn’t care! “I’m absolutely delighted to get that monkey off our backs,” he said. “When you haven’t won a game at home since the start of the season it’s fantastic – a win is a win at the end of the day.

“Now we can carry on and now that we’re in that comfortable position we can tell the lads to go out and enjoy themselves next week against Newry and show that we are worth the position we’re in.”

AFRICAN CHILDREN'S CHOIR

Glenavon FC has received a letter of thanks from Ian and Phyllis Hasson on behalf of the trustees of the Rock Ministries (NI) Trust for providing the opportunity for the African Children’s’ choir to attend and sing at the recent Glenavon v Coleraine match and to thank the supporters for the generous collection that was taken up at the game.

Glenavon F.C. was delighted to welcome the African Children’s’ choir and their leaders from Uganda to last Saturday’s home game against Coleraine. The choir is touring Northern Ireland under the auspices of the Rock Ministries (NI) Trust which aims to provide community care for needy children in Kampala.

To the delight of the spectators the children sang several pieces prior to the game. The reaction of the crowd was illustrated by its response to the collection in aid of the project which raised almost £500. For their part the children thoroughly enjoyed the visit.

As a memento of their visit club fleeces were presented to the children and their leaders. Glenavon F.C. would like to thank Ian and Andrea Irwin, Eddie Drury and Phyllis Hasson for all their help in arranging the visit. The beginning of a Glenavon supporters club in Uganda?

27th October: SUPER BLUES WIN AWAY AGAIN

Institute 2-3 Glenavon

Colin Malone was delighted with his team's performance, the result and the superb support provided by the travelling fans. "The players who came in today did a great job and, over the 90 minutes I've no doubt we were the better side and deserved to win. We could have scored more but I'm happy to get the three points.

"Conor Walsh was excellent today. He's a very aggressive player and I thought he and Douglas controlled the midfield and when they do that it allows the rest of the team, especially the forward-going players, to express themselves. Ormo on the right and Neal Galwey on the left and the two front men got plenty of the ball, got plenty of opportunities and I'm delighted for them.

"We got a slating last week when we had a blank day; didn't score, didn't perform, so it was all-important to get back into, not only winning ways but good team spirit and a good performance, and we got that today.

"I'm still concerned about the defensive lapses but it's good that we can come away and score goals. We always look a threat, bar last week.

"Again away from home the supporters were fantastic. The players know that the supporters are right there behind them. As long as they give it a go they'll appreciate it and today they encouraged us from the first whistle to the 90th and at the end of the game they were just brilliant."

20th October: POOR SHOW BY BLUES

Glenavon 0-1 Donegal Celtic

"The game was a battle and we were outfought. There wasn't a whole lot of football played throughout the afternoon; it was a poor game. You have to earn the right to play football. It's alright saying let's go out and get it down and stroke it about but they got in our faces from start to finish and worked harder than us.

"The referee made a bad decision which they capitalised on and got their goal but at the end of the day I've no qualms: they outfought us. That's disappointing. We have enough in the side that could have changed the game but it didn't happen for us today. We didn't get passing and that's credit to them because they got in our faces. Our heads were down on most occasions looking at the ball, they got that tight to us.

"The results and performances that had gone before were built on good work and today, whether we thought we could go out and play football from start to finish, I don't know but we certainly didn't win the initial battle and we struggled throughout after that."

Glenavon's match against Donegal Celtic was sponsored by Lurgan Credit Union. Director George Swift Jnr accompanies Pat Kelly (Chairman Lurgan Credit Union), Janis Hatchell (Director Lurgan Credit Union), David Kelly and Jill Martin on a tour of the ground.

George Swift Jnr receives Ball Sponsorship from Kenneth Flannagan and Lisa Taggart. Looking on are Steve English and Billy Taggart.

ACADEMY STARS IN EURO ACTION

Peter Bradley and Liam Bagnall, from the Academy's Under 18 and Under 16 squads, have been included in the Northern Ireland Under 17 squad who are heading over to Belgium this weekend to take part in a 4 team qualifying group for the 2007/2008 Under 17 European Championships.

Peter Bradley joins the NI Under 17 Squad.

The games are :-

Monday 22nd Oct. Northern Ireland v Moldova 19.00 GMT Wednesday 24th Oct. Northern Ireland v Montenegro 21.00GMT Saturday 27th Oct. Northern Ireland v Belgium 17.00 GMT

RESERVES THROUGH TO SEMI-FINAL

David Morris, who scored the winner for the Reserves, shows off his chest control.

Glenavon Reserves defeated Banbridge Town 4-3 in the Bob Radcliffe Cup Quarter Final at Mourneview Park on Thursday night. The Glenavon line-up was: Paul Rice, David Gibson, Jeff Brady, Ross Hanford, Ciaran McGuigan, Chris O'Hare, Ormond Okunaiya, Sam Stewart, David Morris, Mark Green and Paul Walsh. Subs: Andy McDonald, Francis McCann, Peter Bradley.

17th October: MAGENNIS INJURY NOT AS BAD AS FEARED

The scan on Stephen Magennis' knee has revealed a slight tear of the medial ligament. This is a better outcome than had been feared and it is hoped that Stephen's injury will respond to rest and will not require an operation.

Stephen Magennis hopefully won't require knee surgery

14th October: NEWS SNIPPETS

It's been a big week for Michael McKerr. The young Birmingham City defender has marked Portsmouth first team regular Matty Taylor in a midweek reserve game, he's been named in the NI U19 squad for European Championship qualifying games against Austria, Slovakia and Cyprus in Cyprus at the end of October/start of November and he played in his first 'mini-derby' on Saturday against Villa.

Allen Quinn has reluctantly resigned as Glenavon's Sports Therapist due to family commitments. "It's a blow for us" said Colin Malone, "He's a great lad and he's been a fantastic servant to the Club. Fortunately we've been able to find a replacement in Gary Heasley, from Banbridge, so hopefully he will fill that gap. I'd like to say thanks to Allen for his work over the years. I brought him to the Club five or six years ago and he's been a great servant for us and I can't speak too highly of him."

'EAMON' TO STAY

Exciting midfield talent Eamon Murray has signed a two-year extension to his current Glenavon contract that will now run until 2010. Colin Malone is delighted to have secured the young player's future at Glenavon. Teenager Murray has deservedly garnered rave reviews for his performances this season and had naturally been attracting interest from other Clubs.

In other news, Stephen Magennis will be having a scan on his injured knee tomorrow (Wednesday) to try to ascertain the extent of the damage he sustained in the CIS Cup match at Stangmore Park.

13th October: GOALS GALORE!

Larne 3-4 Glenavon

"That was a tremendous three points. Obviously Larne made a great fight of it to come back from 3-0; that's an achievement in itself but to go and get the winner was absolutely brilliant. I think it's nothing more than we deserved. Over the 90 minutes I thought we were the better side and thoroughly deserved our win.

"We came out of the blocks very quickly but it's a long time since I've seen young Keenan make a mistake. He's a tremendous goal keeper but we benefited from that error and took the game by the scruff of the neck.

"Eamon Murray was a revelation, unbelievable again today. He was a constant thorn in the Larne side.

"To come down here and get three points is a great achievement in anybody's book and the players deserve all the credit."

CHAIRMAN'S DELIGHT

Speaking after Glenavon's exciting 4-3 win at Inver Park on Saturday, Chairman Adrian Teer was full of praise for the support the team received. "The supporters were outstanding from the first whistle to the last. They sang their hearts out and really got behind the team" he enthused with a broad smile on his face immediately after the final whistle.

11th October: LIAM STARS ON SKY

Liam Bagnall, one of Glenavon's up and coming young Academy stars, captained the Northern Ireland schoolboys in an exciting 2-2 draw against England in a Sky Sports Victory Shield match on Thursday night in Blackpool.

Liam, who attends St. Colman's College in Newry, is a midfielder in the Academy's Under 16 squad and was a member of the victorious Scotland Cup winning squad.

Liam Bagnall pictured with Glenavon U16 Coach David Maguire and Sunderland Scout (NI) Stephen Savage.

9th October: CIS EXIT FOR GLENAVON

Linfield 2-0 Glenavon

Action from Tuesday night's CIS Group A game

Second half goals from Linfield's Jim Ervin and Timmy Adamson snuffed out any slim chance of Glenavon qualifying for a Quarter Final CIS Cup place. In the end the result was immaterial anyway, with Dungannon Swifts victory over Ballymena United in this evening's other Group A game ensuring they progressed as Group runners up.

Glenavon's best chances fell to Eamon Murray and Michael Keogh but Linfield 'keeper Alan Mannus denied them.

WOE FOR McMAHON

Skipper Breaks Leg

Captain Gerard McMahon is the latest Glenavon player to suffer a serious injury this season. Gerard was diagnosed with a fractured fibula, the smaller of the two bones in the lower leg, sustained when he was tackled from behind in Tuesday night's CIS Cup match at Windsor Park. It is the same leg that McMahon broke several seasons ago, though this injury is not thought to be as serious, he will nevertheless be out of action for some time.

When Manager Colin Malone spoke to glenavonfc.com today he was clearly unhappy with the protection being afforded to his players. "That's two broken legs and not a yellow card to be seen" he fumed.

He is more hopeful that Tuda Murphy may after all be fit for tomorrow's Carnegie Premier League game at Inver Park. "Tuda came through training last night so there's a good chance that he will make the team tomorrow".

With both teams featuring a number of the other's ex-players, the game against Larne promises to be competitive but Malone is focussing on the game. "We played well at Windsor on Tuesday and created the best chances, I thought. We are certainly creating plenty and, if we cut out the individual errors at the back, we need fear no-one."

CLEARING THE AIR

Chairman Adrian Teer has recently written, on behalf of the new board of Directors of Glenavon FC, to his counterpart at Larne FC, Mr Wesley McGookin. When the new board took over following the Club's AGM it undertook an examination of all aspects of the running of the Club and this embraced reviewing some issues within the 2006/07 season, one of which concerned Glenavon FC’s alleged involvement in the Padraig Gollogly registration affair. The board was deeply concerned about innuendoes at the time that Glenavon FC may have acted dishonourably.

Consequently, internal enquiries have recently been conducted in relation to this affair and key Club personnel interviewed. As a result of these investigations, the new board is totally convinced that Glenavon FC had no part whatsoever in propagating allegations concerning Larne FC’s registration of Padraig Gollogly and is most anxious that its findings on this matter be made known, in particular to the board of directors of Larne Football Club.

6th October: HERE, HAVE A GOAL

Glenavon 2-3 Lisburn Distillery

A clearly devastated Colin Malone was understandably annoyed with the manner in which his side allowed Lisburn Distillery to come back and steal all three points "I thought that the team that beat us today was probably our own - our own players did the damage. It was absolutely criminal after the effort and commitment that the players put in. We deserved something out of the game.

"The equalizer was equally as disappointing as the last goal. It wasn't in the corner, it wasn't a great free kick. From where I stood it was in the middle of the net; it was bread and butter.

"For the last goal Adrian decided to go on a run with the ball across his back four which was suicidal with a couple of minutes to go. That absolutely killed us after the players put in so much effort into the game in which I thought, over the 90 minutes, we were the better side.

"I'd put my hand up if they played through us and it was a wonderful goal but it wasn't, it was us. It's so frustrating and not only for me. The whole changing room is absolutely fuming at what happened and understandably so as its cost us the result. To lose two points at home was bad enough but to lose three ...

"The supporters again were right behind us and everything was there for us to get the result, to try to get our home wins but we commit hare kare in front of our own goal with our own players. Instead of going on and one result leading to another you're getting a kick back and the whole momentum is lost."

BEST WISHES RICKY

Glenavon Chaplain, Rev William Orr presents Richard Gibson with a donation, raised through a voluntary collection in supporters' clubs and on the terracing, as well as the club's best wishes for his recovery from a broken leg. Looking on are Heather Tracey and Aimee McComb.

3rd October: NEWS SNIPPETS

Fixture change: Newry City have sent a request to Glenavon FC to bring forward the Premier League fixture between the sides, originally scheduled for Saturday 10th November, to Friday 9th November, with a 7:45 pm kick off. Glenavon has agreed to this change subject to approval by the Premier League Committee.

Club Tie: A new design for the Glenavon Club tie has been approved by the Board. The ties, which will be manufactured by Atkinson Ties, will be available from next month.

Under 21 Internationals: Mourneview Park has been selected as the venue for three of Northern Ireland's Under 21 European Championship matches: Wednesday 17th October v Israel (kick off 5 pm), Friday 16th November v Luxembourg (kick off TBC), Tuesday 20th November v Moldova (kick off TBC).

28th September: GOAL GLUT FOR BLUES

Dungannon Swifts 1-4 Glenavon (Carnegie PL)

Dungannon Swifts went close to taking the lead in only the 3rd minute but Barry Meehan was in the right place to head Shea Campbell’s shot off the line after Paul Rice had raced off his line to block his initial effort on the edge of his area, leaving an open goal. From then on it was all Glenavon.

Colin Malone felt his side was fully deserving of the win "From the first to the last minute we played extremely well. We carried nobody. I think we won the battle, particularly in the first half and that set the tone of the game.

"It was a very encouraging performance by our boys and great finishing, to score four goals away from home and especially at a top-four side like Dungannon, a quality side, it's just brilliant for us. It's given us a real belief in ourselves and hopefully that's the start of more to come."

GIBSON BREAKS LEG

Glenavon's fine win over Dungannon Swifts last night was marred by the news that striker Richard Gibson, who scored the opening goal with a superb free kick, has sustained a broken leg. The Glenavon striker sustained the fracture following a heavy challenge by Johnny Montgomery in the 18th minute of the match. Gibson, who had scored in his last two starts, was beginning to show the sort of promise that Colin Malone was hoping for when he signed him over the Summer but he will now be in plaster for up to eight weeks and must be a doubt for the rest of the Season.
 

Richard Gibson lifts the ball over the wall for Glenavon's first goal

26th September: NEWS SNIPPETS

Michael McKerr who, as you may know, was injured shortly after completing his move to Birmingham City, has now returned to training and is due for his first start in the Youth Team at Watford on Saturday.

Michael McKerr

The Glenavon Reserves League fixture against Dungannon Swifts has been put back from Saturday until Tuesday night (Mourneview Park, kick off 7:30 pm). This is to accommodate a Bob Radcliffe Cup fixture with the Reserves facing Markethill Swifts at Mourneview Park on Saturday, kick off 2:00 pm.

NICKY'S BACK!

Former Glenavon manager Terry Nicholson is back on the staff at Mourneview Park - as a goalkeeping coach. "Including myself, that's four former Glenavon managers on the staff now", quipped Colin Malone as he announced the news today.

"Nicky's appointment is a positive step towards ensuring that the necessary structures for our long-term strategy are in place, right from the Academy through to the First Team. With a professional approach throughout the Club, the future will be bright" Malone told glenavonfc.com.

BEDECK-ing THE BROOMHILL

With effect from our next home game, against Lisburn Distillery on Saturday October 6, the Broomhill Suite will be re-launched as an exclusive facility within Mourneview Park available to members only and will be renamed “The Bedeck Suite”.

The Suite will be open to members (and their guests) from 1.30pm each match day. Members can relax in quiet comfort with fellow members and their guests, visiting officials, VIPs and sponsors. Glenavon team management, backroom staff and players, as well as team personnel from the visiting club, will continue to use the Suite immediately following each home game.

Please note that, on the afternoon of Saturday October 6, only persons intending to enrol for a 2007/08 membership card should access the Suite.

Membership forms will be available within the Suite before and after the Lisburn Distillery game and assistance to complete these will be provided, if required, by Club director Gerry Marks (mobile no 07912 023747). Annual membership, which will also entitle members to benefit from a number of special initiatives and events throughout the season, will cost just £50 (£25 for OAPs). Payment must be made in full not later than Saturday October 20, the home game against Donegal Celtic. The board of directors will reserve the right to refuse membership.

LEAGUE LAUNCHED

The official launch of the Carnegie Premier League, which gets underway for Glenavon with a home match against Ballymena United next Saturday, took place this morning at Malone House in Belfast.

Glenavon Chairman Adrian Teer, Manager Colin Malone and Football Secretary Jim Hewitt represented Glenavon at the event hosted by the Irish Football Association. As well as officials, managers and players from the other Premier League clubs, those present also included representatives from the sponsor Carnegie, Sports Minister Edwin Poots MLA and Belfast Lord Mayor Jim Rodgers.

22nd September: BLUES LOSE LEAGUE OPENER

Glenavon 1-2 Ballymena United

Colin Malone was disappointed with the result but pleased with the effort of his players "The players did their best and worked very hard, in the second half especially. I was disappointed that we gave away the penalty which was really their only effort in the second half. Their player was running away from goal so we didn't really need to make the tackle but that has, in the end, separated the sides.

"We had a lot of effort and commitment in the second half. We went three at the back, two at the back. We threw everything at them but it didn't go for us. We got what looked like a decent goal but that was ruled out.

"If the players can keep working like that there's every reason to feel optimistic that we can turn things round. To lose at home in your first game is very disappointing but it was a decent performance and on another day it could have been enough to win us the game."

CAPTAIN'S NOTES

New Programme Editor Gareth Hanna will be introducing a Captain's Notes feature in Glenavon's Match Day programme.

In the first of these, in tomorrow's Programme, Club Captain Gerard McMahon writes "In terms of the league, anything will be a bonus after the last couple of years and, although the board and the supporters will be happy with mid-table, we must set our sights higher. Hopefully we can begin to climb the league table and progress over the next few years."

To find out the rest of Gerdie's views, pick up your copy of the full-colour Blues News tomorrow at the match.

'A GLENAVON LEGEND'

That was how Glenavon Chairman Adrian Teer described Noel Uprichard as he presented him with a special award and a lifetime membership of Glenavon FC to commemorate his 58 years as Treasurer of the Triangle Supporters Club. Noel, "a humble and unassuming man" helped set up the Triangle Club in 1949 and was its Treasurer for 58 consecutive years until he finally stepped down earlier this year.

Noel Uprichard and his wife are pictured with the special crystal memento of his 58 years as Treasurer of the Triangle Supporters Club, presented by Glenavon Directors Stevie Campbell, Gerry Marks and Chairman Adrian Teer..

Noel, whose father and grandfather were also lifelong Glenavon supporters, avowed that he would continue to follow Glenavon and help the Club in any way he could. He recalled that one of his best memories of his many years supporting Glenavon was the day at the close of the 1951-52 season when his beloved Glenavon lifted the League trophy for the first time.

TRIANGLE PRESENTATION

The Triangle Club presented a generous cheque to Adrian Teer

15th September: SWIFTS VICTORY

Dungannon Swifts 2-1 Glenavon

After the match, Colin Malone had no complaints "I have no qualms about the result. The Swifts were worthy winners and it could have been more. We had a young side out but there are no excuses. I didn't think we did enough to get anything out of the game.

"We didn't risk any of our injured players today in preparation for the start of the League next week. Those are the sorts of decision we have to make. The young lads came in and gave their all - they usually do that.

"We gave the ball away too often and you can't afford to do that with a side like Dungannon.

"Hopefully when we get back the players like Harper, Gavin, Conor and McMahon and Mallon, there's another side waiting to some in really."

10th September: WE HAVE A WINNER!

This week's Glenavon FC Lottery Jackpot, worth £2000, has been scooped. The lucky winner, who wishes to remain anonymous, correctly marked the four winning numbers 7, 19, 23 and 24 on their Lottery ticket for the draw on Monday night.

The prize fund now starts again from £1000 for the draw to be held on Monday 17th September. Tickets are available from the Office at Mourneview Park as well as from Supporters Clubs and the usual sellers.

7th September: EILTS MAN RETURNS

German Under 21 Manager, Dieter Eilts was back at Mourneview Park to guide his young team to a 3-0 victory over Northern Ireland in Friday night's Under 21 European Championship qualifier.

Glenavon fans with long memories may recall that Eilts was a defensive midfielder for the Werder Bremen team that defeated Glenavon 0-2 in the UEFA Cup First Round First Leg match in August 1995. That was also the year that Glenavon defeated Icelandic side FH Hafnarfjörður in the Qualifying Round, Sammy Johnston scoring the 65th minute winner in Iceland after a 0-0 draw at Mourneview.

6th September: BOARD MEETS SQUAD

The Glenavon Directors held a reception in the Boardroom for Colin Malone, his backroom staff and the First Team Squad after training on Thursday night. "With so many new members on the Board following the recent AGM, the Directors thought it would be a good idea to have a 'bonding session' with the Management and First team players and this was the first opportunity we had to do it" Chairman Adrian Teer told glenavonfc.com after the meeting on Thursday.

With Saturday's match postponed, the Squad will instead be training at Mourneview Park.

3rd September: SWIFTS REQUEST

Glenavon FC has agreed to a request from Dungannon Swifts to bring forward the Premier League game between the sides, originally scheduled for Saturday 29th September, to Friday 28th September. The change is subject to approval by the Premier League committee. Please check back here for further confirmation.

1st September: SIX GOAL THRILLER

Ballymena United 3-3 Glenavon (CIS Group A)

“It was a great match for the spectators but tough on the managers!” was Colin Malone’s reaction after this pulsating game. “If that doesn’t get the fans back nothing will.

“Probably, overall, a draw was a fair result. We started off like a house on fire; went three up with three excellent goals. The approach play was very, very good and Lewis Hamlin was absolutely brilliant. He’s away home with the match ball and that’s fully deserved. His contribution in front of goal was excellent. He’s very clever on the ball and he’s doing a great job so far and long may it continue.

"Then we just seem to switch off, almost as if it was too easy, and we gave away a stupid penalty which gets their heads up. Tuda says he didn’t make any contact but the lad went over and the ref has given it. That gave them a lifeline and from that the game’s back on again.

“At the end of the 90 minutes I think three each is a fair enough result. It could quite easily have been six each; it was that sort of game. Everybody got their value for money. Some of the goals were very, very good from both sides. We’re happy enough to come here and get a point but both sides have a bit of work to do defensively.

“We have a lot of players to come back and that’s a positive thing from our side: Conor Walsh, McMahon, Harper, Bracken, all spectators today.”

Lewis Hamlin had mixed emotions after the game, “Going three nil up you expect to win so it was disappointing but in the end we're happy with a point. I think we defended too deep after we went three up. We dropped back and defended deep but we should have pushed on and maybe got another couple. In the end we were maybe a little bit lucky. Tuda’s pulled off some great saves and saved the penalty; he did really well.

“It’s been a long time since I scored a hat trick. I think the last one was back when I was with Bolton, in the Youth team.

“It was a great ball in by 'Ormo' for the first goal – he puts in a good ball.

“We need to beat Dungannon really – that could be the one that clinches it. I think whoever wins that game will go through. Hopefully maybe we can take a point at Windsor and see what happens.”

31st August: PLAYER INS & OUTS

Midfielder David Hawthorne has been released by Colin Malone and is likely to return to Armagh City.

According to the Glenavon Manager, Hawthorne has been unhappy with the treatment he has received from some sections of the Glenavon support and feels he is unable to continue to play for his home town team. "I am disappointed to lose Davy", said Malone, "It's just a pity it didn't work out for him but some of the verbal abuse he was subjected to was out of order."

Also on the way out is David Ward who failed to make an impact in the side last season but Malone has moved to re-sign full back Brian Mallon who is fully recovered from the cruciate ligament injury that kept him out of the game for over a year. "Brian trained with us tonight (Thursday) but he has a niggling thigh strain so I won't be risking him tomorrow" Malone told glenavonfc.com today.

Also joining Glenavon is 29 year old midfielder John Douglas. Douglas, who had spells with Rangers, Linfield, Crusaders and Bangor, could slot into the holding role in midfield tomorrow, subject to his registration being cleared in time.

The player Malone had hoped to sign on loan from Birmingham City was not prepared to travel to the Province.

NEW CHAIRMAN

At a meeting of the newly elected Board of Directors of Glenavon Football Club held tonight (Thursday) Mr Adrian Teer was elected as Chairman. Mr Teer, who was re-elected to the Board at Monday night's AGM, is a former Chairman of the Club.

Mr Hubert Watson, who also joined the Board at the AGM, was elected as Vice Chairman and Mr Ian Irwin will continue as Club Treasurer with Mr Harry Cherry OBE as Company Secretary.

The other members of the Board are Mr George Savage MLA, Mr Eddie Drury MBE, Mr Stevie Campbell, Mr Gerald Marks and Mr George Swift Jr. Mr Fraser Follis was also co-opted onto the Board at tonight's meeting.

The Board wishes to put on record its thanks and appreciation to the out-going members and to past Chairman Mr Sam Gardiner MLA who stepped down from the Board at the AGM.

The Board also wished to strongly refute the recent speculation linking Mr Tom Dick with Glenavon FC.

24th August: LURGAN BLUES LOSE OUT TO LATE WINNER

Glenavon 0-1 Linfield

Paul Carville clears the ball

Linfield finished the game with four strikers on the pitch as Glenavon put in a gritty performance but in the end it was defender Kris Lindsay who grabbed the late winner to maintain the visitor’s 100% record in the CIS Cup this season.

The first real chance of the match came in the 13th minute when Okunaiya was caught in possession just outside his own box and this led to a shooting opportunity from the edge of the area for Peter Thompson. He struck it well but Tuda Murphy got both hands to the ball to push it away from the goal and the danger was cleared.

Lindsay rose to head a 20th minute Damien Curran corner but he put it straight into the arms of Murphy. Sixty seconds later Lewis Hamlin pounced 8 yards out on Okunaiya’s free kick and turned his man well but his shot crept out at the near post.

A slick Linfield move down the right in the 24th minute set up a shooting chance from 12 yards for Thompson but Murphy made a great save as he dived full length to fingertip the ball round the post. Minutes later Murphy made another great save as he blocked Curran’s close range shot at the far post as Ervin’s cross found its way right across the Glenavon area.

Thompson missed badly from 8 yards after Cowan inadvertently played the ball straight to him in the middle of the goal.

As the game moved into first half stoppage time Paul Walsh got on the end of a weak clearance but his shot went straight to Mannus who was able to gather comfortably.

Five minutes into the second half Thompson fed the ball wide to Dickson on the right and Gault rose to head the former Larne striker’s cross inches wide with Murphy at full stretch. Ian Wallace picked up a yellow for a foul on Curran and from his free kick McAreavey pulled a decent save out of the Glenavon keeper.

Meehan and Magennis, just on as subs for Glenavon, combined in the 64th minute to create a chance for the former but he skied the ball over the bar. Okunayia then went on a mazy run with the ball along the edge of the Linfield area and forced Mannus to dive full length to hold his low left foot shot. The home side was at last enjoying a good spell of pressure in contrast to the first half which had been dominated by Linfield.

Gault then tested Tuda with a well struck ground shot but the big keeper was up to it and held on well.

After Wallace had fouled Thompson wide on the left, a quick Linfield free kick, which strictly speaking should have been re-taken as the ball was clearly moving as it was taken, finally broke the Glenavon defence's resistance as Kris Lindsay scored with a back post header in the 84th minute from O’Kane’s left wing cross. Hamlin almost replied immediately when he forced Mannus to tip his lob over the bar after Okunaiya had pulled the ball back to him on the edge of the area.

While disappointed with the result, Colin Malone was delighted with the work rate and effort of his players, "I've just told the lads to keep their heads up; they've nothing to be ashamed of. I thought they worked extremely hard on the night and it was a very gutsy performance. We didn't carry anyone there, everybody put in a good shift and with a wee bit of luck we could have had a goal or two of our own.

"Linfield had a lot of the ball and at the end of the day they are the nearest thing to a professional outfit in the Irish League but I thought we could have ground out a result. I've no complaints about the free kick but yet again we've been done by a 'moving ball' for a Linfield free kick. We went asleep for a split second and it's cost us."

18th August: BALLYMENA PUT SCATES UNDER GLENAVON

Glenavon 1-3 Ballymena Utd.

Report

Lewis Hamlin gave Glenavon a fifth minute lead with his first goal since joining the Club

A disappointed Colin Malone laid the blame for the defeat on poor defending "I was disappointed with our team defending rather than on the defence as such. As a team we didn't defend as well as we should have or as well as we did last week. We showed them too much respect, stood off them too much, really.

"On the positive side we created a lot of chances but today they didn't go in whereas last week they did.

"Throughout the 90 minutes I thought we were as good as if not better than Ballymena though they piled players forward when they did get it and that put us on the back foot a wee bit. When they went down to ten men and we threw the extra man up front we were hit with the sucker punch - it a very soft goal to concede at a crucial time."

11th August: WINNING START

Colin Malone was beaming when he emerged from the dressing room after today's game, and no wonder. The last time Glenavon won an opening day fixture the team was languishing in the First Division, the last two seasons getting off to a disastrous start.

"Today the team showed two sides to the game, they played good football but they also dug in when they had to grind out a result", he said with a huge smile on his face in his post-match interview. "I'm just so happy for everybody at the Club. It's been a difficult year, and all right it's only one game but the positives out of today's game transferred into the stand and I thought everybody was pulling together and it was great. It's a great feeling when you know the crowd's behind you."

"We're scoring goals and we looked like scoring goals, particularly in the first half, not at will, but we were creating chances against a quality side. We have to give Dungannon credit; they're a top four side for the last 3 or 4 years, so it was brilliant for everybody at the Club to get off to such a good start against them today. That will do the world of good for our confidence and hopefully we can build on this."

GOOD LUCK MICHAEL!

Following Michael McKerr's move to Barclay's Premier League newcomers Birmingham City in a deal worth up to £250,000 to Glenavon, fans, players and officials gathered in the Broomhill Suite after Saturday's game to wish Michael all the very best for his future football career. Michael was joined by his Mum and Dad, his girlfriend and other family members in a packed Broomhill as Cecil Geddis and Norman Livingston presented the young defender with mementos of his time at Glenavon.

INVITATIONAL LEAGUE RANKINGS

Glenavon Ranked 8th

Following the decision by the new Irish Football Association Premiership (IFAP) board on Tuesday this week to limit the new Invitational Premier League to twelve clubs, commencing with the 2008-2009 Season, the Board has published the interim rankings for each Club. These rankings were assessed and scored by an Independent Assessment Panel who submitted a report of their findings and a list of Interim Rankings to the IFA Chief Executive, Howard Wells.

Clubs were invited to submit applications to join the new League with comprehensive details in respect of their sporting achievements, infrastructure, finances, business plan, personnel and match attendances all considered. With further points to be awarded based on performances in the League and various Cup competitions this season, the top 11 ranked teams will be admitted to the new league with teams 12-15 playing off for the final place. All Clubs must hold a domestic club license as this is a mandatory requirement for membership of the new league, regardless of ranking position.

In the interim rankings Glenavon is placed 8th. The top 20 placed teams are listed below with the full list of 40 teams on the Carnegie Premier League site.

1st Linfield 1084
2nd Ballymena 982
3rd Glentoran 882
4th Dungannon 775
5th Coleraine 770
6th Portadown 735
7th Cliftonville 732
8th Glenavon 717
9th Newry 715
10th Distillery 695
11th Loughgall 632
12th Armagh 575
13th Larne 568
14th Institute 567
15th Crusaders 568
16th Limavady 545
17th Donegal Celtic 540
18th Ballymoney 503
19th Ballyclare 493
20th Ards 465

9th August: GLORY, GLORY ...

Wise Words from Our Chaplain

Glory, Glory ... Those of us who are proper, wise, and intelligent football supporters will immediately know how that well known football chant ends. Glory, Glory Man United; and quite right too! There are variations of course, and without question from a spiritual point of view, the only One deserving of glory is the person of Jesus Christ, and quite right too.

Having said all that, what sort of things can give God glory? Can sport give God glory or would that be considered “Off-side”? For me both as a minister/Christian and a lover of ‘the beautiful game’, I would have to say ‘No, and this is why!’ More

PRE-SEASON RESULTS

Warrenpoint Town 0-5 Glenavon
Rathfriland Rangers 0-4 Glenavon
Glenavon 2-1 Rangers
Lisburn Rangers 0-5 Glenavon XI
Glenavon 1-5 Dungannon Swifts (Ivan Marshall Memorial Trophy Semi-