MICHAEL NOMINATED FOR “MANAGER OF THE YEAR” AWARD

Michael O’Connor has been nominated by NIFL for its “Manager of the Year” award. It is a well deserved accolade for the Belfast man. When he was appointed in October 2025 Glenavon’s Premiership record was Pl 11 W 0 D 0 L 11 GF 3 GA 21 Pt’s 0. It was the worst start to a league season in the club’s history and the worst to the 2025-26 campaign by any top division outfit in European football.

Yet, since then, the 38 year old, with the help of assistant Andy Doyle and coach Mark Ferguson, has masterminded a remarkable resurgence. Glenavon has beaten top six clubs Glentoran (3-1), Linfield (2-1) and Cliftonville (2-1) and bottom six sides Carrick Rangers (1-0), Ballymena United (3-1), Bangor (3-1), Portadown (3-0) and Crusaders (3-0). The club’s overall league record since Michael’s appointment is Pl 24 W 8 D 3 L 13 GF 32 GA 42 Pt’s 27. Its record in its last five fixtures against bottom six opponents is Pl 5 W 3 D 2 L 0 GF 11 A 3 Pt’s 11.

O’Connor is, of course, a former Glenavon player. He moved to Mourneview Park in August 2020 and was an intrinsic member of Gary Hamilton’s side during his final three seasons at the helm. Previously the elegant midfielder forged a successful career in the lower leagues in England. He was once transferred from Crewe Alexandra to Scunthorpe for a £250,000 fee. He gained eleven caps for Northern Ireland. He held coaching posts at Newry City and Coleraine before his appointment at Glenavon FC.

Well done Michael!