Starter’s orders

Paddy McLaughlin believes the tests provided by Cliftonville’s opening week of the new Danske Bank Premiership season could prove beneficial for his side.

After kicking their domestic programme off with tomorrow’s trip to Coleraine, the Reds welcome Glenavon on Tuesday night before hosting the campaign’s first North Belfast Derby next weekend – but McLaughlin insists that, while all three are challenges to be relished, he and his players’ full focus is on tackling the Bannsiders.

“That’s part of what you’re looking forward to when people get excited about the season starting – the big games against the top teams,” he says.

“We have been handed a very tough start but the only game we’re looking at right now is Coleraine. It’s a very tough away fixture to kick us off but everybody wants to get off to a good start and hit the ground running.

“It’s never an easy place to go and get three points at the best of times but, with Oran Kearney back in charge, everybody up there will be flying again and they’ll want to get off to a good start themselves.

“At this stage of the season, every Manager and every player all say the same thing – you just want three points on the opening day to get you going and we’re no different, but it’s exactly the same for every other team.

“We performed well in Europe and we’ve prepared well in our friendlies, but it’s down to the real thing now and if we can get ourselves a win at a tough venue like Coleraine then it sets us up to hopefully push on and have a good start to the season.”

Admission
Adults: £12
Concessions: £8
Under 11s: Free

Supporters Information
Cliftonville supporters are advised that the entry point and exit gate for visiting fans at The Showgrounds will be via the Hillmans Way entrance.

There will be no entrance to the ground from the gate on the Ballycastle Road.

Disabled fans who require parking within the ground are requested to produce their Blue Disabled Badge at the entrance gate off Hillmans Way and, space permitting, Coleraine FC will endeavour to facilitate parking.