Paddy Akts his age

Congratulations to Paddy McLaughlin, who has today been named September’s Aktivora Manager of the Month by the NI Football Writers’ Association.

The Reds pocketed 10 Danske Bank Premiership points from the 12 available and also booked progress in both the League Cup and County Antrim Shield in a month that saw the team score 17 goals and concede just two – much to the delight of their boss.

“We’ve had a brilliant start to the season despite some tricky away fixtures,” said McLaughlin, for whom the award – which was presented by NIFWA Chairwoman Ruth Gorman – comes as a timely 42nd birthday present.

“There’s no magic wand behind our good start, it’s just a product of hard work and desire. There is no complacency in the squad, there’s a long way to go and nobody at Solitude is looking at the League table. We just have to stick together and try and take as many points from the games ahead as we can.

“I won’t take the limelight, this award is on behalf of the players and staff for all the work behind the scenes, thanks to the supporters for their backing. I’m delighted to win it but it’s for them.”