Magee’s levelling up

Abbie Magee is relishing the high expectation levels at Cliftonville Ladies this season.

The Reds kick the new Danske Bank Women’s Premiership programme off with a trip to Sion Swifts on Wednesday night and Magee, who made the move from Linfield last month, is looking forward to playing her part in the team’s bid to wrest the crown away from a swashbuckling Glentoran outfit.

“The expectation is going to be high this year, especially with us making three new signings,” says the 21-year-old, a three-time Champion with the Blues.

“I feel that our squad has strengthened in both attacking and defensive areas. This will hopefully have huge benefits when playing an experienced Glentoran side.”

An expanded top flight has welcomed two new teams in the form of Mid-Ulster Ladies and Lisburn Ladies, with the season set for a pause during the summer’s European Championships before the Premiership concludes with a two-way split – changes which Magee believes will add a new dimension to the schedule.

“I feel that with the change of format this season, it is going to make the League more competitive and exciting,” she explains.

“When the split happens, every game will be a cup final. Just look at the Men’s League with the split – every game is important. There are also plenty of twists and turns.

“The mid-season break for the Euros will be strange but will give teams a chance to reflect and plan for the second half of the season.”

Magee is naturally hoping to be a part of Kenny Shiels’ squad for the Euros and reveals that the opportunity to play alongside fellow Northern Ireland stars was one of the motivations behind putting pen to paper with Cliftonville.

“The main attraction for me was I wanted a new challenge,” she adds.

“I feel at Cliftonville, I am going to improve as a player. Another selling point was the chance to play with international team-mates. I feel playing together at Club level will have huge benefits at international level too.

“I am looking forward to playing at Cliftonville, especially seeing what the Club are doing off the pitch to ensure Women’s football has just the same place at the Club.”