Larne & District Linfield Supporters Club

It’s important, having now received further information regarding Joshua Archer’s departure, to clarify some of the details.

While the story circulating was that Josh had turned down a contract offer, the reality is that although a contract was initially available following discussions between the parties, that offer was subsequently withdrawn.

It’s only right that we correct the record when confirmed facts become available.

Joshua has given many years of service to Linfield and deserves for the circumstances surrounding his departure to be accurately represented.

Wishing Joshua all the very best for the future and every success in the next chapter of his career. 💙

Well, the great clear-out is well underway.

Best of luck to all the players moving on and thanks for their efforts in a Linfield shirt.

Matt Yates has plenty of potential but, unfortunately, never quite produced consistently enough. Chris McKee will always be remembered for the composure he showed in converting the penalty that secured the League Cup. David Walsh is a very good goalkeeper who deserves regular first-team football.

Ballantine, Allen and Whiteside all have ability, but again perhaps didn’t show it often enough to cement a place. Gorrin and McDaid largely found themselves as squad players, while injuries prevented either from really making a meaningful impact. Euan East is reportedly keen to return closer to home and, of all those departing, he is probably the biggest loss, having also suffered some unfortunate injury setbacks during his time at the club.

As a club, Linfield will probably bring in no more than six or seven players, but the hope is that they will add genuine quality to a trimmed-down squad. With the transfer window opening in a couple of weeks, hopefully we’ll see a number of new faces arrive. What is clear is that we need real quality, greater fitness levels and a stronger first team if we are to challenge on all fronts next season.

Whatever happens, the members of Larne and District Linfield SC will continue to follow the team home and away, backing the Blues every step of the way. Here’s hoping we can mount a serious challenge for honours in the season ahead.

Very little news coming out of Windsor Park at the minute regarding transfers. There are plenty of rumours doing the rounds on various forums, but with Financial Fair Play rules now firmly in place, clubs will increasingly have to clearly show the reality of their finances in their accounts. Which may prove problematic for some.

Over the next few seasons, it will quickly become clear whether our league can realistically sustain full-time professional football at clubs without the backing of a “sugar daddy” investor.

As a member-owned club, hopefully the members of our club will make the right decision should any potential offer come forward. Is there a need to stay full time? Or is part time arguably a better option. The jury is still out on that one.

Change is a must or the league will stagnate but to what level is change required!

A good all-round performance tonight from the players, who kept going despite having to deal with some awful decisions from the referee and near-side linesman. Some of the calls weren’t even debatable — they were simply wrong, and surely questions need to be asked.

That aside, as expected Dungannon gave it a real go in the second half, but a superb hat-trick from Matthew Fitzpatrick was enough to see Linfield run out 3-1 winners.

The draw ahead it would be nice to see some progression in Europe. The team is going to see a number of players moving on and the hope is a higher quality replacement arriving. With the squad expected to be smaller we do need less arguably average players and more higher quality!

A number of chances falling our way in the first half but only one goal by Fitzy to show for it so far. Dungannon will throw everything at it in the second half and we need to be prepared to match that head on!

Ulster Cup up for grabs!

Arguably one of our biggest games of the season tonight as we face Dungannon Swifts at Windsor Park in the Euro Playoff Final.

Whether bringing the historic Ulster Cup back into play for this match was the right decision is open to debate, and everyone will have their own opinion on that. What can’t be debated is how important European football is for the Blues at any level.

A number of our players will be well rested, but the big question is whether they are truly match ready. Dungannon, meanwhile, have kept their momentum going with the Irish Cup Final followed by the playoff quarter-final and semi-final, so fitness and sharpness shouldn’t be an issue for them.

There can be no excuses tonight. The players have a responsibility to give the entire club a lift after what has been, overall, an inconsistent league campaign.

And there can be no excuses from the stands either. Our fans need to bring the noise and back the team to the hilt from first whistle to last.

Audaces Fortuna Juvat.

Well what can you say a powder puff end to the season from us today! Losing 2-1 to Cliftonville with two goals from McStravick. To be honest a game which was played more like a training session! The concerning thing is the team was mainly our first eleven. We now have a massive game coming up in a couple of weeks with at this stage the opponent as yet unknown! Whoever it is we can have no excuses. A lot of fans are of the opinion massive changes are needed and you’ve got to agree with the sentiment but we now find ourselves in the position where to compete we must see fresh investment. Who is going to invest in a club for up to 49% of ownership so changes are needed but time for changes on the board first we have to many passengers and square pegs in round holes! Trustees who seem to have little or no idea and questions need to be asked what is their purpose. Interesting times ahead for the club with a number of the old guard needing to step back and let people take the club forward rather than leave us with many more seasons like this ahead!

On a final note congratulations must go to Larne the best team in the league who fought and battled to lift the Gibson this year. We hopefully will make a better fist of it next year!

I won’t comment on ‘them uns’ a picture paints a thousand words!

Last league game of the season today as we take on Cliftonville F.C.. Some might say there’s nothing riding on it, but there’s always pride in pulling on the shirt.

Could be a chance to see a few young lads get their opportunity in the first team—here’s hoping they step up and take it with both hands 👊