Episodes
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Michael Scott, Editor of Newry Reporter & Banbridge Chronicle joins the pod to react to the news of Glenavon making a big switch in their dugout.
After failing to win in their past seven matches, Stephen McDonnell was releveled of his managerial duties after a short spell of just over a year in charge.
A mere day later Glenavon named former Derry City assistant manager Paddy McLaughlin as the new man to take over.
Elsewhere, Linfield take pole position in the title race as they finally win out against Larne and there are big wins for Portadown and Carrick Rangers.
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Sports reporter from Belfast Live, Steven Crawford joins the podcast as Linfield and Larne successfully add to their points totals. How will they fare as they prepare to face off against each other this weekend.
Joe Gormley keeps up his hot streak and his three goals aid in giving Cliftonville the three points.
Elsewhere, Shay McCartan steals a point of the Ports with a long range strike but a an altercation involving Paul Healthy and Lewis MacKinnon sees the discussion around retrospective bans come to the fore once again.
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Missing episodes?
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Commentator and reporter Mark Strange joins the podcast to help try and get our collective minds around this topsy turvy Irish League season.
Linfield avoid getting totally rumbled by Carrick away, but David Healy has a clear message to Blues fans, back the team!
Larne get back to winning ways, but refs are put under the spotlight by Glens boss Declan Devine as two players see red.
Elsewhere, Ports, Bannsiders and Reds continues their winning spells. Plus Loughgall continue to show signs of recovery as they earning full points for a second weekend in a row.
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Larne's humbling defeat at the hands of Shamrock Rovers in the UEFA Conference League highlighted the recently untested gulf in class between the Irish league and the League of Ireland.
Despite significant progress for the Irish League over the years, the result at Windsor Park was a clear indicator that there is still a long way to go until there is parity across the divisions on the island.
Northern Ireland football podcaster Stewart Cherry and Editor of the Banbridge Chronicle and Newry Reporter, Michael Scott are this week's guests to share their view on the status of the league and what steps should - or shouldn't - be taken in order to continue developing football within Northern Ireland.
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Football writer Lewis Bennett returns to the pod to look back at a week of Irish League action, including a deeper look at the NIFL Championship and beyond.
We preview Larne's all Ireland clash with Shamrock Rovers in the Conference League and preview this weekend's forthcoming games.
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Ross Welsh and Joe McCallion return to the pod to celebrate a century of episodes!
The Around the Grounds NI boys ponder if Ballymena's imperious form puts them in the box seat for a top seat spot.
With a win in his back pocket Stephen Baxter off to a great start as the new Carrick Rangers boss, but is he the right fit?
Linfield survive a late surge from the Crues, but is their squad already looking thin on experience from the bench?
All that plus a look ahead to this weekend's Irish League fixtures.
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Ally McCalmont is the guest for a week full of headlines. Glentoran's second half surge earns them the bragging rights in the Irish League's most watched fixture. Glenavon were joyous victors over their rivals as they give the Ports a taste of their own late goal medicine.
We look back at Stuart King's time in charge of Carrick Rangers after he steps away from the post. Plus, Dungannon and Ballymena continue to fly high, how long can it continue?
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Mark McGuiggan joins the pod was we talk about another high profile manager who did all but sign on the dotted line with a club in Scotland. Why are these managers turning down the opportunity and are they just biding their time for the right gig?
Elsewhere, Ballymena and Dugannon keep up their recent hot streaks, Carrick lose again to make it 8 defeats on the bounce and we look ahead to the first meeting of Linfield and Glentoran this season.
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David Watt is this week's guest to reflect on a turbulent couple of results in the NIFL Premiership.
Shock results, upkeep of form and a multitude of team all scrambling for position.
It just felt like the right time to plant our feet and attempt to judge which teams are looking like the real deal, and whom have not been up to scratch. We like the call such an exercise the Quarter Season Catch Up.
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Former Sports Editor of the Ballymena Times Stephen Alexander is this weeks guest to reflect on the first big battle between this season's title favourites. Lusty's unlikely drive the catalyst for Larne's winning goal. Are Blue's set to spiral or can they bounce back in a big way against Cliftonville?
Elsewhere, an inspired Ben Kennedy keep Ballymena winning and Ports beat out Dungannon to go unbeaten in four games.
Recaps and previews a plenty on this week's episode.
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Veteran Irish League writer and reporter Barry Flynn shares his views on all the latest happenings throughout the league.
What's gotten into Larne as they fail to win for a second weekend in a row. Glens are outwitted by former manager Rodney McAree. And Niall Currie also gets one over on a employer as Portadown snatch and grab three points as Taylor's Avenue.
We take a look at how the Championship is shaping up and preview all the big games coming up.
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Joel Neill joins the pod to reflect on the greatest week in the history of Larne FC. An Irish League team is playing the league/group phase of a modern European Club Competition for the first time. Incredible scenes at Inver Park after a tense encounter with Lincoln Red Imps ends in victory thanks to a hattrick from Andy Ryan.
We recap the entire European journey - so far - and look ahead to what's in store between not and Christmas in the competition.
There was also great Irish League action to respond to as Portadown frustrate Linfield with a last minute draw and a wonder goal from Jordan Jenkins keeps Glentoran's season ticking along.
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Journalist Mark McIntosh shares his view on a whirlwind weekend for David Healy and Linfield fans, after the much publicised approach by Scottish side Raith Rovers to snag the Blues manager. But the five time Irish League winning boss recommitted his future to the Belfast club. How did we get here? And what does it mean long term for Healy's future at Windsor Park?
Plus, Larne only a win away from history, can they thwart Lincoln Red Imps at Inver Park and progress to the Conference League proper?
Add in a round up of the latest games plus some transfer news and that's a one spicy meatball of a podcast.
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Damian Mullan, Sports Editor of the Coleraine Chronicle, features on the pod to discuss an intriguing week of Irish League developments.
Larne cruise into Conference League play off round, but can they get the job done against opposition from Gibraltar?
With a Lee Bonis shaped hole in their team will the Inver Reds secure a replacement within the league?
Plus, morale boosting wins for Coleraine and Glentoran, while Reds and Blues lead the way with 2 wins from 2.
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Matthew Brown from the Shout at the Oval podcast to look back at the opening weekend of the NIFL Premiership season.
We discuss Larne's chances of following up on their winning exploits in Europe and finish the task at Inver. Reflect on the success of Lee Bonis' Irish League career and review his chances of breaking into the Northern Ireland squad after his latest move. Plus we react to suggestions of the Irish League's top flight moving to only 10 teams.
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Your ultimate guide for the upcoming season of top flight of Irish League football. Every club's prospects for the campaign ahead put under the microscope.
Ross Welsh and Joe McCallion from Around the Grounds NI join the pod to share their predictions, including where they think every team will finish.
TIMESTAMPS
Irish League in Europe Reaction - 00:02:20
Linfield - 00:17:02
Portadown - 00:29:35
Glentoran - 00:38:36
Dungannon Swifts - 00:45:10
Coleraine - 00:48:50
Cliftonville - 00:55:05
Carrick Rangers - 01:02:18
Ballymena United - 01:07:02
Larne - 01:13:37
Crusaders - 01:20:25
Glenavon - 01:28:28
Loughgall - 01:34:23
Weekend's Games Preview - 01:43:23
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Matthew Brown from the Shout At The Oval podcast is our guest to go through all the latest news in the world of Irish League.
From the long awaited European draws, concerns over a majority of top flight teams failing to break even, price for games hitting £15 and all the recent Irish league transfers.
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The men's Irish League season is in the books, therefore it's that time of year to look back at a campaign full of thrills, chills and drama. With a special look at Cliftonville's Irish Cup heroics, the European play off and the action in the Promotion/Relegation play off.
All in the company of guests Mark McGuiggan and Dave Watt.
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Preparing to play at a sold out Windsor Park, Cliftonville and Linfield go under the microscope ahead of a huge Irish Cup final. Can the Blues end their season on a high note? Or can the Reds turnover a multi-decade hoodoo in the competition.
Plus, we're looking at all flavours of Play Offs, from Europe to Promotion/Relegation
Ross Welsh and Joe McCallion from Around The Grounds NI are this week's guests.
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The Inver Reds have done it! (almost) Bar the greatest one game goal difference swing in football history, the Gibson Cup will stay on the Antrim coast.
How have the done it? What will Kenny Bruce and Co do next? And what should Linfield learn from this tight title chase?
Plus, the Ports return to the Premiership at the first time of asking, Declan Devine is confirmed as Glentoran's full time boss and we recap the NI Football Awards. All in the company of Belfast Telegraph Sports reporter Stuart McKinley.
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