Kyle McClelland eager for better fortunes this time around as defender holds hands up for poor form at Glenavon
After enduring one of the most difficult seasons of his career to date – Kyle McClelland says he is now determined to make up for lost time.
The big defender started the campaign on loan at Glenavon and after falling out of favour at Mourneview Park, he then joined Cliftonville on loan for the second half of the season.
However, he was limited to just two appearances for the Reds after suffering a broken toe in February against Dungannon Swifts.
With a new season on the horizon, McClelland is keen to do his talking on the pitch this time around after agreeing a permanent switch to Cliftonville earlier this month.
"I think joining Cliftonville was a no brainer to be honest,” he said.
"For me, they are one of the biggest clubs in Northern Ireland and Jim (Magilton) has given me a good platform to build my career again.
"I had a tough year last season and things didn't work out the way I thought they would have.
"Jim has a lot of trust in me, so I need to go and repay him back by doing my business on the pitch and hopefully we have a successful season ahead.
"I think the injury was just unfortunate...I signed in January, played my second game and felt I was getting my rhythm back, but against Dungannon I suffered the injury which ended my season.
"But looking at it now, it's given me that extra motivation and hunger to go and do well.
"I've missed football massively and I think it's been four-and-a-half months without playing, so I'm definitely more determined to go and do well now.
"I've had my operation now, I'm back training, back doing rehab and hopefully everything goes well from now on.
"I want to prove a lot of people wrong because football is all about opinions.
"I know last year there were a lot of opinions about myself, so for me, I want to get back out there and play the way I know I can."
McClelland started his Irish League career at Coleraine in the 2024/25 campaign after he joined the Bannsiders on loan from Hibernian.
After being released from the Edinburgh-based club, the 24-year-old was then snapped up by Glenavon but things didn’t go according to plan for him at the Lurgan Blues – but he offered no excuses for what he labelled “really poor” performances.
He explained: "I think my time at Glenavon was a bit of an eye-opener for me.
"It's the first time I've gone part-time in all my career and I don't like using it as an excuse but I did struggle off the pitch.
"I was in my company quite a lot, I wasn't working at the time which I maybe should have and I think just off the pitch in general was tough for me.
"I think my routine was poor and I think that led into my performances as well.
"Ultimately, I wasn't good enough and I know that looking back on last season.
"I had a really poor season last year and I think my confidence went down as well when results didn't go our way.
"Any club that I leave, I always wish the best for them and I'll be keeping an eye on their results.
"I have no doubts that they'll come back up again from the Championship and I sincerely wish that they do.”
McClelland is one of a number of Scottish-born players who have crossed the Irish Sea in recent years for a crack of Irish League football.
There is a strong Scottish contingent at the likes of Coleraine, Crusaders and Linfield – but why is that the case?
"I personally think the Irish League is getting more interest every year,” McClelland answered.
"You can see that the clubs are making some big signings and it's attracting a lot of players.
"I've really enjoyed my time in Northern Ireland and I think my first year at Coleraine is one of the most successful ones in my career.
"I think Northern Ireland is providing a great platform for Scottish players and I think a lot of people want to try something different in their careers.
"Luckily for me, when I first came over I really enjoyed my time and have managed to stay on.
"I think the standard is getting a lot better over here and I think NIFL are doing a great job of publicising that, so that's why a lot of the Scottish boys are coming over.
"I think every year there seems to be more Scottish guys coming over and it's good to see a few familiar faces as I've played against a lot of them.”