They say a year is a long time in football – but the last 12 months has been one of success and learning for Marty Smith.

After being a successful youth coach at the likes of Coleraine and with Co Londonderry SuperCupNI squad, Smith jumped into senior football for the first time last summer after being confirmed as the manager of Moyola Park.

That move to the Castledawson-based side has proven to be a perfect match for all concerned as the Park clinched the Premier Intermediate League title and promotion to the Championship in the process.

There has also been a rise in attendance figures coming through the gates at Mill Meadow as they now prepare for life in the second-tier of the domestic game next season.

placeholder image — Marty Smith led Moyola Park to Premier Intermediate League glory. (Photo: NIFL)

"When I spoke to Moyola last summer, we discussed about promotion via top-two position in the league,” Smith added.

"However, once that was extended to four teams, we knew we had a really good chance of achieving that with the squad that we have.

“Other clubs strengthened with the four spots available and it was arguably the strongest PIL ever...with some good teams left behind that didn’t get promoted.

"I think winning the league has vindicated my decision to move into senior football. I had discussions with other senior clubs but they didn’t feel right, whereas this did and it has proved to be the right move.”

The 16-team Championship is set to be fiercely competitive next season as Glenavon will look to bounce straight back into the top-flight, with the likes of Annagh United, H&W Welders and Loughgall also having the same aspiration of earning promotion.

But what is Smith expecting from his Moyola troops as soon as they cross across the white line when the 2026/27 campaign gets up and running in August?

He replied: “There’s no doubt about it that it will be tough.

"There are so many quality teams in the Championship next season and it’s always said that the minimum objective for a team who gets promoted is to stay up.

"However, with the squad that we have here and the potential of additions, then there’s no reason why we can’t potentially aim higher.

"What that is, I’m not overly sure but I’m confident once the season starts, we will go and make a good impact.”

Smith is set to have a wee bit more free time this summer after making the decision to step away as the manager of County Londonderry’s Premier squad at the SuperCupNI tournament.

The Londonderry native has fond memories of the competition after making history when being the manager of the triumphant Premier section team in 2023.

He recalled: “It is a bit weird not having the SuperCupNI in my schedule this summer.

"At this time of year, you’re conducting trials and preparing the squad, but to be honest, I’ve been that busy with Moyola this season that I haven’t even had a chance to miss it.

"The whole week is an amazing thing to be a part of...the parade in Coleraine, the hotel, competing against top teams, the camaraderie and everything else.

"I’ll certainly miss it when it rolls around in July as it’s a special competition and it’s provided me with some of my best moments in football.”

Despite not being involved with the SuperCupNI squad this time around, Smith, who won NIFL league titles at U16, U18 and U20 levels with Coleraine, will be working hard behind the scenes to get Moyola into the best possible shape for their Championship excursions.

"It’s hard because you don’t really get a break and managers at all levels will tell you that,” he stressed.

"We are speaking to our current crop of players about next year and things like that, and then we will be speaking to players we are interested in potentially bringing here.

"We won’t be bringing in someone for the sake of it. It’s imperative that we don’t only sign good players, but they are also good people as well who will fit into the group.

"There’s nothing pressing in terms of potential arrivals as it’s still very early after the season finishing."

The north-west of the country enjoyed a boom of success this season as Moyola’s title crown was not the only highlight for the region.

Coleraine ended the season with Irish Cup glory and a return to European football, with Limavady United also sealing promotion back to the Premiership after topping the Championship table.

Moreover, Strabane Athletic also managed to get promoted out of the PIL, as well as emerging victors of the North-West Senior Cup after beating Limavady United in the showpiece decider.

"It’s been brilliant to see,” Smith reflected.

"Speaking about Moyola...we haven’t been involved in the business end of the season for a few years, so it was great to get over the line and clinch the PIL title.

"Paul Owens has done a really good job at Limavady United and kicked on in the Championship after getting promoted out of the PIL. Could we potentially use that as a blueprint for ourselves?

“I spent a portion of my coaching career at Coleraine, so I was delighted to see them win the Irish Cup last weekend.

"Strabane have been brilliant since Mo Mohan took over and full credit to them for getting promoted.”