Chance for Linfield history can still give Championship players vital ‘reward’

NIFL officials, with a majority backing from the Championship and PIL clubs, declared on Tuesday the demise of domestic league football outside the elite-designated Premiership.

Having endured a demoralising waiting game for a final decision which many considered inevitable once NI Executive restrictions within the Coronavirus pandemic granted a green light for the 12 senior clubs alone, McGurgan is embracing the fact that focus can now turn to future goals.

“The players deserve a chance to play and rescue some reward,” said McGurgan. “It was not the outcome we wanted but without elite status I appreciate there was no alternative left on the table for a league season, so at least it’s an answer and we can move forward.

“We will know more once the next NI Executive announcements come out and that will allow us to hopefully plan for group training towards any fixtures we can get organised.

“Certainly the feeling within our club is to get whatever football is possible out of the rest of the season.”

Promotion for this season back up to the Irish League’s second tier for only the second time in the history of the Tandragee Road club left McGurgan planning for a special season.

However, the Covid-19 global health crisis has ensured a campaign historic for altogether different reasons.

But McGurgan is drawing confidence from a desire by the game’s powers to complete an Irish Cup that has handed Annagh a memorable tie against Linfield at Windsor Park.

Proposals positively received by clubs to also introduce a regional cup tournament that would place Annagh up against derby rivals Loughgall, Dollingstown, Armagh City, Newry City AFC and Banbridge Town has led to increased optimism within the Annagh camp.

“We were all excited about getting back up to Championship level and now that league’s off the table but the season can still have something positive for us,” said McGurgan. “I don’t think we’ve ever played Linfield before and it will still be such a special occasion for our players to go to Windsor Park in an Irish Cup tie.

“After everything that has gone on this season, it so important to have that opportunity to create a little bit of club history.”

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