‘I believe there are exciting times ahead’ Glenavon rally cry response to Irish League relegation woe after over 20 consecutive top-flight years
Glenavon chairman Dr Stephen Best has issued a defiant and hopeful rally cry in the aftermath of Premiership relegation by praising the club’s “tremendous spirit” despite drop dismay.
After over two decades on the senior stage, the Lurgan Blues – one of Irish League football’s most respected clubs – must now adapt to life in the second tier following a 1-0 loss to Crusaders on Saturday.
On an emotional day at Mourneview Park, the clash of the bottom two sides proved settled by a Fraser Bryden goal that confirmed Crusaders in the promotion/relegation play-off against Annagh United but with home side Glenavon rooted to bottom heading into the final weekend.
It proved a case of reality bites after hopes of a miracle comeback by a Glenavon side with zero points from the first 11 league game before Michael O’Connor’s October appointment.
Under O’Connor, Glenavon picked up 28 points from 26 fixtures to close out the campaign in devastating fashion but – as confirmed by Dr Best – with optimism over the future thanks to clear growth following the managerial change.
“As a Glenavon supporter for over 50 years I have experienced emotional highs but also emotional lows, and Saturday was a low, as we are now relegated to the Championship,” said Dr Best in an official club statement. “After the game against Crusaders I thanked the management and the players for the amazing turnaround after being 12 points adrift.
"Months ago we were condemned by football pundits as already relegated. After the appointment of Michael O’Connor and his coaching staff we nearly pulled off the impossible.
“I must pay tribute to the fans who have been amazing this season and supported us home and away in great, and noisy numbers, even when results were poor. To see the fans applaud the players off the field on Saturday when we were all so disappointed was so encouraging. We have the best fans in the league.
“There is a tremendous spirit about Glenavon at the moment. I believe there are exciting times ahead at Mourneview Park. We must all stick together, dust ourselves down and return stronger as it will be a fight to get out of the Championship. The supporters are vital as the ‘twelfth man’ in this effort.”