Michael O'Connor 'didn't think recruitment was going to be this hard' as Glenavon transfer search continues

The Co Armagh club enter their first Premiership match of 2026 against Ballymena United sitting seven points adrift at the bottom.

O’Connor has already moved to sign former Finn Harps winger Gavin Gilmore, but his squad has been further depleted in recent days with Corey Smith and Bridel Bosakani returning to their parent clubs following loan spells.

It currently leaves the Glenavon chief without a recognised senior striker with Francely Lomboto, David McDaid and Michael O’Connor departing for a variety of reasons last month.

"I didn't think the recruitment side of football was going to be this hard,” he told the club’s media channel following Tuesday’s defeat to Dungannon Swifts. “I keep saying I want to get bodies through the door, but we don't want just any Tom, Dick and Harry to make up the numbers - I want to get players in who will improve the squad and help keep this team in the league.

"We need more in before Ballymena...I'll be trying my best."

Despite their Premiership position, Glenavon have a number of talented players in their squad, the likes of Peter Campbell, Paul McGovern and Jack Malone, who will almost certainly attract attention from rival clubs.

However, O’Connor insists there’s currently been no contact regarding interest in his star talent.

"We haven't had contact from anyone,” he added. “Until we hear from clubs saying they're interested in our players...so far there hasn't been any contact.”

Talisman Campbell made his injury return as a late substitute on Tuesday while Stephen Mallon also stepped up his minutes, playing the final 20 at Mourneview Park.

O’Connor remains without several key players, including the likes of Sean Carlin and Kris Lowe, and goalkeeper Jacob Carney also missed the midweek fixture after being replaced at half-time on Boxing Day.

"We're still managing Stevie's minutes,” said O’Connor. “He's looking better and better every week so we're hoping to get him more minutes next time he plays.

"It's good to see Peter back, we've missed him the last three or four weeks since he got injured.

"We have other players to come back, Sean Carlin isn't far off, so once you get these players back, they're massive players for us, and we'll add to that squad...we're hoping we can turn it around quickly."

O’Connor will be hoping to put an end to Glenavon’s miserable away record on Saturday afternoon – they’ve lost 12 consecutive matches on the road, scoring only seven times in the process and conceding 30.

Ballymena have struggled for consistency at home with only Crusaders (five) and Carrick Rangers (seven) collecting fewer points at their own stadium than the Sky Blues (11).

"Oran (Kearney, Ballymena manager) got a good win against Coleraine on Boxing Day and they lost (against Bangor on Tuesday) so they're up and down, a bit similar to us,” he added. “It's trying to get that consistency.

"Going away to Ballymena is always a tough game, you have to do the hard stuff, win your battle, and then you have to play. We'll go there with some confidence...even though we're not picking up the results, I don't think we're far away from getting that win."