We will have to work hard to emulate League Cup win says Rodney McAree

Rodney McAree was on hand to kick off this year's BetMcLean.com League Cup competition.
Dungannon Swifts manager Rodney McAree pictured with competition sponsor Paul McLean from BetMcLean and NI Football League Manging Director Andrew Johnston.Dungannon Swifts manager Rodney McAree pictured with competition sponsor Paul McLean from BetMcLean and NI Football League Manging Director Andrew Johnston.
Dungannon Swifts manager Rodney McAree pictured with competition sponsor Paul McLean from BetMcLean and NI Football League Manging Director Andrew Johnston.

McAree led Dungannon Swifts to the first piece of major silverware in last year's tournament following their 3-1 win over Ballymena United.

The Swifts boss helped out with the first round draw on Wednesday morning alongside Paul McLean of sponsors BetMcLean, and he was delighted to be back at the scene of his triumph again.

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"I've some great memories from Windsor Park after the League Cup final, and it's great to be back here again for the first round draw," said McAree.

Dungannon Swifts manager Rodney McAree pictured with competition sponsor Paul McLean from BetMcLean and NI Football League Manging Director Andrew Johnston.Dungannon Swifts manager Rodney McAree pictured with competition sponsor Paul McLean from BetMcLean and NI Football League Manging Director Andrew Johnston.
Dungannon Swifts manager Rodney McAree pictured with competition sponsor Paul McLean from BetMcLean and NI Football League Manging Director Andrew Johnston.

"It was a great occasion for Dungannon Swifts and one which we thoroughly enjoyed.

"We want to kick on again this season but we know it will be extremely difficult and we can't be over confident.

"We have to understand what we have achieved over the last 15 seasons to maintain our position in the Irish Premiership, which all starts with hard work.

"We have to make sure we deliver that week in, week out."

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The BetMcLean.com League Cup action kicks off with four first round fixtures on Saturday 4 August, with the introduction of the remaining teams, including the Danske Bank Premiership clubs, for the second round later in the same month.

NI Football League Manging Director Andrew Johnston said: “The vision and dedication of BetMcLean has helped us lift the competition’s profile during the first year of sponsorship last season.

“We’re a month away from the start of the season with the BetMcLean League Cup kicking us off and we wish all clubs competing in the competition the best of luck for the season!”

Competition sponsor Paul McLean from BetMcLean said: “Following such a positive season of last year, we’re looking forward to another successful BetMcLean League Cup competition.”

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BetMcLean League Cup – First Round DrawLurgan Celtic v Armagh CityPSNI v Banbridge TownDundela v KnockbredaQueens University v Lisburn Distillery

Fixtures to be played on Saturday 4 August.

Twelve clubs received byes into the second round of the competition, namely: Annagh United, Ballyclare Comrades, Banbridge Town, Dergview, Dollingstown, Larne, Limavady United, Loughgall, Moyola Park, Newington YC, Portstewart, Sport & Leisure Swifts, Tobermore United.

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