As we approach the first Danske Bank Premiership game of the season, at home to Coleraine at Inver Park on Friday night, we spoke to Club Captain Jeff Hughes to get his thoughts.
The Club Captain is preparing for his fourth full season since returning to the club and he cannot wait.
He said: “I am really looking forward to it, all of the lads are. Our European run has allowed us to stay competitive throughout pre-season and you could say it was the perfect preparation for the league campaign.
“You just look at the standard of the Irish League this season and it’s great to see, there’s so many teams that will be competitive this season. The product on offer is the strongest I’ve ever seen and it makes it very exciting for both the players and the supporters.”
We kick-off the new season with a tough test against Oran Kearney’s Coleraine, who finished as runners-up over the last two seasons.
Speaking about the game itself, Jeff added: “It will be a tough game. All of our games against Coleraine over the last couple of seasons have been very tight and I wouldn’t expect this one to be any different.
“Oran always has his teams set up well and they are a team that is always going to be challenging at the top of the table. However, we are no different and the Gaffer will have a game plan for us so it’s up to me and the lads to deliver it out on the pitch. It’s a great game to start off the season.”
With Friday’s game taking place without restrictions on the capacity at Inver Park, it is set to be a special night – and captain has urged fans to turn up in their numbers.
“It’s been a long year and a bit, one minute you had supporters in and the next game it was behind closed doors,” he said.
“I can’t wait for Friday, I’ve always said how special it is to play under the lights at Inver Park with the crowd behind you but Friday will be that bit more special.
“You just have to look at the support we received throughout our European run, both home and away, to see how much it meant to our supporters.
“It’s something I thrive off and I think I speak for all of the lads when I say that. I hope to see as many of our supporters as possible at Inver Park on Friday night.”
Tickets remain on General Sale for the game and be purchased by clicking on the following link: https://www.larnefc.com/tickets/
