Headache at Glenavon

Optimistic supporters had their hopes dashed before a ball was kicked in anger after news leaked of a players' meeting.

Glenavon officials refused to comment on the situation.

Goalkeeper Errol McNally, full backs Freddie Clark and Maxie Patton, half backs Sammy Magee and Jackie Hughes along with forwards Denis Guy, Philip Anderson and Jackie Fullerton had all turned down new deals offered to them.

A letter from the players submitted to the directors was summarily dismissed as it had not been signed.

in addition to what Jones described as a 'massive headache' promising amateur Albert Macklin had also refused to put pen to paper.

At the end of the previous season supporters had felt the Mourneview outfit had the players capable or mounting a challenge in Irish football, but with the 1970 season only days away the rift between players and management had had a disastrous affect on morale on the terraces.