FOOTBALL: Support your local club says Carsie

The Northern Ireland international made the impassioned plea following the news that several Irish League clubs are fighting for their future.

The plight of Premiership giants Glentoran has been well documented but they aren't alone as it is understood the Irish FA have received a financial SOS call from at least nine of the 12 top flight clubs under pressure to cough up from the HM Revenue and Customs.

Carson of course experienced a similar situation when he first joined the Bannsiders in 2004. But hard work by everyone at the club has helped the Bannsiders move on to a more solid financial footing.

Attendances at The Showgrounds this season have been averaging close to the 1,000 mark and Carson believes that getting fans through the gate is key to the survival of the game.

"I think the Northern Ireland public needs to support the clubs more," said Carson. "No matter what people say about the standard, it's the best standard of football being played in this country at any time.

"When I was in England, at Barnsley the players played on a Sunday and all the local players that played on a Sunday went to support their club on a Saturday and you were getting 10,000 fans every Saturday in a town which isn't much bigger than Coleraine or Ballymena.

"I think the communities need to support their club better while the players should be realistic about what they earn. Good players who work hard should be rewarded, but within reason.

"If we can get more money from the government and improve facilities to attract more kids and families, we will continue to create a family-friendly game for the fans.

"Being selfish about it, the 12 teams in the Premiership need the money to keep the game thriving."

Rather than negative headlines sparking negative performances, Carson believes Glentoran's players will come out fighting while the club's future hangs in the balance.

Carson believes the Irish League needs a strong Glentoran and he hopes the Oval outfit pull through this tricky situation.

"Glentoran were very good to us when we were nearly down and out. I'm sure people will say the Rory Patterson saga didn't improve relations between the clubs but I hope people sort it out," he said.

"I'm not saying anyone should get preferential treatment but the Irish League needs Glentoran.

"There was poor financial management at Coleraine but it's not always right to simply blame players because if people are willing to pay you money, you will take it.

"Players in the Irish League are not greedy players but they get paid what the club feels they are worth. But the league as a whole needs to look at the wage structure and what is sustainable."