Andrew outlines hopes of fans

AS the Danske Bank Premiership season draws close the ‘MAIL’ caught up with Glenavon fan Andrew Uprichard to find out what the supporters are hoping for this term

What are your hopes for the season ahead?

My main hope for the upcoming season is that we don’t have any relegation worries. Last season Gary stepped in and kept us up, but any Glenavon fan who said they weren’t nervous on the final day of last season is a liar. A run in one of the cup competitions would also be a welcome bonus this season too.

What league position do you expect Glenavon to finish?

From what I have seen and heard in pre-season I think we are in a better position than last year. Eighth spot would seem realistic to me, though it would be nice to come seventh and top the bottom six. Anything more than that seems unrealistic.

Have the summer signings excited you so far?

It has been a mixed bag. I have been impressed with Guy Bates, he seems to hold the ball up well, and link the attack up with the midfield. Whether he will score many goals is a different matter. Eddie McCallion is a good signing in my book; he will add the experience that has been lacking from our back line for years. Andy Kilmartin seems to be able to pick out a good pass and I will be looking forward to seeing him in midfield, while Sean McCashin also looks a good player. I have been less impressed with Adam Dick and Robbie White, but I hope they make me eat my words and prove me wrong.

Who are your players to watch in the Glenavon team this season?

As mentioned above, Bates and Kilmartin will have a good season for us. I think Mark Haughey will have a big season too and Gary Hamilton is still one of the best strikers in the league. He needs to play up front though. As regards to the young players, I will be looking forward to seeing how Andy Mitchell progresses.

Who do you expect to be Glenavon’s top scorer and with how many goals?

Despite probably not playing in every game, Matty Burrows will be our top scorer. He doesn’t always contribute in other areas of the pitch, but he knows where to be and also knows how to score a goal at Irish league level. I think he will make double figures but closer to ten than twenty.

What would your starting line-up be?

Coleman,Turkington, Haughey, McCashin, McCallion, Neill, Henderson, Kilmartin, Shannon, Bates, Hamilton.

Your message to the Glenavon team before the season starts:

Have a look at the club motto, “Be Just and Fear Not.” Go out, don’t fear anyone and try and bring us some success; the Mourneview faithful have suffered a long time.