Football comes home to Taylor’s Avenue ...

A lot has changed at the club since Stephen Small’s team toasted the Championship 1 title after they defeated Ballinamallard United on home turf in May 2011. Fans’ optimism reached fever pitch as Carrick returned to the top-flight for the first time since the mid-90s, but the reality of life in the big league began to bite. Results were poor and Small was replaced by former Northern Ireland international Michael Hughes. He failed to stave off relegation and now, after a good start to their latest campaign in the second tier, a new-look Rangers have hit a slump in form.

But after months of journeying to temporary homes at Seaview and Dixon Park, they are gearing up for a homecoming on a newly-laid grass surface and they are hoping to re-ignite their season with three points against the Inver Reds.

“It has been a difficult 18 months for the Gers having to play all our matches away from Carrickfergus, but we would like to sincerely thank all of our fantastic and loyal supporters in the Amber Army who have given the team their support,” said Carrick Rangers’ Head of Operations, Gareth Hughes.

“Unfortunately our return home was delayed due to severe storm damage to one of the floodlights at the beginning of October. As a result, all the floodlights at the ground have had to be taken down for further inspection and repair. Subsequently, all of our Championship 1 fixtures at Taylor’s Avenue this season will now kick off at 2pm rather than the traditional 3pm kick off slot. We hope to restore the floodlights at the end of the current season in order to cater for evening kick-offs in the next campaign.”

He addded: “We are delighted to be able to bring Carrick Rangers FC back home. We hope everyone in the local area can get behind the club and support our local players as we try to get Carrick Rangers back to the top flight of football in Northern Ireland in the near future.”

Report by John Gillespie | Twitter: Times_Sport