Tough start for Gers

The Taylor’s Avenue club have been handed a tough start to the Championship 1 campaign with clashes against Larne, Dundela and Ards in the opening weeks of the season.

“The notion that some fixtures are easier than others is fair enough, but I would not want to be able to choose the first five fixtures of the season because I wouldn’t know where to begin,” said Haveron.

“We all like to assess the situation on paper and scanning down the list of games we have been afforded, there is no doubt they all look pretty formidable challenges, beginning with the first day at home to Donegal Celtic. It’s not an easy start.

“We have a trip to Harland and Wolff Welders, then we’re home to Larne, away to Dundela and Ards and then at home to Knockbreda.

“Even if you did choose what you might perceive as easy games, then you would not have those games later in the season. It would be a swings and roundabouts activity.”

He added: “Championship 1 is a hugely competitive league, much tougher even than last season, and there simply are no games which will provide the opportunity to pick up points without playing to a high level.

“That consistency and standard will have to be maintained game after game and you might as well be thrown into it at the deep end.

“Those opening games will tell us a lot about the group.

“But I would not swop my squad for any other in the league.”