Whitey Anderson feels his side can make the top six again
Ballinamallard United manager Whitey Anderson leads his side into the Irish Premier League for a second season full of confidence that they can emulate their first campaign.
What a season it was too, finishing in fifth position and taking the scalps of several of the bigger more established clubs including, Cliftonville and Linfield.
“Everybody is talking about second year syndrome. I’ve heard it so many times in the past few weeks. But I can tell you that the Ballinamallard players are as hungry and keen to do well in the Premiership and truthfully I’m not sure if this ‘second year syndrome’ will have any affect on us.”
Last season it was all about avoiding relegation according to Anderson, but this year everyone is looking forward to getting a top six placing again.
“We’re capable of doing just that too,” he says. “The club has a good set of players who are very competitive and want to achieve more.”
“Our season last year wasn’t lost on the players and they want to get back to keep pushing to greater heights,” said the Mallard manager.
“They keep responding to everying I ask. They have a hunger and they want to do well again this year.”
He knows that losing one of the most exciting players in the league, Chris Curran, will have an affect.
“I would pay money myself to go and watch him, but I think we can overcome this and I’m confident we can replace him. There aren’t many Chris Currans around, players with skill and pace, but I feel we can do something that will continue to give us that pace.”
Anderson feels that the return of full back Mark McConkey and midfielder Stuart Hutchinson will give his side added impetus when the season opens on Saturday.
“We lost those two players midway through our last season. They are very influential and I know they will make a difference.”
Anderson has also resigned midfielder Cathal Beacom who was part of the Championship winning side, but took a year out to go to England.
Add to that players like John Currie and Nathan Cashel who made the step up in the Spring and Anderson believes the formula that Ballinamallard have will cause plenty of problems.
“It’s like having five or six new signings at the club when you take into consideration that we also have acquired Richard Leckey from Portadown. He has played at the top level and when he gets up to speed will give us an extra dimension. I know when he gets a few games under his belt he will be a big addition.”
Last time out Ballinamallard had the third meanest defensive record in the league and Anderson believes this is crucial if they are to have success. He also believes his strikeforce will give his side more goals.
“We’re definitely very strong as a team unit. We probably didn’t score enough goals last season, but I feel we have the players here to find the net.”
He knows it will be a tough league this year. With new boys Warrenpoint and Ards looking to do that the Ferney Park did last time out, points will be difficult to come by.
But Anderson says he’s got the right formula, not only to survive, but push again for a top six slot.
“We’ll see where that takes us,” said the Ballinamallard manager.
He’s very pragmatic about what the club is trying to achieve and isn’t getting carried away with the ‘success’ of last season.
“We must enjoy it and we are at the moment. We must enjoy the good times.
‘We probably had the smallest budget in the Premier League and to finish the top side outside Belfast was a most exceptional achievement.
NEW SEASON, NEW LOOK…Presenting Ballinamallard’s new 2013/14 home and away strip at Ferney Park are Alexandra Palmer, Mark Stafford, Stuart Hutchinson and Melanie Fisher
As for Saturday’s opener against Crusaders at home, well Anderson is confident his charges can start the season well.
“Crusaders are always a good side, well balanaced, probably the best balanced side in the league. They were probably unlucky last year in the fact Cliftonville came out of the blue and took the league by storm.
“But we are at home and will be going out to have a go. There is no pressure on us which is great and we will play to our strengths. We know what we have to do now and the players are really up for it.”
Signings
Richard Lecky from Portadown
Cathal Beacom resigned
Transfers
Chris Curran to Cliftonville