Ballinamallard United manager Mark Stafford has expressed satisfaction with his team’s pre-season efforts as they prepare to kick off the new season at home against Ballyclare Comrades this Saturday.
The 36-year-old, who celebrates his 37th birthday on 20 August, just after the opening two fixtures, feels the team is in good shape despite a challenging start to his tenure.
“We’re excited to get started now. I think friendlies are alright and get you prepared, but they’re not the real deal,” Stafford shared, reflecting on the pre-season preparations which concluded with a pleasing 4-0 victory over NFC Kesh last Saturday.
Despite some initial instability with the management transition Stafford, who was Tommy Canning’s assistant last season, believes the team has started to find its footing.
“It wasn’t an ideal start obviously with everything being a bit unsettled and with the management situation, it was difficult to start, but things have settled down a wee bit and we’re happy with the way things have gone so far,” he said.
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