7 hours Ago By [email protected] (Gareth Fullerton)
Paddy McLaughlin (Image: INPHO/Evan Logan) Get the latest Belfast Live breaking news on WhatsApp Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Join us on WhatsApp Paddy McLaughlin believes Glenavon's players have "under-performed" and "under-achieved" this season, insisting there's plenty more to come from the Lurgan Blues.
McLaughlin was appointed as Stephen McDonnell's successor earlier this week , with the Lurgan club sitting second from bottom in the table. The former Institute and Cliftonville boss accepts it will be a "challenge" reversing the club's fortunes, but insists the talent is there to make a mark in the top flight. READ NEXT: Coleraine FC issue response after threat of stadium closure emerges READ NEXT: Derry City chief on Kenny Bruce's laughing response to Tiernan Lynch approach "It was an easy decision (taking the job).
I wasn't waiting on the perfect thing to come up, but I wanted something interesting and something I would be keen on," he said. "The pitch and training facilities are a big plus, and the club is a good club. It is renowned to be very well run and has a family feel to it.
"It was a great opportunity for me, and I definitely feel this group of players has under-achieved and under-performing. They shouldn't be sitting where they're at. "Results obviously say different, but there is enough talent there to climb the league.
So that will be the aim." McLaughlin has been out of football since leaving his coaching role at Derry City back in February. He was previously manager at Cliftonville before leaving Solitude in April last year.
He has been staying up to speed on both leagues by attending games in the interim, and even paid a few club visits to learn off other managers and coaches. Read More Related Articles Glentoran boss Declan Devine offers mid-season verdict ahead of acid test Read More Related Articles What channel is Glentoran vs Linfield on? TV and live stream info for Friday's game "I have been going around grounds and watching matches. I have been keeping an eye on both leagues, because you never know when an opportunity will come up," he said.
"I attended a lot of matches and did a few club visits to see how other managers and coaches do things, and seeing where I was going right and wrong. "Just trying to take on as much information and trying to improve myself for the next opportunity, and that is Glenavon . I hope I am better equipped for things now than I was before at Institute and Cliftonville.
" McLaughlin's first league game in charge is a big one, with Glenavon travelling to Mid-Ulster derby rivals Portadown on Saturday. The 45-year-old admits it is the perfect "baptism of fire". "It is some game to look forward to.
First game, away to Portadown. But that's what you want. You want to be involved in these big games," he said.
"I sat in the house for many weekends waiting on something like this. To get thrown in against Portadown is brilliant, and I am buzzing to be back in that cauldron. "I met the boys for the first time last night and we will put a plan in place for Saturday's game.
It is one to look forward to, and there will be a big crowd and lots of interest in it. "That's why you put the hours in, to be involved in sold-out games and big derby games." Join Belfast Live’s new Irish League WhatsApp group.
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