Linfield begin the 2024/25 NIFL Sports Direct Premiership season by heading up the M2 to face Ballymena United at The Showgrounds (3pm k.o.). 

Following last season's struggles, The Sky Blues approach the new campaign with confidence after manager Jim Ervin recruited signings like Ben Kennedy (Crusaders), Josh Carson (Coleraine) and Daniel Lafferty (Institute) who will bring a wealth of experience to his squad. 

Defender Scot Whiteside has made the move from Warden Street to Windsor Park and is joined in South Belfast by the returning Sam Roscoe, Cammy Ballantyne and, most recently, Charlie Allen who has spent the last 4 years at Leeds Utd. Matthew Orr has also been awarded a professional contract  

As always, Linfield will judge a truly successful season as one which sees The Gibson Cup return to the club’s trophy cabinet, and in pursuit of that goal David Healy and his players have taken part in a training camp in Poland, several friendly fixtures, and a UEFA Europa Conference League tie. This should ensure that the Linfield squad is well prepared for the long season ahead. Hopefully, it is one that will be laced with silverware.

*In this corresponding fixture last season, Linfield won by the only goal of the game from Chris McKee*

COYB!

By Ken Garrett.