05 January 2011
Speaking to the Antrim website senior football manager Liam Bradley set out his stall ahead of the 2011 season which begins this weekend as the Saffrons take on Armagh in the McKenna Cup.
"Our aim is to win Division 2, it is as straightforward as that. We got promotion two years in a row and we want to do so again. But we know there are some great teams in the mix and if we cannot win the division we certainly want to retain our place. There is no point in coming up one year only to go down the next. But ultimately we believe that Antrim can play their league football in the top division and that’s where we want to be."
Bradley also said that with the additions to the senior squad this year, the best players in the county are representing Antrim. "We have drafted in two or three under 21 players and they have settled in very well. Those younger boys can only learn and improve their game by training and playing alongside the likes of Thomas McCann, Kevin Niblock, Paddy Cunningham, Kevin O'Boyle as well as the other more established players. We are creating a legacy here where Antrim have a successful long term future."
When asked if winning silverware was a priority Bradley was forthright: "The most disappointing thing about my time so far is that we have played in three finals and we don't have any silverware. I want to see the Antrim player getting presented with a trophy this year, and that aim starts with the McKenna Cup. We are in a very tough group with two Division 1 teams and St Mary's but we'll be doing all we can to qualify from our group."
Bradley praised the Antrim supporters and made an impassioned call for the saffron fans to stay behind the team this year.
"No doubt that over the last two years the number of supporters has increased and it gives the lads great encouragement to hear an Antrim roar in Casement. There are some exciting matches coming up at home this year like Down, Kildare, Meath, Derry and our old friends Sligo. The fans can be like a 16th man if the going gets tough and I hope that more and more supporters will get behind the team - they deserve it."
Antrim’s football season gets underway V Armagh in the McKenna Cup at 2pm this Sunday.
Brendan Mulgrew
