PREPARING FOR NEXT SEASON

As their plans for the 2010/11 start to come together Town Chairman Andrew Cully has told the Leader this week that Senior opponents and a pre-season weekend away will be on the cards for the locals.

He also said that he is pleased with how things have gone this season as manager Colin Malone agreed to stay with the club for another season.

"Over the next couple of weeks we will be looking to sign up most of this season's squad and I would be fairly confident that the bulk of them will be wearing Town colours next season," said Mr Cully.

"The next challenge from then on will be to sign new players. In terms of our financial situation from last season we are certainly no worse off; we were certainly never flush with money but we are currently strong enough to build on what we had last season.

"Plans are already in place for pre-season with Cliftonville confirmed as coming to Crystal Park for the Bob Larmour Cup in the last Saturday in July. Cliftonville have now secured their place in Europe so the date suits everyone due to the way the fixtures have fallen.

"Portadown have also agreed to play us and we will also be off to Bellurgan down south for a weekend, a favourite pre-season venue for Colly as he has already taken Glenavon and Armagh City down there.

Town host Ballymoney tonight (Crystal Park, 7pm) and travel to Larne on Saturday with the aim of securing their position in Championship 1.

Their season comes to an end next Wednesday with a crucial game at home to Loughgall (Crystal Park, 7pm).

"This season has been tough but when you consider the limited resources Colin has had to work with we have done very well," added Mr Cully.

"We had a strong start to the season and we're enjoying a strong finish now too - it's just a shame the wheels came off a bit during Christmas.

"Colly has done well in an adverse situation and we are delighted he's rejoining us for next season."