Linfield are champions and it’s been earned hard way: Healy
LINFIELD manager David Healy insists the Blues are “worthy league winners” after his side were named champions of the curtailed 2019-20 campaign.
Healy’s side retain the title via a mathematical formula which was sought after the Covid-19 crisis slammed the brakes on the Danske Bank Premiership campaign after 31 games.
The Blues held a four-point lead at the top when the season was suspended in March and have now been awarded the Gibson Cup after the final standings were determined by 21st Club, an independent stats company.
“I’m absolutely delighted for everyone associated with Linfield Football Club that we’ve been confirmed as champions by NIFL,” said Northern Ireland’s record goalscorer (above).
“The past few months have been challenging both on and off the pitch and I’m just so pleased for everyone that we’ve been rightly crowned champions.
“We were having to play catchup after an incredible run in Europe but I’ve no doubt we were worthy league winners and earned the right to be confirmed as champions.”
There are no changes to the table after the points per game average formula was used, resulting in title success for Linfield and promotion to the top flight for Championship winners Portadown while Annagh United claim the Premier Intermediate League title.
The sad footnote in this unfortunate process is that Institute are relegated to the Championship.
Coleraine have secured a Europa League spot and Crusaders still have a chance of joining them in Europe as they hold onto third place, ahead of Cliftonville on goal difference.
The Irish Cup winners will net the final Europa League spot, or the Crues if Coleraine triumph.
THE Irish FA hope to announce a new Northern Ireland manager on Monday with Ian Baraclough now the firm favourite to land the job.
The Northern Ireland Under-21 boss looks set to edge out Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson, ex-st Johnstone boss Tommy Wright, the IFA’S Elite Performance Director Jim Magilton and Northern Ireland women’s boss Kenny Shiels and be handed the opportunity of building on Michael O’neill’s legacy.
When O’neill was appointed Stoke City boss in November, the 49-year-old Englishman (right) became an early bookies favourite for the post.
The Irish FA indicated they wished to maintain an element of continuity in making their appointment and Baraclough fits the bill having previously worked with O’neill.
Baraclough, who transformed the fortunes of the Under-21 side, previously stated: “I want to manage at the highest level possible and would be honoured if I was asked to do the job.
“When I first took the Under-21s I never imagined I would be linked to Michael’s job.”
It’s understood an offer has been put to the preferred candidate with an announcement expected early next week.