Larne’s league challenge is for real, warn title winners
■ Shield holders are tipped to add Gibson Cup to their trophy cabinet in 2021
HISTORY-CHASING Larne have been given a massive vote of confidence by former Irish League title winners as they edge closer to the club’s first top flight championship success in 2021.
Tiernan Lynch’s side have come flying out of the blocks this season and sit a point ahead of second placed Linfield and have played a game less than the champions.
In this Covid-19 disrupted campaign, Northern Ireland Football League rules allow champions to be declared from the 22-game mark, and the Inver Park men — who have already won the County Antrim Shield — are in the driving seat as a new year dawns.
Several former Irish League title winners feel the full-time force from County Antrim are the real deal.
Jimmy Brown, who lives in Larne and won three titles as Roy Coyle’s assistant at Glentoran, said: “If I was making a bet, I’d take a gamble on Larne. They’ve a good chance and on current form I think they can do it.”
Barry Johnston, who lifted two league titles with Cliftonville, said: “One hundred per cent, Larne are serious title contenders despite the fact the players and management will play it down.”
Michael Gault, winner of seven league titles with Linfield, said: “I think they are the real deal, they are a threat to Linfield and they are the two favourites at the moment.”
Jim Ervin, who won six titles with Linfield, argued: “You’ve got to give Larne as good a chance as anyone. They have become the team to beat.”
Sean Ward, who bagged two titles with Glentoran and one each Linfield and Crusaders, said: “It’s players who will win the league and they have players with those title-winning qualities.”