Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
PRESSURE ON AHEAD OF SPLIT
would need to sign another six or seven players to bring the level of competition and depth needed to be a success at this level.
“We are looking out in the next week or two to evaluate if any more players become available and if so to bring them into the club.
“You’re always looking to better the squad but we are on the right path – we are measuring ourselves by our performances against the league’s top six.
“We know the results will need to come soon but nobody is concerned about that as we are doing the basics right and we aren’t far away from matching the best teams in this league.
“There are a lot of players who need time to settle in at the club, get familiar with new teammates and get their game together.”
Having left Lurgan Celtic last year, the experienced manager believes the Newforge club have the right attitude to continue to rise through local football’s ranks. “Results have been frustrating but we’ve all been very busy bringing in new players and bringing our own approach,” added Malone.
“We’ve brought in half a dozen new players and that’s given the existing squad a boost and we’ll evaluate trying to bring a few more guys on board too.
“Jamesy [Kirk] took the club right up through the ranks to this level and the job carried out was remarkable, but our task now is to build on that and push on.
“This club are more geared towards moving up another level than Lurgan Celtic were. Everybody has to be pulling in the same direction to push on to another stage and at the PSNI I believe we have the right attitude and mentality in place for that.
“Jamesy leaving was a big moment for the club but we seem to have stabilised things a little now and the improvement in performances will pay off soon, I am sure.”
PSNI travel to promotion favourites Institute tonight (kick-off 8pm) before a trip to Loughgall on Saturday will complete their pre-split fixtures.