CANNING IS BACK AT BANN

Boss applauds unbeaten Blues as he’s named manager of the month

LINFIELD’S blistering start to the season sees David Healy today named manager of the month for August by the NI Football Writers’ Association.

The Blues lie top of the

Danske Bank Premiership with 10 points from their opening four games, including a gutsy 1-1 draw with 10-men at

Cliftonville last Saturday.

They also hammered

Moyola Park 8-0 – with striker Andy Waterworth helping himself to five goals – in the Betmclean League Cup on

Tuesday night.

Healy believes Linfield, who finished fourth in the league in a trophyless season last time out, are silencing their critics this campaign.

He said: “A lot of people doubted Linfield this season, so we were determined to make a strong start to the season and thankfully we have managed to do that.

“We had a difficult run of fixtures in August, with away trips to the likes of Glenavon, Crusaders and Cliftonville, so I’m delighted we finished the month unbeaten.

“I’m really pleased and it’s an honour to win this award. I’d like to thank the Football Writers for recognising our achievements this month.”

Linfield, who have kept four clean sheets in their five outings in all competitions to date, face Ards at Windsor Park tomorrow.

A busy September lies in wait with five league fixtures and a County Antrim Shield first round tie against the PSNI lying in wait.

“We have a tough September coming up, starting with Ards on Saturday,” said Healy.

COLERAINE yesterday re-signed Aaron Canning – three years after sacking the defender.Canning was found guilty of indecent exposure in 2015 and sentenced to 18 months’ probation and given a seven-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order.After his sentencing Coleraine sacked the then 23-year-old for a breach of the club’s Code of Conduct.But now the defender, right, – who has since had spells with clubs including Limavady United and Glenavon – is back at the Showgrounds.Confirming the player’s return, Coleraine said: “The difficulties of his past have been well publicised and Aaron accepts full responsibility.“However, we recognise that Aaron acknowledged the need to make changes in his life and actively took huge steps to achieve this over the past year, which we have confirmed from a range of sources.“Whilst acknowledging the past, the club believes that Aaron should be offered an opportunity to rebuild his career.” SILENCING THE CRITICS Linfield manager David Healy