POINTS OF GLOW RETURN

Smyth happy to be back and change brings win

Cup with the East Belfast outfit in 2015 while they were widely regarded as one of the division’s strongest teams – defensively solid and consistently challenging for the top spots, including a club high second-placed finish in 2016.

However, he has explained that his first stint – between 2013 and 2018 – was built on a solid defence and a team who played in his image: “You have to build from the back, and there were a lot of defensive players left in one go during the summer.

“Those guys who left were all Welders men through and through, it was really the spine of the team and it’s very difficult to replace those individuals, especially all at one time.

“I don’t know the ins and outs of each of those situations, if the players left by their own accord or if it was the decision of the management team, and maybe it was time for the team to be refreshed.

“Now we’re coming up to the January transfer window and I’d be looking at bringing in at least three new faces, if not four – Dylan Davidson has already moved on (to join Glenavon).

“The way we play didn’t quite suit Dylan anyway as we don’t play with great width - although it’s brilliant if we can get our fullbacks forward.

“We still have stalwarts who have been around the club for years – Dan Mcmurray has suffered awful injuries and people thought his career might be over, but he’s bounced back and on Saturday he was excellent.

“Young Lewis Harrison is predominantly a midfielder but he played as a central defender and the key thing is to learn quickly.”

The Welders have the fourth worst defensive record in the division – conceding 44 goals in 20 appearances – with