Northern Ireland

NIFL Premiership

Key dates

The season starts on August 12 and finishes in early May. The 12 teams play each other three times, then the top six play each other once more to decide the title, with the bottom six in a relegation group.

Major coaching changes

Barry Gray took charge at Cliftonville after previous manager Gerard Lyttle resigned to manage Sligo Rovers in the Republic of Ireland. David McAlinden takes over at Carrick Rangers, having previously been with Championship side Larne.

Championship Challengers

Clear favourites to retain the championship are double winners Linfield, although striker Andrew Waterworth (right) misses the start of the season with a knee injury.

relegation battlers

Carrick Rangers, who escaped the drop by defeating Championship runners-up Institute in a play-off, will need to improve, as will Ballinamallard United. Warrenpoint Town are also likely to be embroiled in a relegation scrap.

one to watch

Hoping to resurrect a career blighted by a serious knee injury is striker Joe Gormley, who has returned to home club Cliftonville.

signing of the summer

Crusaders signed former Burnley goalkeeper Brian Jensen on a one-year contract after their number one was sidelined through injury.