McDermott wants to see more attractive football for the fans
NEW Glentoran boss Mick McDermott wants to see more entertainment in the Irish League.
The man who was assistant to Iran manager Carlos Queiroz at last year’s World Cup would like to see Danske Bank Premiership clubs play a more attractive brand of football in an attempt to bring more fans through the gates.
Saturday’s draw with Ards was a scrappy affair, with Callum Byers’ own goal rescuing a point for the Glens, who fell behind to a Michael McLellan strike.
McDermott explained: “I’ve said before that the football you see in Northern Ireland does no justice to the quality of footballer we have in this league and I haven’t changed my mind on that.
“I think the standard of football here could be better. That’s not a criticism of anyone in particular, it’s just my opinion that this league could be better if certain things changed.
“There are guys out there who have been professionals across the water and have played international football at youth level.
“Those lads can play good football, and at times you do see it in the Irish League, but there are often periods of the game where things get scrappy.
“There’s some great games, but there are also some poor spectacles.
“We need to remember that we’re in the entertainment business. We have got to put a better product on the pitch and, for me, that means playing better football. That’s what the fans want to see.”
ARDS: Johnston, Kerr, Taylor, McNulty (Byers, 79 mins), McClean, McCawl, Tommons, J Kelly, E McAllister, M Kelly (Shearer, 69 mins), McLellan (Henderson, 85 mins). Unused subs: Davidson, Cherry, McAleenan, D McAllister.
GLENTORAN: Morris, Gordon (Kerr, 79 mins), Garrett, Peers, Kane, C Gallagher, Herron, Pepper (McMahon, 52 mins), O’Neill (McDaid, 52 mins), Murray, Allen. Unused subs: Birney, Gwiazda, McLaughlin, Glover.
Referee: Tony Clarke (Newtownabbey) Man of the match: Sam Johnston
Match rating: 5/10.