REALISTIC OPTIMISM AS CHAIRMAN GETS READY FOR KICK OFF
“THE journey has been remarkable — but the real test starts now.”
That was the clear message from Bangor FC chairman Graham Bailie as he addressed fans at a packed supporters information event this week.
With the Seasiders set to play their first match in the top flight of Northern Irish football in just over three weeks’ time, Bailie’s tone was one of excitement, ambition and unflinching realism.
After eight years of relentless progress, Bangor FC now stands on the brink of its biggest challenge yet — life in the Premiership. And according to Bailie, the hard work behind the scenes is well under way.
“Our progression as a club over the past eight seasons has been outstanding,” he said. “The jump from Ballymena League to a strong NIFL Championship team took a remarkable amount of work from our players, the board, supporters and our volunteers.
“But the jump from Championship into the Premiership will be our greatest challenge yet. We have gone from one of the strongest teams in each league, with one of the biggest budgets, to the smallest.”
As the club steps into uncharted territory, Bailie emphasised the importance of wise investment and long-term planning. The squad, led by manager Lee Feeney, is being carefully reshaped over the summer with a focus on balance, resilience, and potential.
“Our manager Lee Feeney has been investing wisely over the summer, blending a combination of younger players and experienced leaders, with a winning mentality. They will be supported by Marc Wilson’s academy and our new reserve team manager Davy Dorrian.
“Marc and Davy are two proud Bangor men with vast football experience, who are laying the groundwork for future homegrown talent. Bringing through local players won’t happen overnight, but a significant start has been made.”
As optimism grows, so too does realism. Bailie acknowledged the scale of the challenge facing Bangor in their first Premiership campaign in over two decades.
“We recognise that this coming season will be a different type of campaign for the club. It will test us in many ways and will provide significant challenges every week. We will get some bloody noses and things may not work immediately on and off the pitch, as we acclimatise to our new surroundings in the Premiership.
“But one thing I know for sure is that to succeed in this league, we all need to work together, stay united, and have each other’s backs.”
Bailie was also keen to pay tribute to the club’s ever-loyal fan base and the many volunteers who contribute so much to Bangor FC’s progress behind the scenes.
“Our recent success has only been possible because of our supporters, volunteers, friends and support from local businesses. We are a family, and we are very lucky at Bangor to have people around that care so much about the club. Your passion, time, and belief have brought us this far — and I believe it will carry us forward.”
Looking ahead, he also encouraged supporters to get even more involved, outlining several simple yet effective ways fans can support the club’s ongoing development.
“Moving onto next season, supporters have been wondering how they can help? From stewarding, working in the turnstiles, to simply buying a season ticket, visiting the social club on match days — every positive action helps us grow stronger. Even the smallest gesture can make a big difference. If you want to volunteer or have any questions, please just speak to any board member or Bangor official.”
The road to the Premiership has been hard-earned, but the message from the boardroom is clear: the journey is only just beginning.
“The club has come a long way in a very short period of time, but the journey is far from over. We are all determined, driven and ambitious and, I believe, with unity and hard work we can not only survive in the Premiership — we can thrive.”
Bangor’s opening match of the season will on Sunday, August 10, against Cliftonville at Clandeboye Park.
Bangor FC played a pre-season friendly against Newington on Tuesday night with Tiernan Mulvenna scoring for the seasiders in a 1-1 draw.
