Latest news with #EuropeanPlayoffs
BBC News
04-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
BetMcLean Cup winners to earn European final spot
The winners of the BetMcLean Cup will automatically go into the Irish Premiership's European play-off final from next who secured European qualification by winning the play-off last season, are also the holders of the BetMcLean Cup. "It adds real incentive for clubs and fans and raises the profile of the BetMcLean Cup even further," said NIFL CEO Gerard Lawlor."This isn't just a cup final anymore; it's potentially a golden ticket to Europe."The number of European positions for Irish Premiership clubs will remain league winners will secure a Champions League qualification spot and second place will also automatically qualify for Europe. Teams which finish from third to seventh will enter the European play-offs, and the winner of that end-of-season play-off will join the Irish Cup winners in earning a European defeated Glentoran 1-0 after extra-time in the final of the BetMcLean Cup in March. The Reds then defeated the Glens again in their European play-off semi-final and beat Coleraine in the final to join Irish Premiership champions Linfield, runners-up Larne and Irish Cup winners Dungannon Swifts in Europe.
BBC News
16-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Pennock eyes chance for more European memories
Tony Pennock has told his Haverfordwest County players they have a chance to make memories which will last a lifetime as they prepare for the Cymru Premier European play-off final against Caernarfon Town. Haverfordwest are looking to secure European qualification for only the third time in their history when they host Caernarfon at Bridge Meadow on Sunday (17:10 BST).It has been a fine season for the Bluebirds, whose third-place Cymru Premier finish matched their best in the history of the Welsh top now go in search of a victory which would set up their second European campaign in three years and should mean significant financial 2023, Haverfordwest – who had not featured in continental competition for 19 years – claimed a thrilling Europa Conference League victory over North Macedonian side Shkendija before losing out to B36 Torshavn."To play in Europe is an unbelievable experience," said manager Pennock. "The last time we made it, getting through one round was massive. We really enjoyed both trips away and we gave a good account of ourselves."The boys who were here then have memories for a lifetime. The players who have joined us since have heard all about it so they know what it means too." After finishing seventh in 2022-23, Haverfordwest overcame Cardiff Met and Newtown in the Cymru Premier play-offs to secure their European missed out on a play-off place last year on goal difference. Haverfordwest go straight into the final this time around courtesy of their league position, though that does mean they have not played a game since 19 had the best defensive record in the Cymru Premier this season and lost just seven of their 32 league impressive form has seen Pennock touted as a potential candidate to take over at League Two Newport County this 54-year-old has been in charge at Haverfordwest for three years having previously coached at Hull City and Swansea City."I have had lots and calls and messages about the Newport speculation, but there has been no contact," Pennock said."It's nice to be linked with things I suppose, but my focus is on Haverfordwest County."
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Coleraine FC announce major shake-up as ex-Derry City boss set to replace Dean Shiels
Coleraine have announced that head coach Dean Shiels has departed the club "with immediate effect", just days out from the club's massive European playoffs. Assistant coach Michael O'Connor has also left the Bannsiders in a major shake-up at the Showgrounds. The European playoff semi-finals take place next week, with Coleraine set to play either Dungannon Swifts or Crusaders, depending on the outcome of Saturday's Irish Cup final. It is expected that former Derry City manager Ruaidhri Higgins will be appointed as Shiels' successor in the coming days, to take the club into those crunch playoffs. READ MORE: NIFL European playoffs update as dates and 'scenarios' confirmed READ MORE: Glentoran announce signing of former Rangers and Celtic youth midfielder The Showgrounds club said in a statement: "Coleraine Football Club can confirm that, with immediate effect, Head Coach Dean Shiels and Assistant Coach Michael O'Connor have departed their roles at the club.. "The Bannsiders would like to extend sincere thanks to Dean and Michael for their commitment, professionalism and service during their time at The Showgrounds. Both leave with the utmost respect and gratitude, and will always be warmly welcomed back in the future." Shiels was only appointed in May last year, coming in to replace Oran Kearney who moved into a Sporting Director role with the Bannsiders. Kearney's role remains uncertain at the Showgrounds. During his first season in charge Shiels guided Coleraine to a fifth-place finish in the Irish Premiership. Executive Chairman and majority shareholder Henry Ross said: 'Dean has led the team with great passion, and we are grateful for the energy and dedication he brought to the club. Michael has been a tremendous presence within the dressing room and on the training ground, providing invaluable support to our players. Coleraine FC can confirm that, with immediate effect, Head Coach Dean Shiels and Assistant Coach Michael O'Connor have departed their roles at the story#COTB — Coleraine FC (@ColeraineFC) April 30, 2025 "On behalf of everyone connected to Coleraine Football Club, I extend heartfelt thanks to Dean and Michael, and wish them every success in the next chapter of their careers.' Higgins will be a big appointment for Coleraine. He left Derry City in November last year after three-and-a-half years at the Brandywell. During his tenure the former Coleraine defender led the Candystripes to runners-up spot in the League of Ireland and won the FAI Cup in 2022. Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox
BBC News
07-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Highlights: Cliftonville strike late to sink Glentoran
That's all for tonight FT. Glentoran 0-2 Cliftonville; Coleraine 1-0 Crusaders Over and out for the European play-off semi-finals as Glentoran and Crusaders' seasons come to an end. Cliftonville bounce back from their Irish Cup final defeat to set up a final meeting at Coleraine, who gave their new boss Ruaidhri Higgins a winning start on his first night in the dugout. The pair will meet in Sunday's European play-off final at the Coleraine Showgrounds for a 2pm kick-off and with that lucrative European spot on the line - the BBC have you covered with the game shown live on the iPlayer and BBC Sport NI website. That's it from us, we hope you enjoyed our coverage and watch out for highlights and reaction appearing on the BBC Sport website this evening with the report available to read here Goodnight and bye for now.
BBC News
07-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Highlights: McManus goal helps Coleraine past Crues
That's all for tonight FT. Glentoran 0-2 Cliftonville; Coleraine 1-0 Crusaders Over and out for the European play-off semi-finals as Glentoran and Crusaders' seasons come to an end. Cliftonville bounce back from their Irish Cup final defeat to set up a final meeting at Coleraine, who gave their new boss Ruaidhri Higgins a winning start on his first night in the dugout. The pair will meet in Sunday's European play-off final at the Coleraine Showgrounds for a 2pm kick-off and with that lucrative European spot on the line - the BBC have you covered with the game shown live on the iPlayer and BBC Sport NI website. That's it from us, we hope you enjoyed our coverage and watch out for highlights and reaction appearing on the BBC Sport website this evening with the report available to read here Goodnight and bye for now.
