In keeping with all things at the Oval this summer, we have adapted our look slightly for the first programme of the 2023/24 league season. It’s an issue which looks both forward and back and is fronted by the first of Beth Stafford’s new covers featuring Daire O’Connor. Warren Feeney reflects on a battle at Mourneview when he was pleased with the players’ attitude and tenacity but warns that, despite their result on Monday, Larne are reigning champions for a reason. The Gazette team, meanwhile, argue that the start to Larne’s season hasn’t gone to plan. Henry Muldrew appeals for an artistic look for Glentoran around east Belfast, Brian McClelland prelims a slick, short series on the club’s Brylcreem Boys and the 1923 Committee, publishers of the Gazette, reflect on the matchday programme’s continued success. We also look at the outside investment flowing into the Irish game and at how UEFA competitions are creating round-the-year football. Meanwhile, our team take a look at our latest European adventure. Henry looks back at an epic European night at the Oval which will live long in the memory of mentally exhausted fans, Norman Ternahan and Tommy Sewell detail the action in words and pictures and Matthew Brown writes of a magical away day in Malta. We also carry the opening league action in words and pictures.
To mark the centenary of the 1923 Committee tomorrow night's Gazette comes with a free souvenir fixture card for the 2023-24 season. The £4 Gazette is by the fans for the fans.
The 1923 Tea Club also gets back underway tomorrow evening. We look forward to welcoming faces old and new to our clubroom at half time. Tea, biscuits and a bit of craic for only £1!
