Kicking Match: An Irish League Podcast

There's new man in the hotseat of the Ballymena Showgrounds, and he's a familiar foe. Stuart McKinley joins the pod to ask what Oran Kearney can bring to Warden Street and what will the expectations be for his tenure?

A lively Irish League weekend as Glentoran battled back to draw with Cliftonville, while Bangor, Dungannon Swifts and Portadown all grabbed big wins. Coleraine climbed to the top after a comeback against Carrick Rangers. And the much-anticipated Larne vs Linfield showdown? A scoreless stalemate.

Packed show this week as we dive into the Irish League January Transfer Window. Previewing potential key moves. Going team-by-team to breakdown each side's positional needs

Plus reaction to Jim Ervin’s Ballymena United departure. Did the Sky Blues make the right call? Who’s in the frame to become the next boss at Warden Street?

All that and more, joined by special guest Matthew Brown.

Big swings at the top of the table this week as Coleraine and Glentoran continue their recent stumbles. Which leaves Larne (and to a less extend Linfield) with the opportunity to take advantage in the title race stakes.

There was also wins for Portadown and Cliftonville, as Ballymena and Crues are unable to be seperated in a an entertaining draw. All that and more recapped in the company of Dave Watt.

Ex-Irish League player and manager Matthew Tipton joins the pod to discuss how he views some of the big talking points in Irish League circles in 2025. Including player development, impact of full time teams and a potential international break for the league?

It's tough being a Linfield fan at the moment, or so Blues fans will tell you. Is their recent and relatively brief dry spell in the league something to be seriously concerned about or a minor blip in what will be a vicious title chase?

It's good news for Larne and Coleraine on that front as they look to continue to build a head of steam.

Mark McGuiggan joins the pod to look back as a big weekend of games.