The first Gazette of a new season naturally places the focus on European competition and Beth Stafford’s cover sets the tone with the opening words of the fans’ favourite anthem rubbing shoulders with the Conference League trophy. In his first match programme message, new boss Warren Feeney praises the fans who travelled to Malta and says, while he was pleased with the team’s performance in Ta Qali, they need to repeat the exercise on Thursday. Glentoran chairman Ian Kerr welcomes the players, officials and fans of Gzira to east Belfast and takes the opportunity to throw his weight behind a move to summer football. Our writers profile Gzira United and football on the Mediterranean island, fans reveal souvenirs from previous European trips, Brian McClelland remembers the night we played the mighty Juventus and Norman Ternahan gives his take on the first leg game in Malta and recalls how we secured a Conference League place. Thursday night’s 40-page programme – already in demand from collectors here and Britain - also documents the changes in playing personnel at the Oval this summer while Tommy Sewell trains his camera on Marcus Kane’s testimonial game against St Mirren. The £4 Gazette, once again voted the Irish League’s leading programme for the 22nd consecutive season, is by the fans for the fans. Our thanks to all our readers for their continuing support.
