Bangor manager Lee Feeney has expressed confidence in his squad's ability to turn around their difficult start to the new Premiership season. The Co Down club sits bottom of the table after losing its opening two matches without scoring a goal.
Feeney's comments were reported by the Newsletter this week. He insisted the team is stronger than the one that returned to the top flight last season. "We're a different animal than last year," Feeney said. The manager pointed to the example of Dungannon Swifts, who lost their first five games last season but still finished in the top six.
What has gone wrong for Bangor?
Bangor's return to the Premiership has begun with consecutive defeats. They lost to Cliftonville and then Dungannon Swifts in their first two outings. This leaves them as one of only two sides yet to find the net in the league this campaign. The other is reigning champions Larne, who have played one fewer game.
The club's final position last season was eighth, with 36 points from 33 games. Their recent form at the end of the 2025 campaign was poor, recording a sequence of two draws and three losses. They finished the season with a negative 19 goal difference, having conceded 57 times while scoring 38.
How is the squad different this year?
Lee Feeney believes his team has progressed significantly. Many of the players had no Premiership experience before last season, having risen rapidly from the Ballymena & Provincial League. The manager feels they have now taken things to a new level.
Bangor has been active in the transfer market this summer to bolster the group. They have brought in four new players: Lucas McRoberts, Steven McCullough, Jeremi Rodriguez, and Mackenzie Strachan. With the summer window having just a few days remaining, Feeney stated the club will continue to assess its recruitment options. You can view the full roster on our squad page.
What are the immediate challenges?
The immediate focus is on securing a first positive result. Bangor's next match is a home fixture against Carrick Rangers at Clandeboye Park this Saturday afternoon. Finding goals will be a priority for Feeney's side.
Looking further ahead, the league standings show the scale of the challenge. Bangor ended last season a substantial 37 points behind champions Larne. Their next home game after the Carrick match is against Linfield on December 12. Linfield are currently fourth in the table, presenting another tough test. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matches on our standings and fixtures pages.
Why is Feeney so positive?
Despite the poor start, the manager's optimism is unwavering. He draws confidence from the team's performances last season, where they won six of their opening eleven games, including victories over Dungannon Swifts and Coleraine. Feeney is convinced the current squad is better equipped.
"I'm really, really feeling positive and happy about what's ahead," Feeney told the Newsletter. The club will be hoping that positivity translates into points quickly, starting with this weekend's crucial encounter at home.
