Michael Smith

𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛𝗗𝗔𝗬 🧡 🆚 Ballymena United 🏆 #SportsDirectPrem 🏟️ Taylors Avenue 📆 Saturday 11th April 🕒 15:00 🎟️ 𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: bit.ly/CRFCTickets 💷 Pay at the gate available (£15/£10) 📺 Watch Live via Home Team Network (excl. UK) #CRFC | #AmberArmy 🟠⚫️

@Sportdirectprem @OfficialBlues @Glentoran @BBCSPORTNI @OfficialNIFL @IrishFA Honestly, I'd have been fine if Pat had saved a few of his at Taylors Avenue for those two matches they missed out.

. Irish League failed to score (Away league games only) @OfficialBlues joint most with 7 @Glentoran the least with 2 @BBCSPORTNI @OfficialNIFL @IrishFA #SportsDirectPrem

Today marks exactly 50 years since one of the most remarkable chapters in Northern Irish football was written. ​On April 10, 1976, Carrick Rangers did the unthinkable. As a B Division side, we didn't just compete; we overcame the odds to lift the Irish Cup after a historic 2-1 victory over Linfield. It remains one of the greatest upsets the game has ever seen, but for those of us who carry the "Amber Flame," it was a testament to the grit, heart, and community that defines this club. ​As the current steward of Carrick Rangers, I often reflect on the weight of that legacy. Success in football isn’t just about the points on the board today—it’s about the foundations laid by those who came before us. ​To the players who stepped onto that pitch at The Oval half a century ago: thank you. You proved that with belief and discipline, no giant is too big to topple. You didn’t just win a trophy; you gave this town a sense of pride that still resonates through the gates of Taylors Avenue today. ​To the fans who traveled then, and those who have stood on the terraces through every high and low since: you are the lifeblood of this club. Your loyalty is the bridge between our storied past and the ambitious future we are building together. ​While we celebrate our history today, we use it as fuel for tomorrow. We honor the legends of 1976 by continuing to professionalize, innovate, and strive for excellence at every level of the club—from our first team to the Falcons and our rising academy stars. ​History isn't just something to look back on; it's a standard to live up to. ​#CarrickRangers #IrishCup #NIFL #FootballHistory #AmberArmy #SpiritOf76

Thank you for sharing that! I believe everyone was initially skeptical, and I completely understand why. It’s only human nature, after all—we often fail to fully appreciate the places, traditions, and community we grew up with. Sometimes it takes an outsider to remind us just how special they truly are. Carrickfergus, Carrick Rangers, Irish League football, and the people of Northern Ireland don’t need to be sold. They simply need to be shared and better known. The marketing campaign wasn't marketing as much as it was simply and authentically sharing the beauty of what was already here. I was always confident people would fall in love with it all just as I have.

@LifeWorkPassion @OfficialNIFL Michael, I'll be the first to admit that when you first came to the club with your plan to transform the fan base to an international one, I was doubtful. Even when numbers were shared, I still was sceptical. When I saw 120 Americans in Amber & Black recently, I was blown away!

🚀 Starting with the facts: Carrick Rangers’ 25/26 international marketing campaign just delivered a masterclass! 2,100+ investors across 4 continents poured in US$1.25M Built an ENGAGED global fanbase of 30K+, many who didnt know anything about @OfficialNIFL a year ago. Curated a marketing database of thousands of more people across the US expressing interest in Carrick Rangers  More than DOUBLED merchandise sales AND fan-insider platform enrollment To our partners, volunteers, and every single person who poured their heart into this — you didn’t just run a campaign, you built a movement. This is what passion, creativity and belief look like. THANK YOU.

@clokey_callum We do have a great squad. Not going to argue with that. Grateful for these players. My belief in them hasn't wavered. Job isn't done yet on 25/26 and a lot of stories across the league yet to be written.

Given the budget, squad and stature of manager Carrick have, they should arguably be finishing 5th or 6th. So, if anything, they're underperforming.

So you probably do not give any credence to my take that Magilton did a great job with a diminished roster that has seen so many key departures. And that if a few games decided on PKs had gone differently... the finest of margins... we would be having a very different conversation about Cliftonville's season (despite the fact they almost bottled top 6).

Stick to NFL dude

@TheGlensVoice He indeed had a phenomenal match. Special player.

Hoban did an even better job at Taylor's Avenue!

@MClarkeShow Congratulations. Enjoy the moment... it is well earned.

Some exciting news to share with you. 🤩 This weekend I'll realise a childhood dream by commentating on a cup final at Wembley for the BBC. I'll be there for Radio Manchester to cover the EFL Trophy decider between Luton Town and Stockport County on Sunday. 🏆

Proud of these athletes and coaching staff. Quite the achievement for a second year program. #LionsHunt

@Bryancrues Kidding aside, I said I am not taking anything away from the four nominees... all super deserving. We have some great managers in the Irish League.

@LifeWorkPassion Bottom six with a bigger budget than 75% of the nominees. No chance

I am not saying there is any bias in these selections but has anyone paid attention to what Stephen Baxterr has done at Taylors Avenue?

@Bryancrues I probably have 6 reasons why to every 1 of your reasons why not.

@johnnydsfc Agreed on Rodney as well.

@LifeWorkPassion Baxter has done well at Carrick there's no doubting that, I'm more aghast that Rodney McAree isn't in the nomination, top 6 & Irish cup finalists 2 years in a row.

@JAndyCope Fair - Rodney has done a masterful job at Dungannon.

@LifeWorkPassion If there was a 5th spot, I'd be given it to Rodney McAree, twice having Dungannon in the top half of the league fairly comfortable and into the Irish cup final 2 years in a row, no disrespect if Stephen had only joined Carrick in November I'd have agreed.

I am looking forward to attending the @OfficialNIFL Awards this weekend and honoring those that continue to contribute to what makes football in Northern Ireland truly special.

Happy Easter, everyone.

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