01/06/2026
Well, the great clear-out is well underway.
Best of luck to all the players moving on and thanks for their efforts in a Linfield shirt.
Matt Yates has plenty of potential but, unfortunately, never quite produced consistently enough. Chris McKee will always be remembered for the composure he showed in converting the penalty that secured the League Cup. David Walsh is a very good goalkeeper who deserves regular first-team football.
Ballantine, Allen and Whiteside all have ability, but again perhaps didn’t show it often enough to cement a place. Gorrin and McDaid largely found themselves as squad players, while injuries prevented either from really making a meaningful impact. Euan East is reportedly keen to return closer to home and, of all those departing, he is probably the biggest loss, having also suffered some unfortunate injury setbacks during his time at the club.
As a club, Linfield will probably bring in no more than six or seven players, but the hope is that they will add genuine quality to a trimmed-down squad. With the transfer window opening in a couple of weeks, hopefully we’ll see a number of new faces arrive. What is clear is that we need real quality, greater fitness levels and a stronger first team if we are to challenge on all fronts next season.
Whatever happens, the members of Larne and District Linfield SC will continue to follow the team home and away, backing the Blues every step of the way. Here’s hoping we can mount a serious challenge for honours in the season ahead.
