WATCH: 'I'm more nervous playing for Larne than for any of the clubs in England' Larne star Hughes on turning out for his home team
He is guest on latest BetMcLean show
Last updated 20th Feb 2019
Larne are just days away from a possible history-making promotion to local football’s top flight.
A win over Harland and Wolff Welders on Saturday should see the runaway Championship leaders secure a dream move to the Danske Bank Premiership.
Larne-born midfielder Jeff Hughes says it’s an incredible time for the entire town.
“In the town the buzz is unbelievable,” he said.
“My nan who has got absolutely zero interest in football is even wanting to go to games and that shows you how far people who don’t normally get involved with sport want to come to see it.
“I think we are averaging 1,000 fans a game now.”
He was speaking as a guest on our latest BetMcLean show (in partnership with NIFL) now available to view on Cool FM’s Facebook page (see link below) and to download as a podcast
Hughes, a former Northern Ireland international who has played for a number of clubs in England including Crystal Palace, Bristol Rovers and Lincoln City, says playing for his home club is more nerve-wracking.
“To be honest I found this more nervous playing in front of friends and family than I did playing in England.
“It is a strange kind of feeling but it is one you just embrace and go with.”
Hughes says there has been a lot of hype about the club but says it takes a special type of player to turn out for Larne – just like it does for current Premiership champions, Crusaders.
“I think we all know that if you are playing football there’s more to it than that,” he said.
“You can have all the money in the world – if you don’t bring in the right players and the right squad and have a good team spirit like Crusaders, you are not going to get anywhere.”