GARETH DEANE STARS IN GLENAVON VICTORY 1bh60

Goalkeeper Gareth Deane, Glenavon’s standout performer in the impressive 2-0 victory at the Coleraine Showgrounds, attributes his fine display to meticulous preparation on the training pitch. 5b5r3k

“The ball comes off an artificial surface a lot more quickly than it does on grass. So, during the build up tothe game, we focused a lot on reaction saves,” he explained. “That probably made a difference, particularly with my second stop from MacKenzie Carse. The cut back and shot from close-range was a scenario we specifically worked on.”

The 30-year-old regards the save from Carse as the best of his three brilliant stops. “It didn’t look as spectacular as the third one, but it was very important. I got a strong right hand to the ball. After that I was hoping for the best. On another day it might have clipped the inside of the post and ended up in the net.Thankfully, it stayed out.”

Deane ed Glenavon in January 2024 after four and a half seasons at Ballycastle Road. He started his career at the Linfield Academy and Hillsborough Boys before spending two years as an apprentice professional with Queen’s Park Rangers. Linfield signed him after he left London. He had a successful six-year spell at the National Stadium.

“I am fortunate because I have enjoyed my time at every club I have been with,” he explained. “QPR was great. My friend, Paul Smyth, is there now. When I visit him, I get a great welcome. When I came back to Northern Ireland, I won two league titles and Irish Cup and League Cup winners’ medals with Linfield. Then I moved to Coleraine and, again, had some good times.”

Deane played in the Coleraine side which, in August 2020, defeated NK Maribor 5-4 on penalties in Sloveniaafter a 1-1 draw to reach the Europa League Second Qualifying Round. “That was a memorable night,” he recalled. “Maribor had been in the Champions’ League group stages only a few years before. It took us through two rounds in the competition.” He also played in two Bet McLean League Cup finals. “Coleraine had a good side,” he added. “I still have a lot of affection for the club. On Saturday the home fans gave me a great reception when I came out for the second half. They obviously still what we achieved when I was there.”

Gareth has enjoyed his first eight months at Mourneview Park. “Glenavon is a family club,” he continued. “There is a good rapport between management, players, directors, and all the matchday volunteers.” He has particularly appreciated the help which he has received from goalkeeper coaches Reggie Hillen and Johnny Pollock. “They have lots of fresh ideas about ways to improve,” he said. “They also make the training specific to the next match. They give me plenty of information and constantly challenge me. I like that. I am always looking to get better. It is a very positive environment to work in.”

Whilst Deane’s performance at the Showgrounds was crucial to Glenavon’s win, he was not the only hero. “Barney McKeown and Harry Lynch, in front of me, were outstanding,” he said. “Davy and Wardy, of course, scored the goals and Peter Campbell and James Doona both put in good shifts out wide. But I don’t think anyone had a bad game.”

He reckons that good team spirit also contributed to the victory. “The players get on well,” he added. “When things got tough in the first half that made a difference. We stuck together and were determined to hold onto our lead.”

On Saturday Gareth was cheered on by wife Amy and two-year-old daughter Hallie. At the final whistle, he made a point of greeting them in front of the main grandstand. “Amy and Hallie come to all our games,” he said. “They are a great . In fact, we spent the weekend together on the North Coast.”

In addition to his Glenavon commitments, Deane is employed by a Lisburn-based blinds company owned by Dungannon Swifts’ midfielder James Knowles. “We manufacture and sell blinds,” he said. “James is a very good friend. I enjoy working for him.”

Gareth accepts that Glenavon’s performances in the opening three matches were disappointing. “We played well in the second half of the Cliftonville and Linfield games, but we still didn’t hit the levels we are capable of. Ahead of the Coleraine fixture we knew that we had to cut out the mistakes and produce a more complete 90-minute display. The manager put a big emphasis on that. Thankfully, we were able to produce it.”

Deane hopes that the win at Coleraine kick starts Glenavon’s season. “Now we have two big games against Ballymena and Loughgall,” he added. “The challenge is to maintain the form we showed on Saturday and begin to pick up points more consistently. If we do that, we can have a good season.”