ST JOHNSTON
- Captain: David Anthony
- Overseas professional: None
- Players in: Subhan Shirzad, Mark Pollock.
- Players out: Barry Scott
- Head Coach: Graeme McCarter
- Young player to watch: Ryan McAuley
It's a return to the promised land for St Johnston who having hit the bar with their promotion hopes in 2024, rectified it with a convincing play-off win over Ardmore in 2025.
They have more or less a settled squad with only the departure of Barry Scott being more than compensated for by the return of Subhan Shirzad from Strabane, and the arrival of Mark Pollock from Bready via Burndennett.
Those two acquisitions will certainly strengthen their depth and quality and together with the talent already in situ, may be enough to guide them to mid-table security rather than just survival mode.
"After earning promotion last year the hard way with a playoff versus Ardmore we are looking forward to the challenge of the Premiership this year," said captain David Anthony.
"We are under no illusions about the step-up but the number one goal is to maintain our place in the league and continue to build upon that.
"We have signed Subhan Shirzard who returns to us after a season at Strabane, and who on his day can be as dangerous with the bat as anyone. Mark Pollock also arrives from Bready who I believe offers real quality at the top of the order and is another very handy spin option to have.
"Barry Scott has moved on to Eglinton and we wish him the best.
"We have a lot of quality through the team, who can certainly swing matches but hopefully we display more consistency from last year, along with getting a settled 11 out every week, will mean we should be able to keep our place.
"Ryan McAuley is another year older (not wiser) and continues to get better and I believe he can make the step up and could be worth watching in a few years."
