Institute seeking justice on the pitch having been repeatedly 'kicked in the teeth'

The Belfast man is still seething from the 'injustice' of the club controversially losing its Premiership status due to a mathematical formula once the season ended prematurely in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

That has been compounded by the decision not to grant the Bluefin Sport Irish Championship teams elite status following the latest coronavirus restrictions in place in Northern Ireland.

The decision has bemused Connor who has struggled to explain to his players why the IFA and Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) haven't determined their status to be elite considering they are perfectly capable of adhering to the Covid-19 protocols in place for Irish Premiership sides.

It has further delayed the start of the Championship and added to the frustrations and disruption for Connor who is attempting to get his newly assembled team ready for the new season which will finally kick off on November 28th.

He has described it as a 'kick in the teeth' for Championship clubs who, he believes, are being 'alienated' by the powers that be.

However, the 'Stute boss is using this latest set-back as motivation to succeed as he plots an immediate return to the top flight.

"Listen, this football club has come back from the floods of the Riverside and has dealt with a rather unfair relegation and then to not be considered as elite," said Connor. "We've had absolute kick upon kick in the teeth.

"There's a famous quote which goes; 'It's not those who can inflict the most but those who can endure the most that will conquer.'

"And we have endured. We have to make sure that every time we take to the pitch this year the players are fighting for the football club, the community and the wider community to show that the Belfast based hierarchy that we deserve to be at the top table."

In the face of such adversity Connor believes his team will show their resilience and resolve and bounce back.

"It's not just the players, it's the whole club but it's how we react to these injustices. Our reaction is much more important than any ill will or misfortune put up on us.

"It's about how we react and how we use that to motivate ourselves and make ourselves a better club, a stronger club, a more unified club.

"We've had a very disruptive pre-season. It hasn't been fantastic but to be fair I think we've put together a squad of really committed, focused, really coachable players.

"There seems to be a good bond forming amongst the group so that's all been positive.

"But it's been very, very difficult. There have been lots of reasons why we weren't allowed to train and we weren't deemed elite.

"For me to try to explain to my players that they're not considered elite when they've been training for six weeks, three nights a week and maybe playing on a Saturday, watching what they eat and drink, it's a real kick in the teeth.

"I think the people who made those decisions unfortunately don't think of the consequences or the implications a decision like that has on players.

"I think it's a very sad indictment on the people who decided to not grade the Championship as elite.

"You just have to look at the League of Ireland where the Premiership and First Division is considered elite and they're playing away.

"So I think that's a poor reflection on the people who are running the game up here.

"It's unfortunate at a time when the Irish Premier League is getting better and stronger and it looks like they want to alienate the Championship.

"But trust me, without a strong championship that will have huge implications on the Premiership.

"You only have to look at how many players Institute have produced and who go on and play for Coleraine, Glentoran and Cliftonville. The Premiership is scattered with players who started off at Institute.

"In a way they might be cutting their noses off to spite their face."

The NIFL released the Championship fixtures for the shortened 22 game campaign at the weekend and 'Stute will begin life back in the Championship away to Premier Intermediate Champions, Annagh United on November 28th.

It's given Connor and his team something to focus on and look forward to and he can't wait to get back to action.

"It's fantastic to get the fixtures because it gives a bit of focus to what you're doing.

"It's something for the players and staff and obviously our supporters to look forward to.

"Right now we're focused on November 28th and getting back into action and having a real go at going straight back up on the first occasion."