Football: Work ongoing in Rangers’ bid to host Premiership matches at Taylor’s Avenue

The Gers, who won the Championship 1 title at the end of April, require a revised safety certificate to be able to welcome the likes of Crusaders and Linfield to their own patch next season.

Taylor’s Avenue needs the certificate to get the green light to accommodate the extra capacity for top-flight matches - a requirement set by the Irish Football Association.

The last time Carrick competed at the Irish League’s top table was during the 2011-12 campaign when they played their ‘home’ games at Seaview. They were relegated at the end of the season.

In a statement to fans, the club said it is in ‘continual dialogue’ with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council over the issue.

It revealed work to restore visitors’ turnstiles has taken place, alongside what it described as ‘enhanced safety protocol’, including training for stewards.

A spokesman for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said the local government authority is ‘delighted to see Premier League football return to Taylor’s Avenue’. “Council officers are working with the club to ensure all the relevant documentation is submitted to allow a revised safety certificate to be issued before the start of the season which will enable the ground to accommodate the extra capacity required for Premier League matches,” the spokesman said.

The council also confirmed it is currently carrying out ‘essential maintenance’ to the pitch, to ensure adequate drainage and minimise the potential for fixture disruption.