We’re over the worst of our poor form, insists Hughes

“We knew going into the campaign that we had a very small squad, 16 players with just four of them – Sencer Yilmaz, Gary Haveron, Glenn Taggart and goalkeeper Robert Robinson – over 25 years of age. Things worked well for us for the first lot of games but, once injuries and suspensions kicked in, we have been found wanting,” explained Hughes.

“I’m not making excuses for the last few results because we should have done much better, although on Saturday we lost 2-1 against Loughgall and really should have won the game. We had three or four one-on-ones with the goalkeeper from around 10 yards. And I think that proved we have turned a slight corner.

“However, the fact is that the current squad is not strong enough to revive our fortunes to the point that we can challenge for the title, or at least second place. So, I have lined up four or five quality players to join us in January, and they are happy enough to step down from Premiership level to play for Carrick Rangers.

“We have been restricted in what we can spend because of the loss of Taylor’s Avenue, but now that we are back that restriction will be lifted and we get the cheque book opened. Whether it will be too late to make a sustained bid to resurrect a challenge, we’ll have to wait and see – but I certainly hope so.”

Hughes said he relishing the prospect of facing East Antrim rivals Larne on Saturday. But over the last month the startling contrast in the respective fortunes of the derby rivals has been almost mind-boggling – for both sets of fans!

Larne’s early poor form has turned around with five points from the last nine on offer. Carrick’s blistering start is long gone: they have lost their last four in the league. And the reality is that a win for Larne on Saturday would bring them level on points with Rangers.

It may be his first derby as a manager, but a clash with his hometown club is not quite a novelty. Indeed, it stirs great memories for him of his first foray into football.

“I played for Carrick Rangers against Larne way back when I was just a lad of 16. Jim Hume was the manager of Carrick back then, 1987 I think it was and the stakes were high for both clubs, playing in the top division of Irish League football before a big crowd of fans who were fierce rivals and the teams bursting a gut for three priceless points,” he said.

“The situation is vastly different now, both teams struggling at the wrong end of the league table in the second tier of football, but rivalry is still there and with the points on offer are as valuable as ever.”

He added: “Carrick Rangers are definitely in a false position in the league table right now and I have seen Larne a couple of times this season and, on each occasion, they were beaten by the odd goal and I thought they played pretty well. So I expect it will be a close and very entertaining game.

“Don’t forget that we have been playing without seven players who would have been first-choice. But I expect to have at least three of them back for Saturday, so that should help us a great deal. My message to the supporters is to come out and enjoy the game, whatever happens.”