The bad weather – both in Northern Ireland and Slovenia – has affected Larne’s preparations for Thursday night’s Conference League game with Olimpija in Ljubljana.
Over 20 Larne fans are set to miss the clash after their flight from Belfast was cancelled due to fog. The Larne team arrived safely on an earlier flight, but only after an hour-long delay on the runway at International Airport.
But their destination has also suffered from the elements, with rain battering the Slovenian capital. Larne were unable to train in the Stozice Stadion as the host club opted to protect the surface with a pitch cover.
However, the game should go ahead as planned even though more rain is predicted for matchday. A club official told the Belfast Telegraph, ‘the pitch will be playable, but it will be far from perfect.”
Instead, the Larne team staged a training session at the smaller Siska-Zak Stadion in freezing cold conditions.
Interim manager Gary Haveron said: “It’s frustrating as I think it helps the players to get on the pitch and get a feel for the stadium and their surroundings.
“It gives you a wee taste of what to expect on the night, so it’s not ideal having to train somewhere else. Obviously the home club feel that it’s necessary to protect the pitch, so we just have to deal with it.
“But, at the end of the day, it’s 11v11 and the ball is still round. We will cope with whatever condition the pitch is in. I’m sure we will have played on worse.”
Olimpija currently lead the Slovenian league by six points with a team that features several international stars.
Haveron expects the game to be a learning curve for the Irish League champions, who have lost their first three games of the league phase.
The former Ballymena United player said: “This level of European competition is incredibly tough, and we’re up against a top class side who are flying in their own League.
“We know we need to be well structured and incredibly patient. They will be the team on the front foot – we’ve worked on that and we’re prepared for that.
“They have quality threats all across the front line, which would present any team with problems.
“But, really, results is not the main thing for us in Europe.
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“For us, getting to the league phase of the Conference League is a massive achievement. Our aim in this campaign is to learn as much as we possibly can from the six games, including this one.
“We have to learn from this so we will be better domestically and better for the next time we reach this round of European competition.
“Our number one aim as a club is to qualify for the league phases on a regular basis. It’s our primary focus. Shamrock Rovers didn’t get to the level they are at now overnight, that has been 13 years in the making.
“I remember when European trips were a bonding session for Irish League players. It’s more of a trip, a chance to get a beer and a glorified pre-season friendly.
“That’s all changed. We’re serious about European football and we want to improve year on year. To do that, we must learn from experiences like this one.”
This will be Haveron’s one and only game in charge of Larne, with ex-Bruno’s Magpies boss Nathan Rooney set to take over on Friday.
Although Haveron is in charge, Rooney travelled with the team and observed Wednesday night’s training session.
So far, Haveron has been impressed by the 35-year-old Englishman, commenting: “You can feel the energy and the positivity that Nathan brings to the table when you talk to him. He has a passion for football, and that comes through in spades.
“He loves talking tactics and about the technical side of the game. He has a clear vision and you can see he is excited to manage this club.
“I think it’s an exciting time for the fans and for the players. It’s great to hear a new voice with new ideas. I think it’s even good for me, as it stretches as a coach to work with different people.
“It’s a new era for Larne and one we’re excited for.”
However, Haveron confessed it was a little strange that the Lynch brothers were not in Slovenia. The duo, who guided Larne to the Conference League proper, quit Larne for Derry City last week after seven successful seasons at Inver Park.
He explained: “I’ve only ever known one way since I arrived at Larne, and that is with Tiernan and Seamus.
“It’s certainly different without them, but they did an incredible job of laying strong foundations for the next man to build upon.
“You need to remember that when Tiernan and Seamus came in it was a much different club. Being here is a result of their hard work.
“We now have a responsibility to build on what they have created.”
On a personal level, Haveron is looking forward to managing his hometown team in a European fixture.
“It’s a real privilege. But, to be honest, it’s not something I want to be doing. It’s only happened because Tiernan and Seamus (Lynch) have left the club,” he pointed out.
“I know it’s a one-off because Nathan starts officially on Friday, and we’re all excited about that.
“But for now our focus is on Olimpija. It’s a big responsibility the club has handed me and it’s an honour. I’ve now all the boys for so long that it’s not a massive transition for me to step in a lead the team.
“I’ve really enjoyed it. We’ve prepared well and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”