Fortress Brandywell is a must - Caoimhin Bonner

Central defender Caoimhin Bonner admits he needs to improve his discipline ahead of Institute's return to the Danske Bank Premiership this weekend.
Institute defender Caoimhin BonnerInstitute defender Caoimhin Bonner
Institute defender Caoimhin Bonner

The 25-year-old, who was sent-off once last season at Newry City, conceded that being one of the few players in the ’Stute changing room with top flight experience, he needs to remain focus ed throughout each game.

“Look, I know I need to settle my head and get on the referee’s good side this season,” he admitted.

“My plan is to try and have a bit of craic with them instead of shouting at them. Tim Marshall refereed one of our pre-season games, so I’m on his good side now, but - jokes aside - I’m one of the older heads in the changing room, so I need to lead by example.”

Bonner feels ’Stute need to take three points from this weekend’s league opener against Newry City, at the Brandywell (KO 3pm).

“We need to be taking three points, on Saturday - big time,” he said.

“We are away to Linfield the following week and we aren’t expected to get anything so we’ll probably play with more freedom.

“The Newry game is going to be tight but it’s a game we are expected to win. Then we have Linfield and then Coleraine in a few weeks later and in those big games we won’t be given a chance but against the likes of Newry we have to try and take the points.

“I wouldn’t be satisfied with a draw against Newry.”

The centre-back feels ’Stute, who will be playing Irish League football in the Cityside for the first time in over four decades, need to make the Brandywell a fortress this season.

“We really need to make it hard for teams when they come to the Brandywell,” he confirmed.

“Teams won’t like coming here because it’s a big pitch and I think it will be a shock to a few teams how big it is.

“Thankfully we have played a few games and trained on it but I have to admit after 50 odd minutes on Saturday I was thinking ‘Take me back to Wilton Park!’

“That said, I think the lads adapted to it well and, tfingers crossed, we’ll get use to it quickly.”

The ex-Cliftonville man feels last year’s ups and downs, both on and off the pitch, are going to help the squad this campaign.

“Last season was tough for everyone, especially after the flood but all the lads stuck together and that made us a stronger team, so because of that I feel we deserve to be back in the top flight,” added Bonner.

“Fair play to the boys, the staff and the board, that we manage to get promoted and our rewards is a big season now. We have been written off and made favourites to be relegated but sure we’ll give it a go and see what happens.”