Portadown 2026-27 preview: Jeffrey aims to make his mark

A new era begins for Portadown as David Jeffrey's first season in charge approaches. The 63-year-old has put his own stamp on the Ports and has already brought in six new players with seven leaving the club. A concern last season was the manner of the goals they conceded and, as a result, there has been a focus on defenders with Rhys Breen, Mikey Hewitt and Matty Carson joining the side. Jeffrey will aim to get points on the board in their opening fixtures and will face Dungannon Swifts, Coleraine, Cliftonville, Larne and Linfield in the early weeks of the season, who all finished in the top six last year. Portadown fans know it will take time for Jeffrey to have a major impact on the side, but they will be hoping to see progress in what looks like an exciting time for the club. Last season: 8th Manager: David Jeffrey New signings: Rhys Breen, Mikey Hewitt, Matty Carson, Sean O'Mahoney, Liam Jessop, Dominic Dos Santos Martins First five fixtures: Carrick Rangers (A), Dungannon Swifts (H), Crusaders (A), Coleraine (H), Cliftonville (A)