Rodney McAree is hoping for no hard luck stories in this year's European Play-offs.
The Glentoran boss has suffered heartache in his three previous games in the end of season games.
In 2017 his Dungannon Swifts side lost 5-2 to Ballymena United in the semi-finals.
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There was more disappointment when he moved to Coleraine in 2019 as, despite leading Cliftonville 3-2 in stoppage time, the Bannsiders conceded a 97th minute penalty before going on to lose 5-3 after extra time.
Perhaps the biggest heartbreak came last season though as Glentoran somehow threw away a two-goal lead in the final 15 minutes as Larne snatched the Europa Conference League spot thanks to a 4-2 win after extra time at The Oval.
McAree knows the importance of securing European football so is hoping for some rub of the green this year.
"You need a little bit of luck along the way," said McAree.
"A huge bit of luck went against us in the play-offs when I was at Coleraine, but you also have to create your own luck as well.
"I look at last season in the play-offs, we were 2-0 up at home to Larne then Paddy McClean's sending-off ultimately changed the game and we ended up losing it.
"We have to go one better this year. We have to win our first match to get in the final and then win that too.
"At the start of the season our minimum requirement is European football.
"A short while ago we were still in the Irish Cup and close to second in the league and still had the play-off, so we knew we had chances to get it.
"Now we're down to our last chance and we have to grasp it as being in Europe is hugely beneficial.
"When there's investment going into the club I think it's important that we do our best to give something back.
"Obviously European football brings financial reward, so it is massively important.
"I haven't had any conversations yet but I would have thought it would affect budgets going forward whether we're in Europe or not."
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