First of all Alan, how are the squad’s preparations going ahead of the new season?
It’s going very well at the moment. Everyone seems to be flying fit, sharp and looking forward to the start of the campaign.
Martin Cambridge has brought in a number of impressive signings recently with the likes of Darren Murphy, Shane O’Connor and Kevin Mulcahy all joining. What do you think they will bring to the squad?
Some good players have been brought in and there’s no doubt that they will bring quality to the squad. There is also competition for places which I don’t think we really had last year. This will keep everyone working hard, trying to get a place in the team.
The recent behind-closed doors friendlies have gone quite well. Is there a sense of optimism in the camp at the moment?
To be honest, we are working more on fitness and still getting to know each other’s style of play but it’s always good to come out with a positive result, which we have in our games so far.
Do you think the club is in a better position than last season?
Yes definitely. I think a proper structure has been put in place by Martin and Anthony (Wolfe) this year and we are all benefitting highly from it.
What is the club’s aim for the new season?
We had a bad year in 2014 but we are confident of putting that behind us and driving on this year. We will take every game as it comes but we will 100% be more competitive.
What are your own personal aims for the year?
Personally, I was happy with the progress I made last year and I will just be looking to cement my place in the starting line up as quickly as possible and keep my jersey. A few goals wouldn’t be too bad either!
You’re one of the few remaining players who was with the Rams when we re-joined the League of Ireland in 2013. Have there been much changes since then?
Besides the massive turn-over of players and manager changes, I don’t think much else has changed. We are now a bit more experienced and have learned a lot in the last two years. I think the main change is that we don’t let the occasion get to us anymore when playing against the bigger clubs. We just take it as another game that we want to win and do our best.
It has been said that the league is very open this season with no real favourites to win the title. Who do you think will be the main challengers?
It’s hard to say before the season has started but obviously the likes of Shelbourne, UCD and Athlone have to be considered as favourites. But we will do our best to stop that if we can!
The Munster Senior Cup semi-final against Avondale is coming up soon. Do you think the club can go all the way and win the tournament?
Yes, I think at this stage of a competition you have to fancy your chances and go all out to win it. It would be a great confidence boost as well to win a cup early on in the season.
Regarding the Munster Cup, Cobh Wanderers could very well be opponents in the final. What do you make of this?
I think it’s great and it would be brilliant for the town. It would be a massive game, coming up against some of the older boys that have pretty much taught me everything when it comes to League of Ireland! Some of my best friends play with that team and it would be great to play them in such a highly regarded game. Eric McCarthy has them doing brilliantly this season and they have pretty much wrapped up the Division 2 title which is great to see.
What’s your view on Cabinteely FC entering the league?
I just wish them the best of luck, I know how tough it was for Ramblers when we re-joined the league so I’m just looking forward to playing against them.
Finally, where do you see the club in 10 year’s time?
Champions League!
I hope the club is competing at the highest level of Irish Football. Ten years is a long time in football and for now we’re just concentrating on doing our best for the club and the town and pushing forward into the future!
Thanks Alan and good luck this season! Cobh Ramblers get their First Division campaign underway on March 7th, at home to UCD in St Colman’s Park.
By Thomas Stafford
