This season saw a new goalkeeping coach appointed at the club, with Kerry native Joby Costello stepping up to the role. He brings a wealth of experience to the position, having been involved with coaching goalkeepers for over 15 years.
Name: Joby Costello
Home Town: Listowel Co. Kerry
You may be a new name to a lot of Cobh fans, could you give a brief insight into your career so far?
I’ve been involved with coaching goalkeepers for over 15 years now. I currently work with Irish Pro Keepers (IPK) whilst I’ve been working with the FAI since 2008. I work in their centre of excellence in Killarney. For the last six years, I’ve been the head goalkeeping coach at the FAI Goalkeeper Camps in Kerry. I’ve also been involved with the Kerry schoolboys/girls league as their head goalkeeping coach since 2008. It’s not only soccer I’m involved in as I’m also the head goalkeeping coach with the Kerry ladies football team and work with the Kerry minor side. Outside of sport, I am a volunteer with the Irish Coast Guard.
Why did you decide to get involved with Cobh Ramblers?
Ramblers are one of the big names in League of Ireland soccer and when I was offered the position, I couldn’t turn it down. I used to enjoy coming down to Cobh when I was involved with Tralee Dynamos in the A League a few years back and always liked the club.
Had you heard much about the club before joining this season?
I always had an interest in League of Ireland soccer so I knew quite a lot about Cobh. They have a long history in the league and when the opportunity came about, I couldn’t wait to get started
.
Is this your first experience at a League of Ireland Club?
No, I’ve previously been involved with Tralee Dynamos in the Newstalk A league a few years ago as well as their u19 side. It was a great experience and I’m looking forward to getting back into it
.
Have you been impressed with the set-up so far?
Yes it’s been very good so far. We train a lot in C.I.T at the moment and it’s a great place to train. Everyone has been helpful and the squad is really coming together.
What’s it like working with Martin Cambridge?
This is my first time working with him and it’s been great so far. He is a very good coach and has put a strong squad together. Him and Athnoy (Wolfe) have a lot of knowledge about the game and hopefully it will be a good season.
What does you position consist of?
I work with the goalkeepers at the club, David Browne and Steven Hickey, getting them ready for the upcoming season. The standard is very high and it’s great to be involved.
What’s your view on the current goalkeepers at the club?
The two lads are young and willing to learn which is very positive for myself as a goalkeeping coach. It definitely makes my job easier! They’re very talented ‘keepers and are still learning.
How would you like to see your own career develop as a coach?
I want to continue to develop and to eventually coach at the top level as a goalkeeping coach. I’d love to someday be involved with the Irish under-age teams.
Finally, what are your expectations for the coming season?
Hopefully the goalkeepers stay injury free during the season and the club can improve on last year and fight for promotion. A good run in the Cups would be a big bonus as well.
By Thomas Stafford
