| Further views of the new manager |
|
|
|
| Wednesday, 15 November 2006 | |
|
Rob Mc Donald answered his first questions as Sligo Rovers manager at a press conference yesterday. He revealed his future plans for a vast variety of issues that he will deal with in his tenure as manager. He begun by giving Rovers fans an idea of how he likes his teams to play and how he hopes to add a new element to the football the team will play " I know that long ball has to be and will be played quite often but by playing a 4-3-3 and leaving people wide you are creating space .I find it absolutely unbelievable that you will get a goalkeeper having the ball from a goal kick or something and you have in a 20x30 foot space 20 players will stand in that area and I am hearing everyone shout "second ball" and I am thinking ""what are you going to do with a second ball? There is no space". So by keeping it wide , or at least having a big man and having 2 wingers for the headers going beyond. I'll play with a controlling man in the midfield and two just behind ,it is so difficult to defend that. Exactly like Chelsea did last year but please do not ever compare us with Chelsea! But I am trying to give you the idea. It is about creating space and it is about trying to force your opponents to change their tactics which will make them more defensive" The subject of potential future signings was raised,Mc Donald gave little away on the exact topic but when asked about contacts around the totalling world he was happy to confirm there is no restriction on which country he can sign players from. "I can try wherever. When I was out of work as a coach I did a lot of scouting work and I know a hell of a lot of agents. Obviously being a coach abroad and at the highest level you build up a big contact network" There are several Rovers players who are out of contract at the end of the current season. Mc Donald took the opportunity to assure fans that everything will be done to keep the players who are good enough,thats if they are 100% willing to "There are going to be players who you rate and there are going to be some players who you do not think will fit in with the way I like to play . I have just spoken to the players, it is only normal and natural that we tell the players before we tell you as reporters .I will speak to every player, every one, even the ones who are possibly going to leave. They will listen to me, and exactly what I have got to say and I would like to see what they have to say. I only want players who want to play for Sligo Rovers. Anyone who is doubtful or a wee bit iffy then we will grab someone else in" He added "I practically insisted that if I was appointed quick enough then I would think it would be important to look everyone in the face, I'm talking about players and staff. They have a right to know where I'm coming from but I want to know where they are coming from" He then spoke of how crucial a good youth set-up is to Rovers and how having a good relationship with the community can attract more fans and sponsors. "A good relationship between Rovers and the amateur clubs is imperative. It is something we[Mc Donald and Chairman Michael Toolan] have spoken about and we both agree. It is the way we got forward." Rovers face Bray on Friday in a crucial game that will decide on whether they finish 5th or 6th in the league. The Englishman confirmed he will be present for the game yet it is unclear how much a role he will play. It is thought Gareth Gorman may finish off his role as caretaker manager for the game "I would like to be there. I want to see what goes on in the dressing room .I am here now] because I want feedback from players. It is a lot different if I am sat in the stand from a distance. I don't think you get the real thing" The questions continued to flow as Mc Donald slowly made his future plans clear and how he wants his squad to develop I would love [a squad of] 25. 3 keepers and 22 players preferably over the whole team so there is two right back, two left backs, you know. 100% is the first thing you ask from everybody .I will work on them on the training ground so that everybody understand where I am coming from. We are not taking huge risks. I want some of the youth team to make up that as well. When asked about how much he knew about the Eircom League and in particular Sligo Rovers he confirmed he was aware of Sligo Rovers and the tradition of the side. He recalled his first experience of a game at the Showgrounds "I had heard of Sligo Rovers before. And as I said I was at the Bohemians game a few weeks ago .Sorry but it was an awful game .I had a pain in my neck! That is why I enjoyed Saturdays game so much more .I was sat around the "hardcore" supporters and there you get the best information. All I kept hearing was "get it on the ground, get it wide". I was thinking "Yes! I am the right man!". You are getting it from the public themselves. It is certainly the way I like to play football. If it is not successful no harm and there is no shame in going back to a 4-4-2 system. It is all about results." It is hoped Mc Donald can continue the good work done by the previous manager and take Rovers on to the next level. He concluded the press conference by confirming his goal of breaking into the top 4 It will be step by step. I know the situation .There is no disrespect to the club .I am more than pleased to come,5th or 6th in the league. Sean and the players have done a good job, a great season. It's promising. I am really looking forward to it. I think any coach that comes in following good work being done and a foundation being laid you have got to go to the next step. I am not going to say we are going to be champions,sorry.But we are certainly going to try and better what we have done this season |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
