| Manager in 'stick with us' plea to fans |
|
|
|
| Friday, 31 August 2007 | |
 As Sligo Rovers bid to get their quest for European football back on track against North West rivals, Derry City, manager Paul Cook has issued an impassioned plea to supporters to pack the Showgrounds for Saturday night's fixture (Kick-off 7.45pm).
by Michael Moran, courtesy, The Sligo Champion "I want them to generate a cup tie atmosphere and to show that despite the fact that we have had a bad week on the pitch, they ar By Michael Moran AS Sligo Rovers bid to get their quest for European football back on track against North West rivals, Derry City, manager Paul Cook has issued an impassioned plea to supporters to pack the Showgrounds for Saturday night's fixture (Kick-off 7.45pm). "I want them to generate a cup tie atmosphere and to show that despite the fact that we have had a bad week on the pitch, they are still behind the players, who have been magnificent," Cook maintained. In the wake of their F.A.I. Cup exit to Waterford and Friday night's league defeat to Galway United at Terryland Park, Cooks is urging the fans "stick with us." "It is so important we don't get beaten on Saturday. We simply have to win our home games and this is where our crowd need to row in with us. "There was a magnificent attendance at the cup replay and let's repeat that. I know that didn't work out as we would have wanted, but anyone who was there witnessed some superb football. All that was missing was the right result from our point of view. "We are joint fifth in the league and level on points with Bohemians and Cork City. We have a chance to get into Europe and we must try to ensure that we have something to play for in the remaining matches. "Derry murdered us in the Brandywell (where Rovers lost 4-1), but that is history now and we must concentrate on getting the right result at the weekend," said Cook. Despite the Candystripes also leaving the Showgrounds with a two-nil victory back in March, the Rovers boss dismisses any talk of Derry being a 'bogey' team. "Does the fact that we have beaten Cork City twice this season already make us their bogey side ? " he asked. "All that worries me is getting back to winning ways," Cook added. The Rovers manager will have to plan without the services of the suspended Seamus Coleman and may reshuffle his side in the wake of what was a disappointing performance. "We have to remember that points like that can make or break a season. It was a reality check for us, but it also shows that our squad can catch up with us, in that if players who lose form might still have to stay in the team because of our numbers. "I know the past seven days have not been good, but we have to remain positive and hope for the right sort of response on Saturday," said Cook. "I was very disappointed at our display in Galway and too many players simply didn't turn up. However, the players have been superb for me up to now and it was the first time in about three months that we weren't good enough. People have to remember that," he added. |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
