HAVING just about completed his crash course in squad assembly, new Galway United boss Ian Foster takes his side to Dublin for tonight’s opening game of the new campaign against St Patrick’s Athletic, relieved the job will, from now on, be primarily about the football, writes Emmet Malone.
“It’s been a million and one things for the last few weeks,” he says, “mainly phone calls to scouts, agents, players and other managers but once you get everyone on the training pitch and get into the build-up to a game, you finally start to really feel like a manager.”
Since taking over at Richmond Park Foster’s former boss, Jeff Kenna, has been busily trying to put together a winning team that costs less than the one the club fielded last year but cuts, like most things, are relative, and Foster laughs off the idea that his friend has it tough.
“I’m not going to feel sorry for anyone at St Pats, not with the budget they’ve got.”
The visitors are without John Russell, who had an ankle operation during the close season, while Jonathan Keane is out with a virus.
Kenna, meanwhile, must deal with suspensions to Gary Dempsey, Jamie Harris and Dave Partridge as well as injuries to Brendan Clarke and Jason Gavin, who faces a late test, but the signing yesterday of Gareth O’Connor and Kyle Moran will bolster the squad.
The Drogheda United bus to Derry today should give those of the squad who weren’t winning promotion with Dundalk last season an opportunity to become better acquainted. It’s a tough first encounter for Alan Mathews’ side, especially as City are close to full strength. Derry boss Stephen Kenny must plan without Kevin Deery (knee) while Stephen Gray and Liam Kearney are both doubts.
Shamrock Rovers get what promises to be a special campaign for them under way at the Carlisle Grounds where Bray Wanderers boss Eddie Gormley has everyone available.
Michael O’Neill isn’t quite so lucky with Greg Cameron likely to be ruled out by a groin strain and Darragh Maguire not yet match fit after a late return to training due to injury but the manager is in buoyant mood. “I watched Bray Wanderers last Saturday,” he says, “and we know it’s always tough game out there. They’re a young side and Eddie Gormley will have them psyched up for this. It’s a big game.
“They’ll make it hard for us and it’s bound to be very competitive. We’ll certainly be at them from the word go.”
Tonight’s Fixtures
Premier Division (7.45 unless stated): Bray Wanderers v Shamrock Rovers; Derry City v Drogheda Utd; Dundalk v Bohemians (live on RTÉ Two); St Patrick’s Ath v Galway Utd. First Division: Mervue Utd v Athlone Town; Shelbourne v Wexford Youths (8.0); UCD v Limerick 37.
