Limerick FC manager Tommy Barrett was satisfied with their 0-0 draw with Longford Town in the SSE Airtricity League First Division clash at the Markets Field. Barrett’s side returned to the second tier of Irish football after losing to Finn Harps in
Limerick FC manager Tommy Barrett was satisfied with their 0-0 draw with Longford Town in the SSE Airtricity League First Division clash at the Markets Field.
Barrett’s side returned to the second tier of Irish football after losing to Finn Harps in last season’s promotion/relegation playoff and have been beset with off the field problems throughout pre-season.
The Limerick boss has cobbled together a squad built on a mixture of experience and youth in the off season and is hopeful that the positive result against Langford will give players confidence going forward.
“Tonight the plan was to go out and work hard. We had a patchy pre season. We had our first 11 v 11 tactical session on Thursday.
“Tactically with our patterns of play, style of play, we are still off. I think that will take a few weeks. The first few games are about getting results and grinding it out. Hopefully, the pitches get better and you can play a bit.”
Barrett has brought in some local talent from junior soccer that have experience in the League of Ireland in the off season, namely Jason Hughes, Sean McSweeney and Kieran Hanlon.
He was happy with the effort of all three when on the park, as well as Darren Murphy in midfield but admitted that it was a scrappy contest throughout.
“Conditions were poor. The wind died in the second half and that didn’t help us, Considering that we have Kilian Brouder out and Will Fitzgerald as well, it was a good result.
“Karl (O’Sullivan) had the best chance of the game. He probably should have went across the keeper. He should have scored and was disappointed that he didn’t.”
Barrett is realistic in what Limerick can achieve this season. The much talked about off the field issues have rendered hm without any budget for bringing players in but he still has hopes that his charges can push for a playoff spot.
“We will aim for them, of course we will. There is no point in going out on the pitch unless you aim as high as you can but it will be difficult for us.
“Especially if we get injuries. You can see that bit of naivety with us. Even with the recent sponsorship it’s still the same.
“I have my plan. We don’t have the money but if we did have it, I think it would be silly to start spending it again.
“I think we have to build it back up. Get our training structures right, get out facilities right, get our academy right. I’m saying it for a couple of years. I still think we need to stick to that.”
