Scully: Hoops' outlook separates them from Lims

Ahead of Shamrock Rovers' home clash with Limerick, Extratime.ie spoke to Pat Scully for an insight into both clubs as well as a review on the two sides thus far. Scully got both teams promoted from the First Division and reflected on his time in both Tallaght and on Shannonside. He has also recently obtained his UEFA Pro License.

Scully took over Shamrock Rovers when they were at their lowest. 2006 had a very grim outlook for the Hoops, but a successful takeover was then complimented by the Dublin native achieving promotion at the first attempt. Limerick were understandably a project due to their extensive stay in the First Division, financial turmoil and lack of structure. After a number of seasons building and developing structures within the club, Scully led Limerick back to the top tier, but had his contract terminated before he had a chance to progress in the Premier Division. Speaking about both clubs, the former Arsenal and Shelbourne defender praised the people behind the scenes in Tallaght and Limerick.

“With Shamrock Rovers, it's all about expectation. I believe expectation defines a club and with them being the biggest club in the country, it was something that I knew I'd have to deal with. I got them up and we were doing really well in the second year, but I had to leave. With Limerick, I came there and it was mainly because I was really impressed with the people I met from there. Kieran Judge was excellent and they wanted to change the look of the club and everything. They admitted themselves it wasn't in the greatest state at the time, but I was looking forward to it. I succeeded in getting Limerick promoted and I'm immensely proud to be the first person to do that in twenty years, so I have no regrets about my time there.”

Despite having parted company with all three clubs, Scully feels he did adequate jobs at all three and has no regrets about anything at all. “The biggest thing for me is walking away from a club knowing you did your job. If I failed somewhere, I know it would hurt me, but I didn't fail at Shamrock Rovers, at Limerick or even at Kilkenny City. I achieved what the board asked me to do and to have people come up to me, shake my hand and say thank you is great.”

While both clubs have obvious qualities, Scully admitted the difference between the two is the outlook. “My one criticism of Limerick is their ambition. They have a good budget, good facilities and some top players in Shaun Kelly, Barry Ryan, Joe Gamble and Stephen Bradley. David O'Leary and Shane Tracy are having huge seasons for Limerick too. I've heard people saying if Limerick stay up, it's been a good season. I think Limerick should be aiming to be top four. That's no disrespect to Stuart and I certainly don't want to come across like that, but that was the main difference between Limerick and Rovers.”

Scully maintains a good run is needed by the Hoops in particular if they want to achieve their goal of at least challenging to win the title back from Sligo. “The next run of eight or so games are massive for both sides, but in particular for Rovers. They need to win six or seven of them to try and keep themselves in contention by the turn-in. I did my Pro License just there with Trevor Croly and he's a very nice fella. I really like him and I wish them well, as I do with Limerick.”

Having been out of the job for six months now, Pat Scully won't rule out a return to football and says he is always passionate about the game. “Of course, I'm always on the lookout for a job. That passion I have for football never really goes away but there aren't many jobs floating around at the minute. Even so, I'd always love to get back into football.”

Giving his verdict on proceedings, Scully finished by suggesting this game should see three points go to the hosts. “I think given the pressure on Rovers, they'll just about pip the win. This is the beginning of a run of games they need to win and I think they'll start by picking up the three points against Limerick.”