Kirby hoping for Sporting title push
Credit: Extratime Team (ETPhotos)
Alan Kirby has opened up on the disappointing final twelve months he spent at St Patrick’s Athletic last year before his surprise move to First Division Sporting Fingal in the off-season.
He said: “Obviously I was a little disappointed. I wasn’t used in my last year there as much as I would have liked to have been. As far as I know the fans still thought highly of me. I talked to a few of them and they were happy with what I did there for the two years.
“Originally John [McDonnell] wanted to keep me and a couple of others out of the nine that were released. I thought I was getting a contract initially, but obviously things dictated otherwise. John said he was happy with me, that was good enough for me. But they were cutting their budget and I had to move on. These things happen.”
Kirby, along with most Sporting players you speak to this season, has credited Liam Buckley’s role in attracting him to Santry.
He said: “Liam was interested from day one. We spoke and I was impressed with what he had to say both on the pitch and off it. He made a couple of good new signings as well to show me that he was ambitious and I was glad in the end to get on board. I’m delighted to be here. […] I spoke to Liam for about an hour before we talked money. He talked about matters on and off the pitch and that impressed me greatly. Then he signed other players to prove he wasn’t spoofing.”
The winger has already been impressed with the set-up at Sporting, and with the players he previously knew little about. Added to that, his studies in nearby DCU allow him more time to devote to both football and college.
“I’m in DCU, halfway through a degree in Business. Obviously I can come in and get my training done; that was a big thing for me too. If players aren’t looking after themselves outside of football at the moment, there’s something wrong with them. It’s time to wake up really and smell the coffee,” Kirby said.
“I’ve been impressed with some of the lads I didn’t know much about. On paper we have enough to push on and we’ll be looking to do that but the pressure comes from us, no one else. I’ve signed a one year contract but I’m committed to impressing people here at Fingal and pushing on to tie down a longer deal come the latter stages of the season."
He added: “With the quality here there is no reason why we shouldn’t get up. We’ve had a great pre-season and we’re really looking forward to the season. The games can’t come quick enough for us really,” he added.
Sporting Fingal begin their campaign at Waterford United this Saturday, KO 19:00.
He said: “Obviously I was a little disappointed. I wasn’t used in my last year there as much as I would have liked to have been. As far as I know the fans still thought highly of me. I talked to a few of them and they were happy with what I did there for the two years.
“Originally John [McDonnell] wanted to keep me and a couple of others out of the nine that were released. I thought I was getting a contract initially, but obviously things dictated otherwise. John said he was happy with me, that was good enough for me. But they were cutting their budget and I had to move on. These things happen.”
Kirby, along with most Sporting players you speak to this season, has credited Liam Buckley’s role in attracting him to Santry.
He said: “Liam was interested from day one. We spoke and I was impressed with what he had to say both on the pitch and off it. He made a couple of good new signings as well to show me that he was ambitious and I was glad in the end to get on board. I’m delighted to be here. […] I spoke to Liam for about an hour before we talked money. He talked about matters on and off the pitch and that impressed me greatly. Then he signed other players to prove he wasn’t spoofing.”
The winger has already been impressed with the set-up at Sporting, and with the players he previously knew little about. Added to that, his studies in nearby DCU allow him more time to devote to both football and college.
“I’m in DCU, halfway through a degree in Business. Obviously I can come in and get my training done; that was a big thing for me too. If players aren’t looking after themselves outside of football at the moment, there’s something wrong with them. It’s time to wake up really and smell the coffee,” Kirby said.
“I’ve been impressed with some of the lads I didn’t know much about. On paper we have enough to push on and we’ll be looking to do that but the pressure comes from us, no one else. I’ve signed a one year contract but I’m committed to impressing people here at Fingal and pushing on to tie down a longer deal come the latter stages of the season."
He added: “With the quality here there is no reason why we shouldn’t get up. We’ve had a great pre-season and we’re really looking forward to the season. The games can’t come quick enough for us really,” he added.
Sporting Fingal begin their campaign at Waterford United this Saturday, KO 19:00.
About Gordon Hunt
Gordon Hunt is one of extratime's Dublin based reporters. Having worked with the site since it's inception, Gordon's name is carved into the foundations of extratime's tower block. View Full Profile