Foster's United prove a point - or three
Credit: Extratime Team (ETPhotos)
NEW Galway coach Ian Foster readily admitted that the scathing pre-season predictions made about the club formed the ultimate motivation tool in their shock first-round annihilation of St Patrick’s Athletic tonight.
Media reports across the country had been almost unanimous in forecasting a 10th place finish for United, but critics could be forced into a re-think after they tore an under-strength Pat's side to shreds and departed Richmond Park with three goals and three points.
“I thought some of the write-ups were a little bit harsh, everyone’s got us starting off as last and that’s a great motivation for my players and me,” Foster said.
“Hopefully that’s raised a few eyebrows across Ireland. We’ve worked really, really hard pre-season, we’ve had plenty of minutes on the pitch and we looked strong tonight.”
United have traditionally been slow starters in the league, claiming just one point in their first seven outings last season, and Foster had already spoken of his desperation not to repeat previous errors. His managerial career now has a 100 percent success rate after taking the over the top job at Galway following the departure of former manager Jeff Kenna to St Pat's in January.
Foster can now claim bragging rights over his old workmate, although remained adamant that taking on Kenna’s new team did not provide any added incentive for himself or the squad.
“It wasn’t about me v Jeff or Galway v Jeff, it was St Patrick's v Galway United and that didn’t enter my head, it didn’t enter the heads of the players, we never spoke about that stuff,” Foster said.
“We had a job to do against their team, we had a feeling we knew what it would be and we’ve gone and done that tonight.”
Midfielder Derek O’Brien bagged two goals, the second of which was particularly impressive, in a strong return to the club. He was forced to join Pat's briefly last season when financial woes gutted Galway, although struggled to find his footing in Inchicore.
“Derek’s an exceptional talent. He’s a moody bugger and it’s just getting the best out of him and that’s what I’m trying to do,” Foster said.
“He can hurt teams if he plays the way I ask him and he did that tonight. I can’t answer the question why he didn’t do it here, but as long as he does it for me I’ve got no problems.”
Other strong performances came from defenders Seamus Conneely and Iarfhlaith Davoren, along with captain Jay O’Shea and midfielder Cian McBrien who was a last-minute inclusion after David Cooke pulled his hamstring during the warm-up.
“I feel for David, he’s worked really, really hard in pre-season and we’ve not had a single injury pre-season and we managed to get one in the warm-up, but Cian McBrien came in.
"Cian was, to be honest, very, very unfortunate not to start anyway, he’s been excellent in pre-season and he slotted in nicely and did a fantastic job,” Foster said. “He’s excellent at keeping up in possession and I was pleased for him.”
Media reports across the country had been almost unanimous in forecasting a 10th place finish for United, but critics could be forced into a re-think after they tore an under-strength Pat's side to shreds and departed Richmond Park with three goals and three points.
“I thought some of the write-ups were a little bit harsh, everyone’s got us starting off as last and that’s a great motivation for my players and me,” Foster said.
“Hopefully that’s raised a few eyebrows across Ireland. We’ve worked really, really hard pre-season, we’ve had plenty of minutes on the pitch and we looked strong tonight.”
United have traditionally been slow starters in the league, claiming just one point in their first seven outings last season, and Foster had already spoken of his desperation not to repeat previous errors. His managerial career now has a 100 percent success rate after taking the over the top job at Galway following the departure of former manager Jeff Kenna to St Pat's in January.
Foster can now claim bragging rights over his old workmate, although remained adamant that taking on Kenna’s new team did not provide any added incentive for himself or the squad.
“It wasn’t about me v Jeff or Galway v Jeff, it was St Patrick's v Galway United and that didn’t enter my head, it didn’t enter the heads of the players, we never spoke about that stuff,” Foster said.
“We had a job to do against their team, we had a feeling we knew what it would be and we’ve gone and done that tonight.”
Midfielder Derek O’Brien bagged two goals, the second of which was particularly impressive, in a strong return to the club. He was forced to join Pat's briefly last season when financial woes gutted Galway, although struggled to find his footing in Inchicore.
“Derek’s an exceptional talent. He’s a moody bugger and it’s just getting the best out of him and that’s what I’m trying to do,” Foster said.
“He can hurt teams if he plays the way I ask him and he did that tonight. I can’t answer the question why he didn’t do it here, but as long as he does it for me I’ve got no problems.”
Other strong performances came from defenders Seamus Conneely and Iarfhlaith Davoren, along with captain Jay O’Shea and midfielder Cian McBrien who was a last-minute inclusion after David Cooke pulled his hamstring during the warm-up.
“I feel for David, he’s worked really, really hard in pre-season and we’ve not had a single injury pre-season and we managed to get one in the warm-up, but Cian McBrien came in.
"Cian was, to be honest, very, very unfortunate not to start anyway, he’s been excellent in pre-season and he slotted in nicely and did a fantastic job,” Foster said. “He’s excellent at keeping up in possession and I was pleased for him.”
