Europa Experience will benefit my players - Collie O'Neill

UCD manager Collie O’Neill attended last Wednesday’s 2016 SSE Airtricity League launch in the Aviva Stadium, and he previewed the year ahead with Extratime.ie reporter Aaron Gallagher.

UCD had a memorable season under the stewardship of manager Collie O’Neill, Director of Football Pat Devlin and Assistant Manager Evan McMillan in 2015.

The students made the promotion play-off in the First Division following a strong mid-season surge where they fell to an aggregate defeat to Finn Harps.

They also had a remarkable run in the Europa League qualifiers knocking out Luxembourg top tier side F91 Dudelange thanks to the away goal rule.

Ryan Swan netted in both legs, including a memorable winner in a 1-0 first leg victory at the UCD Bowl.

They did exit the competition in the second round though having been beaten 6-1 on aggregate by Slovak giants Slovan Bratislava.

Asked whether that adventure disturbed their league progress, Collie O’Neill said: “Not at all. I think the experience the lads had last year will only stand to them in the long term.

“The European experience was nothing but an addition to the player’s development.”

O’Neill also expressed his desire for the season to start as he can’t wait to see his side “gel”.

“I’m looking forward to the start of the season, especially with some of the additions that we have brought in. I’m looking forward to seeing them play and gel together,” O’Neill added.”

UCD have certainly not had it all their own way during pre-season as they lost to Shamrock Rovers, Galway United and Dundalk, all 2-0, before beating Finn Harps 4-2 in their final game. However, O’Neill remains positive about the season ahead.

“Some of the play in our pre-season games has been really good, so hopefully we can carry it through to the season.

“We’d a good win against Finn Harps. We moved the ball pretty well and the lads have adapted well. You really just want to get going.”

Last year’s Captain Robbie Benson was the biggest name to depart UCD in the off-season, but the manager insists that they’ve strengthened their attack despite the exodus of last season’s Player of the Year.

“Robbie is very, very hard to replace. He’s been brilliant for the club over the last couple of years.

“When you take him out of it, we have added Cathal Brady, Kieran Marty Waters and Georgie Kelly.”

The club have also signed prolific League of Ireland marksman and former Irish international Jason Byrne from Bohemians, as well as crucially keeping hold of last season’s top-scorer Ryan Swan.

“I just wanted to add in some players with a little bit of experience to help those younger players and that’s what I’ve done with the signings we have made.

“There is some extra quality going forward now so hopefully we won’t miss Robbie too much.”

O’Neill also revealed that the club has successfully offered scholarships to many of their squad members this year.

“We have the highest amount of players on scholarships in the last seven or eight years. I think it’s 16.”

O’Neill then concluded by stating that he hoped for a bit of luck during the 2016 season, something which maybe evaded the Students in 2015.

“What killed us last year was picking up the wrong injuries and suspensions at the wrong times for vital games.

“If we stay injury free, not too many suspensions kick-in and we get that bit of luck, yes I do think we can go one step further (this season) but I think Limerick are the favourites for it (the title).”

The First Division promises to be as entertaining as ever this season and tighter than it’s been for a long time as, Limerick, Drogheda United, UCD and Shelbourne all vie for promotion.

UCD open their First Division campaign with a trip to league favourites Limerick in the Market’s Field on Saturday 5^th March. The match will kick-off at 6:30pm.