Cobh Ramblers appoint Trevor Cummins as strength and conditioning coach

Following on from the recent appointment of Stuart Ashton as assistant manager, Cobh Ramblers had a further addition to their backroom staff this weekend with the appointment of local man Trevor Cummins as strength and conditioning coach for the 2017 season.

Cummins, who is currently carving out a career as a health and fitness professional, returns to the St. Colmans's Park outfit for a second time having previously represented the club at under-21 level during Dave Hill’s first tenure as senior coach.

Currently studying for a BSc in Strength & Conditioning at the renowned Setanta College in Thurles as well as working with sportspeople in the East Cork area, the 34 year old Cobh native is excited to be teaming up with Stephen Henderson and his backroom staff ahead of the upcoming season.

“I'm very excited to be teaming up with Stephen and his team for the 2017 season,” Cummins told extratime.ie.

“Cobh Ramblers is a very progressive club and it is a wonderful opportunity for me to be working with elite sportspeople”.

The east Cork side returned to preseason training last Saturday, and Cummins is fully focused on getting the side ready for the challenges of the upcoming season.

“The lads have been following gym programs for the last six or seven weeks and are now back on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

“I'll be focusing on the strength and conditioning side of things with a focus on balance, mobility and warm ups.

“Cobh finished last season very strong. in particular the lads showed great stamina in the latter games coming from behind to get results in key fixtures.

“One of my key jobs to ensure the lads are getting the correct rest and recovery also between sessions and games.

“Many of the lads are working in an office or are students so are sitting for a long part of the day.

“This isn’t ideal and it’s important to ensure that we have programs to enhance mobility and flexibility that help prevent injuries over a long season”

For now, Cummins will focus on the senior team, however as the season progresses he will also work the under-19s and under-17s, and with plans to introduce an under-15s side in the Autumn it is sure to be a busy season on all fronts.

“The club has seen a lot of changes over the last few seasons, it’s a great place to be now with a good vibe, hopefully we’ll see some good results and we’ll get good crowds throughout the season.”

Ramblers have a busy pre season with friendlies against Cobh Wanderers and Galway United scheduled at home as well as a trip to Dublin to plays Bohemians at Dalymount Park.

One of the objectives of the Bohemians game is to optimise preparation for a fixture that involves an overnight stay, something that Cummins will be very much involved in.

Stephen Henderson, speaking to the club website over the weekend commented: “We are delighted Trevor has joined the coaching staff at Cobh Ramblers.

“Trevor’s role will go beyond the first team as he will be implementing fitness strategies that are also specific to our youth teams.

“Trevor is another vital cog in the Cobh Ramblers football strategy that we are currently in the process of finalising with all of our teams.

“I look forward to working with him over the coming season.”

Ramblers, who open their First Division campaign at home to Wexford Youths on Saturday 25th of February, will be eager to bounce back from last season’s playoff semi-final disappointment.

That occasion saw the Rams beaten 3-2 on aggregate by Drogheda United, who went on to defeat Wexford Youths to consign the Ferrycarrig Park outfit to the second tier.

This year’s First Division has a much different structure with only the champions set to be promoted as the FAI board work to create two ten-team divisions for the 2018 season, per their Consultation Process Report.

This change sees the elimination of the promotion relegation playoffs for the 2017 season, a move that has been seriously questioned by the First Division clubs for fear that the league will lack a competitive edge should a side emerge like Limerick last season and pull away from the pack.