Hairdryer treatment not Kenna's style

New Galway United boss Jeff Kenna has admitted that the verbal abuse dished out continuously by numerous managers in times of crisis would not necessarily be his way of dealing with players.

When asked whether he would adopt a similar style to that of his second cousin, Shamrock Rovers’ boss Pat Scully, Kenna acknowledged the success Scully has had with the Hoops, before going on to explain the way he hopes to be able to deal with the pressures of club management.

“I’d like to think I’d be sensible. I think there probably will be occasion for that (hairdryer treatment) the odd time, but I think that’s more beneficial the odd time, rather than every time. Certainly, for me as a player, there was managers who came in at half time, and everything was hairdryer - you’d just switch off. So, I’ll try to find a happy medium between the two”.

Kenna is keen to emulate the success his relative has had in his short managerial career to date. “For me, first and foremost, it’s all about keeping Galway in this league. That is my objective this season. Where we go from there, is then down to the ambition of the club. Are they prepared to back me in trying to attract players that I feel will bring the club forward?”.

While he admits to having a wealth of experience on the playing front, he stated that he will not be regaling the United squad with tales of his Premiership winning campaign. “This isn’t about me, this is about Galway United. I’ve got to do the best I can to get the best out of the players that I’ve got at my disposal.

“Me going in there and talking about my career is not going to be beneficial, I don’t think, to the fans. When I go in there and see the players today, I’ll stress to them that it’s about them. They're the ones that are going out onto the pitch. I will help them as much as I possibly can but, ultimately, once they go on to the pitch, it’s down to them, their desire to do well for Galway United.

“So I certainly won't be going in there saying “I did this” and “I played for him” or any of that sort of stuff”.

Whether Galway’s players in years to come can boast that they once played under Jeff Kenna remains to be seen.