Wayne Groves: ‘We just need that little bit of luck for things to turn’

Longford Town interim boss Wayne Groves

Longford Town interim boss Wayne Groves Credit: Eddie Lennon (ETPhotos)

Andrew Dempsey reports from the UCD Bowl

Longford Town interim boss Wayne Groves is hoping that his side’s luck will turn as they chase a first win of the season. 

The Red and Black are without a league win this season and are rooted to the foot of the First Division table. 

Following Friday’s spirited 1-0 loss away to UCD on Friday night, Groves admits he was pleased with aspects of his side’s performance despite their defeat. 

But Longford gave up yet another set-piece goal having struggled with them this season, with Jake Doyle the beneficiary for the Students.

“We were hardworking, had a lot of determination and put in a performance,” the Longford interim boss told extratime.com. 

“But unfortunately the same thing has happened to us again. We can’t go away from the fact that it’s another set-piece delivery. That’s the most disappointing thing. 

“I was really proud of how the players went about their work but it just wasn’t to be.”

Groves took charge of Longford as interim boss after former manager Stephen Henderson stepped aside last month.

And while he is yet to win, the former Shelbourne and Drogheda United under-19 chief is relishing the challenge before him.



“It has been challenging with all the injuries and all the day to day stuff but I’m used to managing at different levels. I’ve really enjoyed it,” he explains. 

“The players have given me everything and we just need that little bit of luck for things to turn. Hopefully that will help us going forward.”

Groves also previously worked at Longford Town as an under-19 manager before when Tony Cousins was in charge of the club’s first-team. 

“I loved my time at the club when I was there before,” he added. “It was brilliant and we had a very successful team at the time. 

“No matter what happens here, I love the club and it’s a place that I love going to. I just want to make people happy when I’m here.”

Longford Town host fellow strugglers Kerry on Monday evening at Bishopsgate - and they will be keen to end their 19-game winless streak. 



But they will have to make do without the services of winger Adam Wixted who dislocated his shoulder against UCD on Friday. 

“Kerry are the team we are trying to catch at the moment because of the position they are in,” Groves said. 

“It’s a big game for us but every game is a big one. We have to try and apply ourselves to win every game. Kerry is the next one up for us and they are the team we are trying to chase.” 

About Andrew Dempsey

View Full Profile