Cooke remains optimistic on survival
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A frustrating seven days came to an end for Drogheda United with a 3-0 home defeat at the hands of title chasing Sligo Rovers on Friday last. For Mick Cooke, he remains positive about his side’s chances of staying up, despite having failed to win a game so far this season. Talking to Extratime.ie reporter Aidan Farrelly, Cooke outlined some potential reasons for the recent results, as well as his plans for the upcoming transfer window.
“It has been a very hard week for us, first with Bohemians at home, Derry away and then Sligo Rovers. That’s three of the top teams in the country. Our performances are improving. It’s a very young team. There are only three players over the age of 22. There are only two players who have played in the Premier Division before.
“We were still well in the game until they (Sligo) scored. We showed some metal in the second half, I think it wasn’t until 18 minutes to go when they got their second. Yet I think we were on top when they got the second goal.”
With such a young squad to work with, Cooke understands the effects a busy game schedule can have can have on his players. He does credit his side for persevering however, despite such a poor opening to the season, as he cannot fault his charges for their tireless work ethic.
“It’s hard for the young players to keep going, but in fairness to them they are training really hard. Fatigue set in tonight, with it being the third game in seven days. Mentally and physically you are strong as a part-time player, but when you are playing against a full-time team, fatigue sets in. We are learning week in week out, and I think we are getting better.
“I felt in Derry we could have snuck a win. We were on top and we had plenty of chances. Our second half performance here against Bohemians also warranted something from that game.
“We have to keep believing. I believe in my own ability. Robbie Horgan and Brendan Kennedy, the backroom staff are working very hard. The players are learning as the weeks go by. It’s just a matter of getting the first win, and hopefully it will come sooner rather than later.”
A crowd of less than 400 turned up to watch Friday night’s encounter, although Cooke applauded those who did come out to support his side. A busy transfer window could quickly change the Drogheda misfortune, according to Cooke.
“It’s a great credit to the people that turn out considering where we are in the league. Hopefully we can turn things around. In the window, I will look to strengthen our squad, like every club will. Shamrock Rovers will strengthen for their reasons, and we will for ours. I’ll bring in a couple of experienced players to help the younger players in the squad.”
Are you a Drogheda United fan? Are you still attending the games? Do you believe there is room for hope for the 2011 season? Comments welcome below.
“It has been a very hard week for us, first with Bohemians at home, Derry away and then Sligo Rovers. That’s three of the top teams in the country. Our performances are improving. It’s a very young team. There are only three players over the age of 22. There are only two players who have played in the Premier Division before.
“We were still well in the game until they (Sligo) scored. We showed some metal in the second half, I think it wasn’t until 18 minutes to go when they got their second. Yet I think we were on top when they got the second goal.”
With such a young squad to work with, Cooke understands the effects a busy game schedule can have can have on his players. He does credit his side for persevering however, despite such a poor opening to the season, as he cannot fault his charges for their tireless work ethic.
“It’s hard for the young players to keep going, but in fairness to them they are training really hard. Fatigue set in tonight, with it being the third game in seven days. Mentally and physically you are strong as a part-time player, but when you are playing against a full-time team, fatigue sets in. We are learning week in week out, and I think we are getting better.
“I felt in Derry we could have snuck a win. We were on top and we had plenty of chances. Our second half performance here against Bohemians also warranted something from that game.
“We have to keep believing. I believe in my own ability. Robbie Horgan and Brendan Kennedy, the backroom staff are working very hard. The players are learning as the weeks go by. It’s just a matter of getting the first win, and hopefully it will come sooner rather than later.”
A crowd of less than 400 turned up to watch Friday night’s encounter, although Cooke applauded those who did come out to support his side. A busy transfer window could quickly change the Drogheda misfortune, according to Cooke.
“It’s a great credit to the people that turn out considering where we are in the league. Hopefully we can turn things around. In the window, I will look to strengthen our squad, like every club will. Shamrock Rovers will strengthen for their reasons, and we will for ours. I’ll bring in a couple of experienced players to help the younger players in the squad.”
Are you a Drogheda United fan? Are you still attending the games? Do you believe there is room for hope for the 2011 season? Comments welcome below.
About Aidan Farrelly
Aidan Farrelly joined the extratime team in mid 2010. A Kildare native, Aidan reports on St. Patrick's Athletic as well as other Dublin Clubs. Aidan can be contacted at: farrelly.aidan@gmail.com View Full Profile