Defensive duo re-sign for Students

With pre-season training having commenced and only 52 days to go until they kick their season off away to Bohemians, UCD have taken a big step in their preparations by securing the services of centre-back pairing Mick Leahy and David O’Connor for the coming season.

Having played attractive football and avoiding a survival playoff with some comfort in the end, the Students are going through a minor rebuild at the moment having lost Paul O’Conor, Graham Rusk (both to Drogheda), Danny Ledwith (Shamrock Rovers), and Ciaran Nangle and Chris Lyons (both to Bohemians) in the off season.

The importance of today’s signings cannot be underestimated (especially in light of the above exits) and UCD manager Martin Russell is understandably delighted to retain the services of the heart of his defence.

“I’m very happy to have the two lads for next season, they have got better and better each season since they arrived at the club from Belvedere, and they will be looking to build on all of their good work to date and continue their progress.

“They have gained an understanding in recent seasons which is of great benefit to the squad. They are both excellent defenders but are also confident and impressive on the ball, which is important given our philosophy. Dave can also play at left-back which gives us good options.”

Captain Mick Leahy had an impressive season in Belfield last year, being voted UCD AFC Player of the Year as well as being named Extratime.ie’s UCD player of the season. Such form doesn’t go unnoticed and despite plenty of interest from some of the perhaps “bigger” clubs today’s announcement comes as no surprise as previously reported by Extratime.ie.

Key to his decision no doubt will have been his studies, as Leahy currently is studying for a Masters in UCD, but the 23 year old also sees benefits on the pitch of staying.

“The chance to continue my development and improve as a player, working under an excellent manager who wants us to play the game in the right way was something I could not give up. Also, the club provides me with a national stage to play on every week while I'm also working towards completing my Masters degree in Business this year.”

The UCD centre back is also in bullish mood about his team’s chances for 2013 and unsurprisingly is delighted to see David O’Connor re-sign also.

“I'm sure many people will be tipping us for relegation, as they do most years. However, I'm confident that our squad will be strong enough to have a good season. We have some excellent players coming through who are improving every year, many of whom probably aren't that well known to people outside of the club yet. Throughout the season, I'm sure a few of them will emerge and become key players for us.

 “DOC and I have developed a great understanding over the last couple of seasons so it's great to see him signing back too. Along with Hughie Douglas, that's three of last season's regular back four returning so it's good to have some continuity defensively. In saying that, all of us know that we'll need to keep working hard to keep our places in the team because we've got some other good defenders in the squad too. You never know what will happen with injuries either so it's important that everybody in the squad is ready to play once things kick off in March.”

For his part, Dave O’Connor is happy to commit to another season and is chomping at the bit to get the season underway.

“I’m really looking forward to the start of the season and am delighted to have signed back for 2013 and am hoping to get a solid pre-season under the belt. The Christmas break was great but I cannot wait to kick off against Bohs on the 8th March and attack the season ahead.

“As always we will have an incredibly young squad, but the core of the team is still here and we are all a year wise and stronger. Personally, as one of the more senior players, I would like to think that I am a leader on the pitch and with that does come added responsibility I suppose. As I said previously though, the core of our squad has remained and we undoubtedly have several experienced leaders within the squad including Mick Leahy and Ger Barron etc.”

Like Leahy, 21 year old O’Connor is also looking to disprove the doubters and help UCD to an even better season this year.

“I’m sure there will be much talk of how inexperienced we are as a squad but that should only serve as a reason to motivate us and push us forward. Last year we had a solid season but I think deep down we all know that we are capable of even more. This season we must aim to better last season, accumulate more wins, more points and take the next step forward as players. The league is undoubtedly stronger this season but I feel we are more than capable of having an even better season than last year. Consistency will be key and a strong start to the season will be essential.”

In fact in 2012 UCD came closer (points-wise) to playing in the Setanta Cup than they were to playing in the First Division this season, so there is no reason to say that this enthusiasm and optimism is misguided.

The defensive duos form will be key to UCD’s season, and O’Connor is looking forward to pairing up with captain Leahy again.

“The signing of Mick is a huge boost to the squad. Mick was outstanding for us last season and will again be a key player in the season to come. He led by example last season and I would expect no different for him this season. I really enjoy playing alongside Mick, we know each other’s game well and I feel we make a decent partnership. Mick is one of many players that I believe will excel again this season, as will the younger lads like Hughie and Clarkey who had great seasons last year and will only get better this season.”

The success of the club is of obvious priority to both players, but having seen their former team mate (and former Extratime.ie columnist) Paul Corry secure a move to England last summer, both are ambitious and aware of the platform playing for UCD puts them on.

Captain Leahy is in no doubt that the opportunity is there for those at UCD who work hard.

“I think every player in the league would like to emulate Paul Corry and the others who have gone away. There are definitely players in our squad capable of doing that, if they keep improving. You just have to remain focused, keep working hard in training and performing on Fridays and everything else will take care of itself.”

O’Connor is also in agreement that Corry is a perfect example of what can happen and is eager to develop in a similar vein.

“I want to continue to learn and develop my game and hopefully lead by example in the mean time. This is now my third full season with the club and the learning and education I have experienced here has been incredible. Paul Corry is the perfect example to everyone here at the club of what doors can be opened up for us here at UCD. Obviously I would jump at the opportunity to follow in his footsteps across the water, as would all the lads I’m sure, and if we work hard together and improve on last season then who knows what the future holds!”