DEE-LIGHTED
keep Premier Division football in Donegal.”
McNamee continued: “Our supporters have been quality this season even when we haven’t done the business for them on the pitch.
“They give us a massive lift and we’ll need them now for these next three home games especially to push us on and make it difficult for the opposition.”
Harps boss Ollie Horgan insists there is no room for excuses with the club’s top flight survival on the line.
“We’re down bodies through suspensions and injuries but there’s no more room for excuses,” said the manager.
“We need to get points on the board or we won’t be playing Premier Division football next season.”
Meanwhile, Shelbourne defender JR Wilson has signed a contract extension with the club until the end of next season.
POSTMAN Gary Deegan says Drogheda United were happy to be everyone’s surprise package this season.
The Boynesiders looked to have relegation stamped all over them when last season’s manager Tim Clancy left for St Patrick’s Athletic.
However, Clancy’s assistant Kevin Doherty — also a postie — was promoted and he quickly addressed the big close-season issues, such as building a squad for the new campaign.
And with six weeks to go, barring a miraculous combination of results across the bottom three sides, Drogheda’s Premier Division status will be secured.
“I think it suits us to be underdogs,”said the 35-year-old.
“I think we rely heavily on the crowds as well, especially with a young squad. Sometimes a noisy home ground can allow you to get on with business.
“But the expectation from the outset kind of suited us because when you pick up wins and you see how far we are away from Finn Harps, we are doing some okay stuff.”
Deegan piled the praise on manager Doherty for his performance since his switch to the top job — and also for giving the experienced midfielder additional responsibilities.
“I think he’s had a big job to do,” said Deegan, referring to the close-season departures of some key players.
They lost Killian Phillips to Crystal Palace and James Brown to Blackburn, among others, while loan signings such as Sam Long and Sean Roughan were at the club for just half-aseason.
Relying
“You look at that back-four and a lot of them went to the UK and Shels… even the keeper (David Odumosu) to Pat’s.
“You say there is a big job there to be done and I think he has done really well.
“He has given me a different responsibility on and off the pitch, so he is relying on experienced lads, like myself and Dane, to try to set a tone for the new lads that are coming in.”
Asked what those new duties involved, he replied: “Just about speaking to the lads off the pitch and trying to be a mentor, a leader to them on and off the pitch.
“If I can help lads on one percent, it’s only helping the club. And it kind of suits me.”
Deegan continued: “I would have played with Kev at Longford. That was my first season in the League of Ireland.
“It just shows you, another 15 years down the line and he’s my manager. It’s mad how football works sometimes.
“I’m enjoying it. The good thing about knowing someone as well is, for me it’s about not trying to let people down.
“Kev is one of those, rather than when you know someone you take the foot off the gas it’s not the case with him. ”
Deegan, meanwhile, believes the fixture computer delivered the perfect game for his wellrested teammates.
It’s 21 days since the Boynesiders last played a competitive match — and he reckons a Louth derby is the perfect way to shake off any cobwebs.
“We’ve gone a few weeks now without a game and you can rest a little bit too long,”he said.
“To get yourself back up to speed and to have something to really look forward to, it’s the game you’d pick.”