McIntyre happy to stay on as interim manager until Rovers find their new man
SLIGO Rovers interim boss Declan McIntyre praised the effort and determination of his players following the defeat to Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium. McIntyre, who took charge of his second game as caretaker last Friday lamented John Russell’s 24th minute dismissal but said he admired his team’s character and belief despite the obvious set back.
Russell was deservedly red carded mid- way through the opening half after he caught Hoops midfielder Roberto Lopes on the ankle following a clumsy challenge close to the half- way line. McIntyre described the event as a game changer saying that it heralded a necessary shift in tactical focus from the Bit O’Red who were forced to sit back and soak up pressure for the majority of the contest.
“We were devastated”, he conceded. “The effort the players put in was phenomenal. The red card killed it for us. We were always in the game but that decision meant we had to change our shape and try and contain Shams in the hope we might get a chance on the break. We did get a couple of half chances but it wasn’t to be tonight.
“Again the players have been brilliant. A team on a pitch reflects what a coach or a manager wants them to do. They are totally playing for us and to a man have been outstanding. Tonight presented us with some very difficult circumstances. Nobody gave up and we kept going until the very end.”
Russell is set to miss this Saturday’s visit of Derry City to the Showgrounds through suspension. Speaking to the Sligo Champion after the final whistle, McIntyre admitted that although he hadn’t yet seen a replay of the incident, it was likely that referee Neil Doyle’s decision was a correct one.
“I haven’t seen the tackle back but everyone seems to be telling me it ( the red card) was fair enough. Neil is a good referee, he’s one of the best in the league and if he says it’s a red then it’s a red, I’ll accept it.”
The Donegal man reserved specific praise for the performance of goalkeeper Micheál Schlingermann who pulled off several tremendous saves to keep Rovers in the tie. “I had a look at the goal and when you get to see it, it really flew in past him”, McIntyre commented. “I was maybe a little bit disappointed that we didn’t close ( Brandon) Miele down before he was able to get the shot away. But Micheál was back to his brilliant best. He made some astonishing saves to keep us in it.”
McIntyre revealed that he had Saturday’s game in mind as the reasoning behind the withdrawal of both Raff Cretaro and Liam Martin in the 60th and 72nd minute respectively. Both players had been booked during the game and with the next manager potentially in place for the visit of the Candystripes, McIntyre wanted the new man to have as strong a squad as possible at his disposal. He said: “We have other big games to come and hopefully the new manager will be in for Saturday. I want him to have as full a panel as possible for the Derry game so that’s why I did what I did.”
Looking ahead to that game with optimism, McIntyre says Rovers will be looking to bounce back and record a second home win on the spin following the win over Bohs two weeks ago. He also asserted his commitment to the club saying he is willing to take charge for a third time should a new manager not be appointed in time.
“Regardless of who comes to the Showgrounds we are decent at home. There’s a real opportunity there to win that game so I’m glad that I brought Liam and Raf off because it means they’ll be OK for that match.”
“To be fair to the committee here they are in contact regularly. I’ll hold this job for as long as it takes and I know they won’t rush into any decision. If they need me to take the Derry game then so be it, I’ll do it and the lads will respond.”