One down and Gilligan looks to season two
CIARAN Gilligan ended his first season in professional football with substitute appearances for Burton Albion in two of the last three games, including on Saturday against Oxford United.
That gave the 19-year-old midfielder 22 appearances in all, 16 of them starts.
And while he has made the first team squad only occasionally under Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink – his one start for the new manager was in the 1-0 defeat at home to Ipswich Town – he has still played more often than he expected to.
Gilligan, tough-tackling and busy in midfield, stood out in pre-season and made himself a regular under Jake Buxton in the first half of the season.
The second half of the campaign saw him battle an injury as well as drop out of the picture a little but he is still seen as a part of the club’s plans.
“It’s been a bit of a crazy season for me,” said Gilligan, who has come through all of the age groups in the club’s academy.
“I wouldn’t have expected to play as much as I have done and then the last few months I’ve been shaking off an injury and the lads who have been playing have been flying, so it was hard to get back in the team.
“But, overall, it’s been a good season, especially in the second half.
“The last couple of months have given us good signs to look forward to for next year.
“It’s not just about the lads who are out on the pitch, it’s about the lads who are pushing those as well.
“Everyone has made a contribution, over the whole season, including me.”
Gilligan knows he is not the sort of player who makes supporters sit up when he goes on to the pitch – but, as he points out, it takes all sorts.
“They way I go about my football, I like to keep a low profile and then, when I’m out on the pitch, you might not notice me because I’m just doing the basics and that’s important to do,” he said.
“All teams need people who are willing to just move the ball on when they get it and also break up play and that’s what I look to do.”
Hard work has been central to Gilligan’s progress and he has relished the workload imposed on the squad by Hasselbaink.
“I’ve really enjoyed it, I think it suits my game to a tee, being on the front foot, pressing, getting in the opposition’s face – I think you can see the results speak for themselves,” he said.
“He demands a lot from you but we’re enjoying doing it at the same time.”
Gilligan has a year to run on his first professional deal and cannot wait for next season.
“My body definitely doesn’t need a rest, I’m still young but, mentally, I will take a week or two off and then go again,” he said.
“You need to come back refreshed, ready to go again and hit the ground running and that’s what we’ll all be looking to do.”