Cuddihy relishing challenge of the new Under-20s league

THE prospect of warm, dry Sunday mornings spent in bed didn’t last long for Ian Cuddihy. He was the man in charge as Wicklow Town Youths scooped the U-18 league title.

He then had his eyes on a sabbatical until it was announced that the Wicklow League would be launching an U-20 league this term.

The bait proved too tempting for Cuddihy and the lie-ons were quickly a distant dream.

The new league represents a new challenge for Cuddihy and his management team but it is one that they relish as they attempt to fine tune the future of the Finlay Park club.

“I was taking a break from it all but when the U-20 league was announced I again got the hunger to mobilise the troops from last year and add a few very good players to the team.

“It’s a new squad that Eamon, Eddie and myself have so the challenge we face is getting them playing as a team. Individually the lads are very good and we are very happy.”

While this group of youngsters is fuelling optimism around the club, the disbanding of their leading adult team was a body blow to the club. Cuddihy hopes that his youngsters will soar in and fill the gap left behind by them in the future.

“One step back for two steps forward with Town. Senior players decided to jump ship so left us without a Premier team however I think they done us a favour in the long-term because this team next year will compete in the Premier and we as a club have a lot of really good players coming through from schoolboys - Dylan Kavanagh and Cal Kelly to name only two.”

Cuddihy also forecasts smooth sailing in the league this season, something that would be welcomed with open arms by all.

“Very optimistic about the league set ups, plenty of games I hope. Eoin Devlin has gone into the league and I see progress already.

“I wish all the league the very best and I’m sorry that I couldn’t make the commitment to join them this year. You never know what the future holds.

“If the league can start issuing fixtures 3-4 weeks in advance will allow all of us to plan ahead including the league and refs. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.”