Cox is confident ahead of opener
BIG things are being predicted for the Wicklow U-18 squad ahead of their FAI Youth Interleague opener on Sunday.
Manager Christopher Cox has served his time as a player but now he wants to propel Wicklow forward – and he thinks they’re more than capable.
In recent years, Co. Wicklow have either waved the white flag completely or endured underwhelming campaigns but the Bray man thinks he’s found the winning formula and is tipping his young guns to qualify from the group and beyond.
Wicklow face-off against the North Dublin Schoolboys League in Shamrock Park on Sunday and a united Wicklow has given Cox plenty of confidence.
“We got all the clubs involved which is great. I’ve got everybody on board.
“We’ve got a great squad. The kids will be well looked after this year with gear and different stuff like pre-match meals and proper coaching and a physio. We’ve a guy (sports psychologist) coming down on Wednesday.”
The NDSL carry a fine reputation but the fixture doesn’t intimidate Cox and he thinks that the Dubliners could be in for a shock in Rathnew on Sunday.
“At county level, there shouldn’t be any weak teams. With the squad we have, I’d be happy to play anyone at the moment. I’ve had the option of maybe 50/60 kids at U-18 – I don’t think it’s been like that for a long time. Over the years, the Wicklow League struggled to get players.
“I’d be looking to go at least to the semi-finals with the group we have and then take it from there. I’m confident that we can get out of the group.
“We’ve three or four that play senior football which gives us that bit of experience. We’ve plenty of pace in the team which will worry a lot of teams. We’re not going to play the long-ball route, we’re going to play properly and play it out the way it should be played.
“I think we’re probably the most prepared U-18 side that we’ve had for a long time.”
Wicklow made it all the way to the final in the 2009/10 season but succumbed to defeat at the hands of Galway, who featured current Republic of Ireland international Daryl Horgan. Wicklow’s reputation may have been sullied in recent years with poor results and no-shows but Cox believes he has the players to change all that.
“I’d be willing to put it on the line that we’re going to get out of the group. Next Sunday we’ll start with a win and I think we’ll turn a few heads this week, I really do.
“It’s been a long time since Wicklow got out of the group stage.
“I’m happy with what we have. I don’t think we need any strengthening – maybe one or two more senior players heads but I wouldn’t be too worried about the NDSL.
“Personally, I think we’ll face a very young NDSL side and they’ll probably try and get the ball down and play it which will suit us because we should be quicker and faster. I think we’ll have the edge. Obviously, I am worried about them but not like years ago where you’d hear NDSL and start panicking.”
Cox himself played in this same tournament 18 years ago. He reckons his current side would have no problem disposing of his former team-mates and alongside coaches John Belmont, Liam McCormack and Ryan Cahill, he thinks the future looks extremely bright for Co. Wicklow.
“The formation hasn’t been fully decided yet but whatever we go with, we’ll be a handful especially with the pace and power we have going forward.
“I think this is a special bunch of players and the beauty of it is out of the 20 lads I’m looking at, 10 or 12 will be able to play again next year and it’s a two-year plan we’re putting in place.”