Rovers honing in on getting the jab done
THE acceptance of vaccination against Covid-19 continues to be a thorny issue for footballers across the Irish Sea. In spite of the warnings, and the consequences, only 35 per cent of Premier League footballers have been jabbed, it is estimated.
For Ireland manager Stephen Kenny, the situation is less than ideal as he selects players for international duty more at risk of catching the pandemic than those who are inoculated.
A year ago, Kenny’s plans for the October and November games were disrupted by Covid-19 and he can’t be sure of a clean slate for the upcoming games against Azerbaijan and Qatar.
How Kenny must envy the state of play at Shamrock Rovers where a take-up of the vaccine by coaching staff and players is almost 100 per cent.
Stephen Bradley revealed yesterday that only one player is waiting for their second jab. ‘Everyone is done bar one,’ said the Rovers manager.
‘It’s a personal choice. Our players recognised very early that choice affects how you do your job, and how you live your life in terms of not being able to work.
‘Our players were very mature to make the decision to get vaccinated, which is brilliant because you can’t force people to get it done,’ said Bradley.
‘What we spelled out to the players was that this could affect your job, how you earn a living, how you provide.
‘It’s that simple: it’s your choice if you want to take it or not. Obviously, if you’re not (vaccinated), you have a higher chance of getting sick, of close contacts, everything that comes with it.
‘I didn’t make a recommendation. I just left it to the players,’ he added. ‘It’s common sense that the players have made a really good decision, regarding our job and what we do. That allows us to get back to some form of normality in terms of our meetings, dressing rooms and so on.’
Barring injuries, it’s a bonus for Bradley to have a clean bill of health to select from as Rovers close in on a 19th SSE Airtricity League of Ireland title, continuing at home to Derry City tonight (8.0).
A nine-point advantage over St Pat’s is embossed by a game in hand and a superior goal difference. Even with six of their remaining nine games on the road, Rovers are unlikely to be pegged back.
A second successive title to follow the 2019 FAI Cup win would add to Bradley’s reputation. What then for the Dubliner, who is under contract for 2022? ‘Right now I have to focus on getting this title first of all,’ he said. ‘We’re in a really good position but we need to drive it home now and once we do that it’s time to sit down with Stephen (McPhail), the board and the club and put another plan in place of where we want to go and how we’re going to do that.’ For Bradley, retaining the league has been his priority.
‘The league is always No 1. It has to be. As soon as you take your eye off the ball you’re in trouble,’ he said. Europe offers a fantastic opportunity there but you can’t focus on that. The desire and motivation has got to be domestically.
‘We see Derry building, Pat’s have been very good this year. Sligo won’t be a million miles away, Bohs won’t be a million miles away either’
Bradley was linked to MK Dons during the summer. Does he see his future at Rovers?
‘If I was to say “I want to manage X tomorrow or in two week’s time” you can lose a few games and you’re sacked. In football, it can change so quickly. All my focus is on winning the league and then we’ll put a plan in place for where we go.
‘Whatever happens to me will look after itself in the future. I am a firm believer in what’s meant for you won’t pass you by.’
● Shamrock Rovers v Bohemians has been re-fixed for Monday, October 18, at Tallaght Stadium (7.15). The game will be shown live on RTÉ.