Motivation

differently.

But Stephen Kenny is gone, and Vinny Perth has earned his chance at the number one job.

Sligo Rovers, with a new manager in the very experienced Liam Buckley who had good times at St. Patrick’s Athletic, and former Dundalk, player Ronan Murray in their ranks, will be formidable opponents and it would be foolish to believe that it will be an easy game.

Remember Bray Wanderers in the first game of last season when they took a point at Oriel.

Early season games are very unpredictable because players are short of match fitness and settling into a new structure with new players.

Dundalk have some advantage in that the same team that started the Cup final last November started the President’s Cup game in Cork last Saturday.

The only difference was that they had, in Vinny Perth a new voice at the helm, and that was no obstacle in winning in Cork, nor should it be in the remainder of the League. NEW Dundalk signing Sean Murray says he is ready to hit the ground running after finally securing his move from Danish side Vejle Boldklub last week.

The 25-year-old former Republic of Ireland U-21 international was unveiled to the crowd at Oriel Park before last Tuesday’s 2-2 pre-season friendly draw with Longford Town.

The midfielder has become a firm fan’s favourite already having shone in the recent 5-1 Malone Cup win over Drogheda Utd.

While that was just a teaser of what Murray can do, the player himself feels he can be a useful addition to an already successful side.

‘In midfield I feel like I can keep the ball well for the team and from set pieces I feel I can create chances,’ he told The Argus, when asked what he could bring to the fold at Oriel.

‘My main aim is to get as many goals and assists as possible and for myself that’s what I want to add to the team.

‘Being at a team that likes to play suits me better and that’s a real bonus for me coming here. Because we were in the middle of the season in Denmark I feel like I’m at a pretty good level and even getting 90 minutes here recently I think that helped me a lot knowing I can get through it and still feel good.

‘Fitness wise I think I’m ready to go but it’s just down to the management team now.

‘I’ll be ready for the opening night but I’ve got to fight for my place in the team because there’s some really good players in the midfield positions so it’s down to me now to work hard and get myself involved.’

While things haven’t gone as planned for Murray since initially breaking through to the first team at Watford while they were in the Championship, he feels he is at the right place to get his career back on track.

‘It’s a place I always wanted to come so I’m just very happy to get it done. Now I can just crack and get ready for the games.

‘Settling in has been perfect but that wasn’t down to me. It’s down to my team-mates and staff for making me feel so welcome. When you’re comfortable in a place you just enjoy it and that’s why I settled in so quickly so credit to the players and staff.

‘I played with Jordan Flores at Wigan and with Aaron McCarey all through with the Republic of Ireland underage teams and that helps as well in terms of settling in.

‘Now I just can’t wait to get going,’ he said.