Sooner rather than later

All sporting bodies will be hoping for good news next month as the numbers drop and we can see some light at the end of the tunnel. The exact date and I suppose month may not be known yet but one would hope in May we may begin to get back to playing matches.

This would be terrific if it comes off. We still need to keep an eye on the Covid-19 numbers and we will follow the Government rules. With the vaccines now being given out in good numbers and a promise of more to come next month we are now beginning to think again about football and getting back to the action.

The league committee are hoping to get emails to all the clubs with possible dates for getting back to action. We have had so many disappointments over the past twelve months - hopefully these are now behind us.

So folks, make sure to check those emails and hopefully there will be more to come in the coming weeks.

BACK TO SCHOOL

Most boys and girls will be back in school and it should be a break for parents and guardians and parents alike.

WATERFORD FC SEASON TICKETS

Now on sale to help the club going forward, these are priced at €150 for adults, concession €95, students €95 and U14s €55. Get in touch with Tony Burke on 051-377995 Monday-Friday 10.30am-1.30pm (direct email tony.burke@waterfordfc.ie).

NEXT WEEK - CHAIRMAN’S VIEWS

Chairman of the WW/EC League, Brian Donnelly, will share his views next week on where the league is going. We will do what we are told by the Government but we will have our own plan. Yes, we will have a committee meeting as soon as it is possible and hopefully we all agree on a plan going forward.

IRISH PLAYERS

This week we again name a Youghal lad, namely Jake O’Brien. O’Brien signed to Crystal Palace from Cork City and has already played with Palace, doing well at U23 level. Another young man who went from Bohs to Brighton has now gone to MK Dons. We speak of Warren O’Hora. A young man, just 21 years old, he should get game time with MK Dons.

Getting game time and scoring is young Adam Idah at Norwich. More games and more goals would be terrific. Leicester City’s young Irish player Shane Flynn got into their first team squad and is in line for a new contract. Just 19 years of age, he could be one to watch. Another young player is Leigh Whelan, only 16, who has signed with Chesterfield.

Next week we look at Stephen Kenny’s squad and indeed wonder what kind of squad he will have for his two games later this month.

WELL DONE MICK

Another great week for Mick McCarthy and Cardiff City. A win, a draw and Mick hit his 1,000 game as a manager on Friday night last. A terrific achievement for this Tallow boy. Unbeaten now after 11 games, it’s all go now for the run-in. Mick also signed a new two year extension on Thursday last. Keep it going well.

LA GALAXY FOR WILLIAMS

Derrick Williams has joined LA Galaxy from Blackburn Rovers.

CHANGES AT CELTIC

Some weeks ago we spoke about Glasgow Celtic and we wondered where they were going. Now we have an idea after a busy week at Celtic.

The manager then, Neil Lennon, is now gone. Neil knew that time and results were not in his favour. Since Christmas even loyal fans were looking for a new man. Celtic were going for an historic 10th straight championship. Perhaps this was too much pressure for both manager and players alike. To lose to their rivals Rangers it was never going to be easy for Neil, especially heading into the spring and already 18 points and counting behind.

With Lennon now gone who is going to be the new man in charge? The interim boss is none other than John Kennedy, a Celtic man through and through, having been there for over 20 years.

Scott Brown reckons Celtic are in safe hands with Kennedy. Lennon put a lot of faith in him, as had Brendan Rodgers before him. A top coach who everyone looked up to, it is no surprise that Kennedy was asked to step up.

A player who knows what Kennedy can do is of course Arsenal’s ace Tierney, who was coached by Kennedy. A terrific coach who has been excellent with the younger players at Celtic.

Is Kennedy put off by the criticism some fans have given to previous managers like Lennon, Rodgers and Deila? “I got that criticism before and it really does not bother me. Celtic is a big club and a tough gig but I am looking forward to it,” he said.

A list of managers’ names has already been put forward as future managers. David Moyes has already stated he will not be joining the Bhoys.