Here’s for a win in the Europa League
T he difference two weeks make - or a new manager in this case. On Friday night in Drogheda we saw a new Kieran Djilali. New, compared to what we've seen so far this season. He looked as if he'd been permanently wearing cling film over the break and eating nothing but celery. He's slim and fit once again. It's a shame it's taken this long.
When Djilali first signed last year he was overweight and unfit, but we could all see his ability. Once he settled in and got fit he was fantastic, and a class above. A lot of us were really excited that he had re- signed this year but he just never got going and we were all let down.
And now he looks as if he's back to full fitness, wherever that's come out of. It's a shame we've been without him for so long this year, because he made such a difference on Friday night. And with Europe coming up too, what better incentive is there to get back to your best?
It makes me sad that Baraclough didn't get the best out of him. He is an incredibly talented football player - that's never been in doubt. I sincerely hope he has the right attitude to pick up from here and continue improving for the rest of the season.
I said at the start of the season that he was our ' marquee signing' and I feared having to eat my words. Perhaps I still will have to but thank God we're starting to see the Djilali of last year somewhat. Nothing upsets me more than having to admit that I was wrong.
While things are looking a bit better on that side of things, our defence is rather alarming at the minute. Being without both Henderson and McMillan is an absolute disaster. Playing Conneely in the centre of defence and Ross Gaynor at right back is really not ideal.
Injuries are never an excuse but Rovers have been seriously haunted by them this year. Again, we only had three outfield players on the bench on Friday night. We desperately need players back. We're coming into a really busy period and everyone is going to want to be fit for Europe but we can't catch a break at the minute.
There's no doubt in my mind that changes need to be made over the summer transfer window. We need game changers, we need players who can bring off the bench who can win a game for us. With so many players out injured we're missing that.
As for our defence, there was a time when we were renowned for keeping clean sheets - they are nearly a rarity now at this stage. I need to see the penalty back again, so I don't want to go blaming Kalen Spillane totally, but it's so disappointing to be so well on top in a game and then to concede a penalty. We were nearly hanging on at one stage. Luckily Drogheda are absolutely useless.
We wasted a lot of chances on Friday night but it was a lot better than what we've seen recently from Rovers. It's too early to say that it's a managerial thing but the football is slightly more direct and that's going to suit players like Paul O'Conor.
As upset as a lot of us are about Baraclough, we need to move on, one man doesn't define a club and all that. The club is what's important here. Coleman has won his first game, which is all we can ask for, and now has an away leg of a European game to look forward to. The pressure is on, hopes and expectations are high for Europe this year after what we've all read about FK Banga.
This could be our year to get through at least one round in Europe. A win in Lithuania would be perfect for the home tie.
I sincerely hope when I write in a week's time that we are all still as confident about facing Banga at home - we need the hope, the excitement and the buzz around the Showgrounds once again.