Mark’s loss is devastating for League of Ireland fans

THE pre- season is well under way at this stage with three games played and many new additions added to the squad. I haven’t got to see the team play in the opening three games but I have got the reviews and it seems certain players have immediately stood out. The Charlestown game is PR game that is vital for the club to participate in. We have had a great following from these areas in years gone by and I’m sure increased the numbers in our recent successful years. I appreciate some fans think they are of no benefit to the team and they especially highlighted them last year after our poor season. I am positive if you check the pre- season games in 2012 the year we were league champions we would have played the same sort of opposition. The Liverpool under 21 game highlighted the power of bringing a big name team even if it was the second team. I know it’s extremely difficult to get first teams over but it’s something we should definitely look at after the success of the game. It will have been great benefit to the team also as they continue their preparations for the opening game and will have also helped the club finances. I mentioned certain players standing out and the names Sadlier, Keohane and Roddan are the three mostly brought up in conversation. The team is a brand new side with a lot of young players so we have to give them time to settle as a group. Dave is still finalising the group so it’s important the team are giving time to gel. I know fans will be excited about the players coming from English premier league clubs but I was happy with the capture of Michael Leahy. It’s important to have players that know the league and he is a young player with great experience. He is a defender who can both play and defend a vital component of the modern day defender. I will have to hold judgement on the rest of the signings but it’s important as I said that we give them time. I was delighted to see Sean Flannery rejoin the club as strength and conditioning coach. I hated these guys when I was playing because I honestly thought it was a waste of time. I was ignorant to it all and with the demands of modern day football I soon realised the importance of it. Sean is devoted to his trade and the players will quickly realise his skills and his expertise. Sean will have the respect of the players instantly as he has been there and worn the t- shirt. Derry this week will provide a sterner test than the Defence Forces but they similar to us are in transition. The moment I typed the word Derry, Mark Farren flashed into my mind, his loss has been devastating to all League of Ireland fans and of course his immediate family. I briefly was his teammate at Derry City and what a finisher he was. He was dedicated beyond belief and lived for football and scoring goals. What he achieved in such a short space of time was incredible and who knows what he may have achieved if that terrible illness hadn’t got hold of him. The most remarkable side of him I saw was two years ago when I began my youth cert in the Showgrounds and Mark was on the course. He was clearly sick to us all but his humbleness and bravery blew us all away. He came close to signing for Rovers when Cookie tried to lure him here but in fairness to the lad he wanted to stay at Derry. My great memory of Mark is his comeback game in the Showgrounds with a Petr Cech- esque hat he ran onto a standing ovation that he told me was one of his best ever feelings in the game. It’s fitting that the new stand in the Brandywell should be named in his honour.