Robertson raring to go for first test
THE time has finally come and Dave Robertson and his new- look squad are counting down to Saturday’s showcase with Shamrock Rovers.
The rivalry between the sides has been in existence for many years and Dave said he knows fans will be coming out for the riveting season opener. “Preparations have been really good and we’re definitely just counting down the days.
“The pre- season for us was really good, I’m really happy with the squad that’s been put together and I’m jumping at the bit now for Saturday’s game,” the boss added.
Robertson said the pre- season matches brought a lot of various challenges which were good for his side to gel together and work as a team.
“There was a good variety there in terms of the different matches. The Liverpool one gave us a different test to the Charlestown or Derry ones for example.
“The opening one against Charlestown gave a lot of the younger players the chance to play, while the Liverpool one was more of a tactical game, while the match with the Defence Forces proved to be more of a physical contest.
“Obviously getting to play a team from our own League ( Derry) was great as well and will be beneficial to us, so overall pre- season games combined offered us a lot.
“It gave players a chance to stand up and earn their right to be there and show their style of play.
“I think as a team, we showed how our style of play came together during the pre- season and the final game with Athlone was a good squad performance and everyone earned a game through pre- season so that was good. “It gave players the chance to put their mark on these games and show why they should be making the starting eleven," Dave pointed out. Of course there have been a number of stand-out performers from pre- season and Dave said it’s important players are understanding their roles. “There’s been a number of stand out performers yet the key thing is that all the players understand their roles and that the squad gets to where it needs to be and I felt we’ve achieved that. “It’s important they’re learning to go out and support each other and I’m happy that they’re doing that. “Everyone knows what their roles are,” the manager revealed. He said the team are also gelling both on and off the field. “The lads are getting on really well both on and off the field and that’s good to see.” Dave said overall he’s pleased with the squad’s development. “I’m happy how the team is coming together and we've a good mixture of players. “We’ve a decent blend of League of Ireland players with those who came over from the UK with experience playing in the football league. That’s where we’re at now and it’s a close squad both on and off the field. “It’s important to have all the ingredients, a blend of youth and experience. You couldn’t have all young players, or you couldn't have all experienced players either. “You need a blend and that’s what we have, a blend that suits us. We have experienced players and I’d include Michael Schlingermann in that, along with Tim Clancy, Mick Leahy, Gavin
Peers, Chris Roddan and Jimmy Keohane.
“They’re all good experienced lads alongside Raff and John Russell.
“The one thing I said when taking over as manager was to make sure to put some pace in the squad and I feel we’ve got that, players that are showing great quality and pace.”
And with Shamrock Rovers the first opponents this Saturday, Dave said it’s a thrilling encounter for both sets of fans.
“Really, you couldn’t have picked a better game than Shams from a fans’ point of view, they will really be up for it and as a manager and players too will be excited about it too.
“Shams will give us a test and that’s why pre- season was so important.
“People will be interested to see the players because I suppose we will be an unknown entity as a squad and people will want to see what we’re like.
“Others will also be interested in seeing Shams play especially after they were three weeks in India.”
Dave added that the support from the Sligo people has been enormous since he took over last November.
“The support the club has been getting has been second to none. I’m really thrilled at how good the fans are.
“Sligo’s a football town and everyone really gets behind the team. I can’t thank them enough. Players know what the club means to the people of Sligo,” he added.
He said Jeff Henderson is expected back in Sligo this week. “Jeff returned to the UK to rest his foot, it’s nothing to do with the old injury. We felt it was better if he went home to rest and hopefully he’ll be back to full fitness soon, he’s a good lad.”