It’s crucial that we afford Lyttle time required to settle into role
HERE we go again. It’s the start of another new era for Sligo Rovers with the appointment of Gerard Lyttle.
There is no formula that ensures the best man is appointed to the job. It doesn’t matter if they’re English, Irish, American or anything else.
Some wanted an Irish manager who would know the league, others wanted Rovers to revert to the UK again to find someone who is well connected with good contacts.
It’s impossible to know, either way. With limited knowledge of football in Northern Ireland, ( aside from Rovers’ sister club Ballinamallard), I’ve asked around about Gerard Lyttle.
I guess for him coming to Rovers and being part of a full time set- up will be a step- up for him.
As someone who has been working in Northern Ireland, he will be familiar with the League of Ireland, and he’ll know of plenty of players who might be interested in moving to the League of Ireland.
Apparently, he plays a good brand of football – something we haven’t seen for quite a while at The Showgrounds so I’m sure that will be very welcome.
I’m encouraged by this appointment. And I’ve been encouraged by results and performances in recent weeks – that includes to 1- 0 loss to Shamrock Rovers.
It will take time for it to pick up and for things to come together. Lyttle could hit the ground running, or else it might take a bit of time.
Realistically we don’t have much time, given our league position, but I do hope fans will afford Lyttle two or three games just to figure it out.
We’ve been in this position before, we’ll undoubtedly be here again at some stage. We just have to trust that those who were involved in the appointment have made the right choice. Results will pick up, I do believe we have seen some positive signs over the past few weeks that we can be encouraged by.
The first series of games is almost over and although Rovers are still sitting in the relegation zone, a couple of wins can really bring you up the table fast.
With games against Drogheda and Limerick coming up, there is a real opportunity there to pick up valuable points. One win would bring you mid- table, two wins could take you as high as fifth. That’s the small margins we’re dealing with at this stage of the season.
Perhaps in previous years teams near the bottom would have fallen away quicker but Limerick in fourth are just five points ahead of Rovers who sit in tenth place.
It’s been a real funny season and with Derry struggling recently, and Shamrock Rovers all over the place, fourth place looks like it could very well be up for grabs. It’s a very long shot given the way Rovers started the season but you have to aim high.
There’s a lot of work to be done with that squad, but if we can pull together a few results before the transfer window then we will be fine. By that stage, and perhaps even in the next week or two, Lyttle will know exactly what he needs and what he wants from potential new signings.
Following Monday’s result against Finn Harps, and the fact that Rovers have been drawn against Galway in the quarter- final, Rovers have a real chance of actually making a final.
The EA Sports Cup really isn’t the most attractive of competitions but to reach a final at all would be a great achievement for the year.
One thing is for sure at this stage, I’m glad the speculation is over regarding the managerial position. Limerick still have it all ahead of them and I do not envy them whatsoever. It’s been a familiar tale for Rovers over the last five years and I’m just pleased that we have a new manager and we can all move on now.
As I’m missing the next three Rovers games, I’m looking forward to seeing them play Dundalk, and hopefully see some improvements by then.