Lyttle keen for Rovers to continue to play their part in Mahon’s rise
SLIGO Rovers manager Ger Lyttle says the standard of the performances of centre-half John Mahon have been of little surprise to him.
The 18-year-old put pen to paper last week on a two-and-a-half year deal and has been a mainstay of the heart of the Rovers defence since April.
Speaking to the Sligo Champion, Lyttle says despite his young age, Mahon’s superb showing has not caused any particular astonishment to him.
He said: “We’re thrilled. It was this time last year when I stood here with John, Ed McGinty and Jack Keaney. We said we’d hoped to be here in a year’s time talking about offering John an extended deal and low and behold here we are.
“You can see John’s quality when he’s out on the pitch. He gives his heart and soul for the jersey. He’s a local lad with tremendous ability and for me, he has a massive future both at this club and his career. He can do whatever he wants to do and the world is his oyster. But he needs to stay grounded and I know he will because he has a good family background, he’s a solid lad and his personality is top drawer.
“I wouldn’t say he’s exceeded expectation and that’s being honest. From the first day I saw him in the 19s I knew there was quality there. He’s a proper centre half who would go through a brick wall for you. He wins his aeriel battles, he’s solid in the tackle and he can play on the ball. He’s got all the tools so I expected John to be here signing the deal but it’s important we managed him in the right way. And credit to the club who were on the money in terms of his development.”
The Bit O’Red boss is under no illusions however in that Mahon can still improve further. Voted by supporters as both April and May’s Player of the Month, Lyttle says he conversed with the former Owenmore Gaels man about his composure and physicality on the pitch prior to his introduction to regular first team football.
“He’s played a handful of games this season and he’s been man of them match in a lot of those games”, Ger continues.
“He hits eight or nine out of ten in most weeks. The big thing we spoke about when it came to him playing first team was his rashness which was a slight weakness in his play. But you’ve got to look at his record bar the Shams game obviously, but that was a harsh red. But he’s hardly had a booking so to me that’s a sign of his maturity.”
The contract runs up until the end of the 2020 campaign with Rovers guaranteed a fee should another club come seeking his services.
Lyttle compares Mahon’s situation to that of Brighton’s Warren O’Hora who moved from Bohs last year having made just a handful of senior appearances. But, as expected, Ger is keen to see Mahon further his development at home.
“You look at O’Hora”, Ger explains. “He’s played eleven or so games for Bohs and went across. I think John’s up there.
“His focus is here at Rovers and keeping his place but managers across the country would all be aware of John right now so I think we’ve done well to tie him down and continue his development.
“When I took this job, part of it was to develop younger lads from the area and give them a chance in the first team. So it’s great to get in and see what the lads are about and their potential. We still have young lads coming through like Niall Morahan and Liam Kerrigan.
“I think the future is bright for the club but all credit to the under-age coaches because sometimes players can be a bit like fish out of water and they’re not ready.
“But as you can see with John, it’s something I think we do really well.”
Speaking about his time so far at Rovers, Mahon asserts:
“It’s my local club so I’m delighted to sign.
“I’m taking it all in my stride, I know my capabilities so I just need to keep playing well. In training I feel, I’m up there with the likes of Kyle (McFadden), Seamus (Sharkey) and Paddy (MCClean). Playing with them is going to just bring you on.”
Commenting on his transition from the U19s and the differences between under-age and senior League of Ireland football, Mahon notes: “The physicality probably wouldn’t be an issue for me because of my size.
“But the sharpness and quickness of players is something you have to deal with.”