Bradley and Cassidy step down
COLM Bradley has stepped down as manager of Belnaleck following five years at the helm, while Ederney are also on the look out for a new manager after Mickey Cassidy stepped away following his second term at the helm of his home club.
Bradley admits that, having formed a strong bond with the players, it was tough decision to walk away from the job.
“It was a difficult decision to step down because its been such an enjoyable five years and because I think so much of this group of players. They have given so much effort and the club should be so proud of them.
“When we met way back in January 2018 we looked at where we were. Belnaleck had finished eighth and ninth in the previous two league campaigns but the Junior Championship win in 2017 showed there was some potential.
“We had three goals; win an intermediate championship, become a seasoned Division One team and win the senior championship. We got two out of three; some disappointment mixed with success,” he added.
However, he admits that it has been frustrating that he hasn’t been able to get a full squad out since 2019 due to players being away or unavailable and he believes that with everybody on board there is a senior championship in the Art Mcmurroughs.
“The frustrating thing is that since 2019 we haven’t been able to get our full squad together for championship. I think the quality of players we have been without has made that mountain a little harder to climb but I have no doubt with the right appointment and with a full squad that there is a championship in this team.”
He has taken great satisfaction though in the improvement of certain individuals within the squad.
“For me, the most satisfying thing has been the individual improvement of the players. Players who nobody would have considered had the potential to become quality club players are now among the best club players around,” he said.
He felt though that it was the right time to call in a day although he aims to have a break and then seek a fresh challenge: “I think in the end after five years it is time for a fresh voice. And for me maybe a new challenge is needed and I’m sure after a break I will end up on a sideline somewhere at some stage again.”
Meanwhile, Mickey Cassidy has resigned as Ederney manager after leading them to the New York Cup in 2020.
Under Cassidy, Ederney have been a serious threat in the Senior Championship but it never happened for them this year and it required a win over Teemore on Saturday to secure their status in the Senior Championship for 2023.
“It has been a tough year. The loss of Mark Mccauley and Sean Cassidy were massive blows for us at the heart of the attack and when it got down to the business end of things we didn’t have enough scoring threat.
“I’m delighted though to have won on Saturday and that the club have retained their Senior status,” said Cassidy.
There has been some good days in charge for Cassidy but there is also some regrets too.
“Obviously, winning in 2020 was great and we had somwe mighty battles with Derryonnelly but there is regrets that we didn’t maybe win more of those games,” he added.