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The Dugout Stephen O’Donnell and Alan Mathews
It's great to be back in competitive action following a long off-season. There has been a lot of change at 125 Emmet Road. In particular, we are referring to the playing squad, where there have been plenty of comings and goings.
and expect outstanding results straight away. However, what we can expect is complete honesty of effort.
Player recruitment can be a challenging process. Sometimes you get your targets and other times you don't. Like life, it is full of ups and downs. Fortunately, we are very happy with all of the players that we have attracted to the club, as well as keeping a number of the quality players that were already here.
As the players continue to gel and build relationships with each other, that will be reflected on the pitch, where strong relationships between players leads to an allround better understanding of each other's roles and responsibilities on the field of play.
As this is a new season, which brings with it a clean slate and fresh hope, it's no exaggeration to suggest that this can be looked upon as the beginning of a new era for St Patrick's Athletic. The players have already been gelling well in training and friendly matches. The bare minimum that we expect from everyone is 100 percent commitment and honesty of effort. That is non negotiable. We expect it in every training session and every match, and we have certainly received that so far. Last week's season launch in Rascals was a great opportunity to meet some of the fans and begin the buildup towards tonight. There was a great turnout and a lively atmosphere, and we hope that everyone headed home believing they had received some insight into the hard work we are doing. There was no big statements made, but we did promise that no stone will be left unturned for the betterment of St Patrick's Athletic. This article, in many ways, echoes those sentiments. This is a young squad and they are keen to learn, which is a great thing. Added to their youthfulness is a wealth of talent. That talent, combined with complete commitment, can bring you places in this league. Of course it will take time for the team to find its best rhythm, which is to be expected when so many new players come in. It's not just a switch that you can flick
2020 Season • Vol. 32 • No. 1 • St Patrick’s Athletic v Waterford
As well as players building relationships with each other, we are keen for them to also forge a close bond with the supporters. We want fans to come down on a Friday night knowing that they will see wholehearted performances. Pat's fans are very passionate but they are also among the most fairminded in football. The players know that if they leave it all out on the pitch in every game, they will be appreciated by the supporters. So that is the minimum requirement and the players know as much. We would like to extend a warm Richmond Park welcome to Alan Reynolds, his players and everybody connected with Waterford who has made the journey to Dublin 8 for this evening's league opener. Teams coached by Alan are never easy to play against and we have no doubt that it will again be the case this evening. Preseason has been hugely encouraging and we have been looking forward to tonight for weeks. A big crowd would be great to see and, with your encouragement from the stands and terraces, hopefully we can give you something to shout about.
Enjoy the match, Stephen O'Donnell and Alan Mathews
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