The Dugout

Normally, it would be customary for me to welcome the entire visiting party, including supporters. But that won't be necessary on this occasion. Tonight's match is taking place behind closed doors, so Richmond Park will be much quieter than usual. This is the hand we have all been dealt. On the bright side, the very fact that the league is back up and running at all – albeit with a vastly reduced amount of games – is a bonus.

It has been a real release to get back to competitive football. The importance of sport, and in our case football, has surely never been more clear. For myself and the players, it is our job, but it is a job we love and feel privileged to do. For supporters, it is something that both entertains and brings them together for the one cause. We have all missed it immensely.

I was very pleased with the application of the players last Friday night and we were good value for the 1-1 draw against Dundalk. During my team talk before the game, there was a special mention for the St Pat’s supporters. In other circumstances, I know that you would have travelled to Oriel Park in great numbers. However, that right has been taken away from supporters for the foreseeable future.

We were back in training on Saturday morning, with those who played the night before focusing on recovery. It is going to be a sprint finish between now and the end of the season. With just 72 hours between last Friday's game and this evening, it's a quick turnaround and the onus is on ourselves to be fully prepared.