Commitment and attitude demanded by new Utd boss

Keith Kelly

New Galway United manager John Brennan is not letting the grass grow under his feet following his appointment as permanent manager, with his preparations for the 2012 season already well under way.

Brennan, who was appointed as caretaker manager in September following the departure of Sean Connor, was named as full-time manager for the 2012 season by the club last week, becoming the 21st sole manager to take charge of the club – there have been joint managers on two occasions, Tommy Lally and Eamon Deacy acted as caretaker managers for a short spell in the 1978/79 season, as did Fran Gavin & Denis Bonner in the 1988/89 season.

He says he has already spoken to a number of players in relation to signing for the 2012 season, which will see United play in the First Division alongside Mervue United and Salthill Devon following their defeat to Monaghan United in the promotion/relegation play-off earlier this month.

“I know the local scene well, so I feel I know the players who are good enough, the players who have potential, and also the players who are not good enough. I’m talking to players now, I can’t offer anyone anything yet, it’s a work in progress, but you’ve got to speak to players early so I’m working away on that front,” he says.

He is looking forward to the new season, despite the trauma of his caretaker spell which saw the club lose all seven regular season games, and both legs of the promotion/relegation play-off in a season from hell for the club.

“I always wanted to give management a go, I only had two months last season and not having my own players to work with, I couldn’t give it a proper go. Anyway, if I gave up after that eight weeks, I’d never get another job anywhere!

“I know the players I want, and the kind of player I want – it will be all about commitment and attitude, and I will be going with youth – it doesn’t matter what age you are, if you’re good enough, you’;ll get your opportunity with me,” he says.

One of the most important features he says he is looking for in the players he will bring to the club is honesty, discipline and an ability to learn from mistakes.

For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.