Committed to making Mervue better next season

Date Published: {J}

WHILE the managements and players of Galway United and Salthill Devon were both embroiled in their own respective relegation battles this week, Galway’s other League of Ireland club, and in particular its manager Thomas French, was thankful to have avoided such a daunting scenario.

Enjoying a cup of herbal tea in the Maldron Hotel across from Oranmore Business Park – where he co-owns French Vanoli Life Centre, a personal training and Pilates studio – the Mervue United boss was in reflective mood regarding the club’s second season in the First Division, where they finished second from bottom, just four points ahead of local rivals Salthill.

In many respects, it was a satisfactory ending to the season for the minnows, especially since, unlike other Premier and First Division clubs, it does not boast of a budget to buy in players nor does it currently host its home games at its own grounds. They play their home ties in Terryland Park. All in all, survival in top flight football was an achievement in itself.

That said, that will not be enough to sate French’s ambitions next season. Already he is planning ahead and after a year at the helm, he believes certain changes would have to be made before the commencement of the 2011 season.

“Obviously, going in this year, my hopes and expectations were a lot higher than where we ended up,” said French. “I know we were not far away in a lot of the games, but my expectations and targets next year will demand a lot more all round, from everybody.”

Indeed, French, who cited a lack of League of Ireland experience as one deficiency in his side, has identified a number of issues that need addressing over the winter period. One, he intended to reduce the size of the squad – amazingly, he used over 40 players throughout the course of the season – and, two, he wanted to instil a more professional approach in his players.

“When I went in (as manager) last February, one of the biggest problems with the lads was their mental attitude and professionalism. The high demand they put on themselves wasn’t there and, to me, they still had the mentality of a junior footballer, which we have tried to get out of them. So, it is a must next year to get rid of that junior mentality and to get them working professionally.

“Also, there were too many players to choose from last season and that was a problem because it affected our consistency. We introduced 41 players last year. That was a mistake. So, next season, I will be looking at having a set team and a panel of 20 or 22 and I will work with them from the start. Obviously, I now know what type of player I want next year. There is a certain type of player you need for the league, a certain mentality as well.”

For more, read this week's Galway City Tribune.