Tough fixture schedule not an issue for Drogheda United boss Kevin Doherty ahead of big Bohemians clash
DROGHEDA United boss Kevin Doherty says he has no concerns about his side's ability to prepare for Friday's visit of Bohemians to Sullivan & Lambe Park (kick-off 7.45pm).
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Irish Independent
a day ago
- Irish Independent
Shane Tracey has no regrets moving from Bohemians to Dundalk FC
It went somewhat under the radar that the midfielder from the Avenue Road had signed amateur terms with his hometown club when it was announced just 79 minutes prior to the Lilywhites' season opener against Athlone Town on February 14. Perhaps the reason that Tracey isn't as well-known as some of the other youngsters who have featured for Ciarán Kilduff's side this season is because the bulk of his footballing education up until this point has come in Dublin, having initially come through the underage ranks at Shelbourne before going on to join Bohemians, where he made three first-team appearances – all in the Leinster Senior Cup. Indeed, his last outing for the Gypsies came at Ferrycarrig Park on February 3 when he scored in a 6-3 victory against Wexford FC. Fast forward a little under four months and Tracey was again shining in the sunny south east recently when he came off the bench for his tenth senior appearance for Dundalk to help his side turn a 2-1 deficit at the time into a 3-2 victory. While there have been just three starts for Tracey so far, all at home, his cameo appearances and confidence on the ball have certainly caught the eye with the 19-year-old playing a big role in helping his side turn around the game against Stephen Elliott's men to ensure they maintained their six point lead at the top of the table heading into the mid-season break. Speaking to The Argus after that victory, Tracey said he was enjoying life at Oriel Park right now. 'I'm really enjoying it,' he beamed. 'I thought I did well when I came on. It was tough but we got the two goals in the end so it was good.' Having made a couple of Leinster Senior Cup appearances at Bohemians earlier this year, Tracey admitted to enjoying life at Dalymount Park. However, the persuasive powers of Dundalk assistant Ken Kiernan ensured he returned home on the eve of the season commencing – and he admits it is one of the best decisions he could have made. 'I was at Bohs and I decided to stay but then Ken was ringing me and I just decided to take the risk to come here. I'm happy that I took the risk now and it's starting to pay off. 'It's a young team but everyone is hungry. We're top of the league at the moment and enjoying the journey so hopefully now it can continue because we all want to go on and win this league.' While somewhat shy to speak to, Tracey has no problems expressing himself on the field, with his range of passing reminiscent of a young Keith Ward – a team-mate that he admits to learning so much from in their short spell together. 'I'm learning so much from him,' he said of the 34-year-old. 'He's so good in training technically and he's just so good around the group as well. He's always having a laugh. It's good to learn off someone like Wardy. 'You have to believe in yourself. You need confidence. It can be hard sometimes but you just have to believe in your ability and the gaffer definitely gives us all that.' Tracey's adjustment to life back in Dundalk has been helped by his old St Mary's College school pal, Eoin Kenny. 'Myself and Eoin went to school together and we were in the same friend group in school so we were close already and it was kind of easy coming in with him here. He was always here to help,' he said. While Tracey's arrival at Oriel Park may have been a little more low key than some of Dundalk's other signings this season and he might not be as well-known as some other locals at the club, he is quickly making a name for himself. His story has just begun though. 'Hopefully I can keep knocking on the door for a few more starts. That's all I can do, just try my best,' he said. 'I just want to kick on, keep doing well and hopefully start more games.'
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Drogheda United coach claims ‘Drogs should be treated the same as PSG' by Uefa over European participation debacle
DAIRE Doyle insisted Uefa must treat Drogheda United like they would Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain. Drogs Advertisement 2 Drogheda United were crowned FAI Cup champions to earn a place in European Qualifications 2 The 44-year-old is hoping Drogheda United will be allowed compete in Europe Both clubs are owned by the US-based Trivela Group, who also own Walsall, and Uefa has strict rules regarding multi-club ownership models and competing in Europe. And the Drogs' position is in peril as rules dictate that where there is joint ownership, the club that finished lower in their league is the one to miss out. There are precedents from the past. Manchester City put their 47 per cent ownership of Spanish outfit Girona in blind trust so both clubs could compete in the Champions League. And Uefa are in discussions with Trivela — Crystal Palace and Lyon are in a similar situation — with a ruling expected next week. Advertisement Read more on Irish football Assistant boss Doyle said that it is important that Drogheda get the same treatment as any European giant. He said: 'You'd hope the procedures should follow. Drogheda should be treated the same as PSG. I know the club have been in contact with Uefa over the past number of months, they're doing all they can. 'And they've let me know that they're hopeful that we can see a positive outcome to it all. 'There has been work done over a period of time to do what we need to do to find a solution to it. Advertisement Most read in Football 'People will speculate on the bad side rather than the good side. If you take history, there are clubs and ownership models similar to ourselves where both clubs have been in competitions and in some cases the same competition. 'So we can take that precedent that has been set over the last few years and we will be hopeful that will be no different to ourselves. Watch Robbie Brady aim hilarious dig at Ireland teammates after winning Player of the Year award 'Obviously until that does come out, you are going to have the people of Drogheda, supporters, players — everyone is going to talk until a decision is there. That is to be expected.' Doyle acknowledged that it has been something Trivela have been looking into since they first proposed buying 80 per cent of Silkeborg in December. Advertisement That was a month after the Drogs secured European football by DISTANT RELATIVES And Doyle admitted that, while both clubs have the same owners, there have been few dealings between them. He said: 'There wouldn't be too much contact with Silkeborg to be honest. "The Walsall one, there would be more of a link there because obviously we've had players on loan from them, they've come over and played against us last year. Advertisement 'It was a situation that could arise with another top-level country, so it was something I'm sure Trivela were aware could arise and they have been talking over the last couple of months. 'Hopefully we are in a position where ourselves and Silkeborg can both play in Europe.' Meanwhile, Doyle was pleased that the Drogs have got a home draw for when their FAI Cup defence begins next month. They will host Leinster Senior League outfit Crumlin United. Doyle knows the league well as his son Jack plays for Home Farm, and he has regularly seen Crumlin this season. Advertisement The Drogs assistant said: 'I've seen quite a few games this year, they've quite a few good players. James Lee is an excellent manager and former player as well. 'We're really happy we got a home draw, that's the most important thing. 'We'll do our homework on Crumlin now and make sure we find out as much as we can about them before the game.'
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Irish Independent
Drogheda assistant boss Daire Doyle ‘confident' club's European dreams won't be dashed as talks with Uefa continue
Drogheda United discovered their FAI Cup second round date yesterday – they have Crumlin United at home with a potential €700k bounty awaiting them should they retain it.
