U19’s Manager James Dermody Excited For The New Season

U19's Manager James Dermody Looking Forward to The New Season

Longford Town FC's U19 Manager James Dermody expressed his delight in being given the green light for resuming training later this month with COVID-19 restrictions being eased.

I'm feeling positive, with the senior team back a while now, it's great to be looking forward to getting going with our underage teams again.

James revealed how it's been a difficult off-season for the lads but they've been kept busy.

It's been really tough, by now the season would be in full swing and the new players would be gelling into the squad. This year we have been hosting three sessions a week via Zoom, two sessions on core and cardio and one session on yoga to help the players recover while also introducing a way to relax and meditate.

Looking forward to the new season and what lies ahead, the former LOI referee laid out his vision for 2021.

The main aim has to be to support the senior set up with continuous development of players in their technical, tactical, physical and mental skills sets. Its key we continue to produce players that can step up to senior level. We want to be competitive at 19s of course and ensure that Bishopsgate is a fortress.

Longford Town FC has a great record for giving young players the opportunity to step up to senior level if they're ready, as last year proved with the likes of Aaron McCabe and Callum Warfield who both featured for Daire Doyle in league and cup action. James couldn't hide his joy in seeing his players get the recognition they worked hard for.

I couldn't have been prouder. Last season was exceptional for players like Aaron McCabe and Callum Warfield. Both did themselves, their families and the club proud. Daire has also added Ben Lynch and Thomas McLaughlin to his first team squad this year. Ben worked so hard on his personal development last season and has been rewarded with signing for the first team. Thomas also worked hard coming back from an injury that stopped him playing for most of last season. The two lads have shown that there is great potential here at the club in terms of our underage academy and player development.