PLAYER INTERVIEW: LTFC.ie sits down with #8 Dylan McGlade

Interview by James Donnelly

Last week's 5-0 demolition of Wexford FC saw Town winger Dylan McGlade score the opening goal after just 3 minutes latching onto a cross from Kealan Dillon. LTFC.ie caught up with Dylan to get his thoughts.

“It felt great personally to get a goal as it's something I've not always done and I think the attacking players need to do more.”

When asked about what he thought went right for the team last Saturday night he said:

“It felt good for all the lads to finally click on the pitch. I remember saying a few weeks ago that we're creating the chances but not finishing them. That one game it's just gonna click and we'll score 5 or 6 against someone. The management always said work harder than the other team and earn the right to play and I feel we did that and moved the ball around like I know we can. The quality of the pitch at CCS was also a major factor.”

On the opening day of the season Longford and Shelbourne played out a scoreless draw in Tolka Park while the following fixture at City Calling Stadium resulted in a 3-1 for the Town. With Gary Cronin taking the helm on Friday night when Town go to Tolka to play McGlades old club, we asked Dylan on his thoughts on facing his former team.

“Shels are a very big and physical side and Owen has them organized really well. It will be a tough battle but I feel like if we can match them for work rate and earn the right to play then we have a very good chance. The pitch at Tolka is excellent too so that will play into our one touch passing game and I feel if we use our pace and get in between them then we can hurt them that way.”

Some results haven't gone Longford's way so far this season and we are currently sitting 5^th in the league behind Cabinteely, when asked about what motivates him through the tough games, Dylan said; “It has been tough and this league has always been a tough league. I think personally you just need to have confidence in your ability. We're all good players and although some things aren't going your way, you have to keep believing in yourself. Especially for attacking players like myself who like to get on the ball and run at people. Just because the defender might tackle you a couple of times, doesn't mean you stop trying because that one time you get past him could be a goal scoring opportunity. If you miss a chance, you have to get it out of your head and believe that you'll get the next one”.

This being Dylan's first year at the club, I couldn't not ask him about his time so far at Longford Town and how he felt about his performances so far; “To be honest, I have high standards for myself and I don't think my performances have been anywhere near as good as what I know I am capable of. I really want this year to be a big year for both the club and myself so hopefully at the end of the season, it ends up like that.”

I ended our chat by asking him to tell me his favourite thing about the club and his response was something I think we can all agree with...

“Potential probably and the club as a whole. The year Longford got promoted again, I was in my first year with Shels and you could see the potential. The club was getting good crowds. The stadium is excellent, the pitch is great quality and the club looks after you. Hopefully the club can keep building and the team can keep improving”.