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Irish Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Shelbourne's Paddy Barrett on why he loves the ugly side of the beautiful game
Paddy Barrett reckons there is something beautiful about the ugly side of the game. And if tapping into those values helps Shelbourne get back into the title race, and through their Champions League showdown with Linfield, he will gladly take it. The powerhouse centre-back has made a timely return to the champions' starting XI after missing 12 games in-a-row with a torn quad muscle. The true extent of the injury was kept under wraps by Shels, with Barrett now revealing that he expected to be out of action for at least four months. But he is back ahead of schedule having started the last two games, and made his presence felt with a no-nonsense defensive display against St Pat's on Monday. Shels dominated the first-half at Richmond Park and took the lead through Ali Coote but they were second best throughout the second-half, with St Pat's the dominant side. Yet the Saints ultimately failed to capitalise as the Barrett-led Shels rearguard defended manfully to protect their lead and secure just a third win in 12 games. Damien Duff's charges are 12-points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers and retaining the league title looks an extremely tall order, right now. But ahead of a hectic schedule of domestic and European games, Barrett feels a return to some old-fashioned values will stand to the reigning champions. Barrett said: 'In recent weeks and months we haven't had that side to us, that dirty side. Not the dirty side, I keep on saying the dirty side, but it's a beautiful side. I love it, but I feel like we lost that. We went away from it, so to show that side again was the most pleasing thing about Monday. Click this link or scan the QR code to receive the latest League of Ireland news and top stories from the Irish Mirror. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 'I think that's why results haven't been going our way. We've been conceding sloppy goals, individual mistakes, collective mistakes. That's not us. We grind out results when we need to. And we did that on Monday, and hopefully going forward we can keep on showing that side when it's needed. It was about showing we have that doggedness about us and that we have each other's back.' Waterford man Barrett, 31, continued: 'That was a big part of us winning the league last year - that side of football. It's not pretty, but it's needed.' Barrett also won two league titles at Dundalk under Stephen Kenny, so he has a good handle on what's required from a team to go all the way. That 12-point gap to Shamrock Rovers is a gaping one and that's why last Friday's home defeat to the Hoops cut so deep. Barrett said: 'Look, Shamrock Rovers are obviously in flying form. But we can't look too deep into that because if we do, we'll just beat ourselves up every week. 'Last year we won the league on that nasty side. Well, not nasty but the ugly side of football where people are diving around, blocking balls, defending one-on-one. I can't really look at the table too much because there's over half the season to go. There's so much football to go and hopefully Monday's result gives us a kickstart.' Barrett is just happy to be back in the thick of it after such a long layoff where Shels had to deploy makeshift defences, with skipper Mark Coyle dropping in from midfield. Injured towards the end of March, Barrett knew that if the original timeframe had stood he would be sitting out a lot of Shels' Champions League adventures. 'I was given a 16-week mark,' he said. 'But I was back after 10 or 11 weeks. I had a bad injury. It happened in training, an 11v11 game during the international break (in March). I was just passing the ball and felt something. I knew it was bad but after scans and seeing specialists, they gave me the bad news. Our doctor is probably the best I've ever met and the best I've ever dealt with and I just had to listen to him.' But Barrett admits his philosophical-sounding approach to it all is born out of hindsight, as he didn't always think that way. 'I'm stubborn and was telling him he's wrong,' laughed the defender, who initially wanted to flout the advice and fast-track his return to the team. 'But scans, results and x-rays, they're the ones with the knowledge. I'm telling them I'm itching and trying to get back on the pitch way earlier than I should have. 'I'm arguing with them, they're arguing with me. But in the end we made a mutual agreement and I came back at the right time. It's tough mentally when you're out injured because you're worthless to a team. But I'm back now and hopefully I can stay fit and get this team back to where we want to be.' But if Shels are serious about getting back in the shake-up, Barrett knows it must start against Derry City tonight when the champions look to follow-up Monday's success. Winning away to St Pat's will be meaningless if tonight's game counts for nothing and Barrett added: 'That's the most important thing. I feel like we haven't been doing that. When we pick up a good result, we haven't backed it up. We haven't given the fans that full performance at home for a while. 'But the team should be full of confidence. We get the backing of the manager and the staff - who are elite level. They believe in us. There's no doubt in my mind that every single player we have can turn this around.' Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email.
Irish Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Shamrock Rovers' Danny Mandroiu on 'strange and bizarre' Mark Kennedy comments
Danny Mandroiu felt his reputation could have been tarnished by Mark Kennedy's barbed assessment of him at Lincoln City. But while he branded the jibe 'strange and bizarre', the Shamrock Rovers ace claims he has no lingering beef with the former Ireland was snapped up by the Imps from Rovers in 2022 and was a regular in League One, making 56 league appearances and scoring 14 goals. But in October 2023, then Lincoln boss Kennedy let rip at the Dubliner after he was sent off in a home defeat to blasted Mandroiu, claiming he would 'become just another statistic' unless he changed his approach to the game. Kennedy said: "We're here to educate him and help him, not destroy his talent. I don't know where he'll be in five years, he could be in the Championship, he could be back in Ireland. If he changes his mentality and there's structure to his game, he's got incredible talent and he can go wherever he wants to go. But if he doesn't change that, he'll just be another statistic.' Click this link or scan the QR code to receive the latest League of Ireland news and top stories from the Irish Mirror. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Kennedy was sacked three days later and Lincoln's chief executive Liam Scully admitted the Mandroiu comments were a factor in his exit, not just poor results. Scully said: 'I don't think it was helpful in terms of our characterisation of Danny Mandroiu. Is that part of it? Yes. Is that the reason? No.'Lincoln rated Mandroiu and yesterday the player - who was also at Brighton - admitted he had options higher up the leagues in England, but they didn't come off. Asked if he had been worried that Kennedy's comments might cloud the opinion of other clubs, Mandroiu said: 'In a way, that could tarnish you with some teams. It obviously did. They'd obviously go to Mark Kennedy for a reference or whatever and I don't know what he's given. Lincoln know I'm a good lad so if they go to them…it was a bit strange and bizarre.' Mandroiu continued: 'He was entitled to his own opinion. It's false, it wasn't true whatever he said. It's not me. It was quite strange when it came out. It was really strange. "I didn't even know it until three days later when someone rang me and said there was something in the paper. I was in Ireland at the time actually. I read it on the Monday and I was 'Jesus'.'We were fine day to day. It was just very strange. I got sent off in a game. He started coming with 'he could be in the Premier League or nowhere' something like that. It was bizarre. He could come out with comments in the heat of the moment and then regret it the next day.'In the end, it was Shamrock Rovers again who won out for Mandroiu's signature as he returned on a short-term deal last August, before signing a longer contract this year. And the ex-Bohemians ace said: 'I had options everywhere, every time. I've never been released, I've had contracts on the table. It was just my own decision.'The teams I wanted to come in didn't come in, and I wasn't going to settle for anything less. I love Rovers, I love the gaffer, the team, we were in Europe at the time as well.'A recurrence of a hamstring injury rocked Mandroiu in the opening league game of this season, against Bohs at Aviva Stadium in February. But he is back fit and said: 'We can do whatever we put our minds to. We're playing some unbelievable stuff and long may it continue, in the league and in Europe.' ************************************** Stephen Bradley would love to see another All-Island clash in Europe. Shamrock Rovers could face Belfast giants Cliftonville in the second round of the Conference League - and Bradley hopes it and NIFL Premiership champions Linfield are already going head-to-head in the Champions League qualifiers on July 9 and 16. And the Hoops will face Cliftonville on July 24 and 31, providing the Reds beat St Joseph's of Gibraltar in the first qualifying said yesterday: 'You're hoping we get Cliftonville in terms of the travel and it becomes a lot easier, weather and everything else.'So hopefully we get Cliftonville because of the connection between both clubs and both sets of fans, that would be a great know a lot about Cliftonville, obviously, as we follow that league quite closely.'Rovers are no strangers to facing Irish League clubs in Europe, having won 4-1 away to Larne in the Europa Conference League league phase in Shamrock Rovers are not involved in the first European qualifying round this summer, they are lining up some home friendlies added: 'We've had offers from away as well, but a lot of teams wanted us to travel which is not what we want at that definitely stay local, whether it's up north or staying here, we definitely won't be travelling.' Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email.
Irish Examiner
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Alan Reynolds: 'I was happy the fans vented at me rather than them'
Fifty league games into his spell as Bohemians manager and Alan Reynolds couldn't be happier. Second in the Premier Division table, technically they could join leaders Shamrock Rovers at the summit by beating the Hoops next Monday and winning their two games in hand. Delivering a first league title to Dalymount Park since 2008 is a vision Reynolds refuses to countenance. He's not lacking in ambition, merely couched in the reality of the game's fickleness. Bohemians travel to his hometown club Waterford on Friday as the Premier Division's in-form team. They're riding high from winning five of their last six yet it's not long since the manager was facing the boo-boys. Losing six of the opening nine games conflated with a whimpering eight-placed finish last term. The outlook was bleak when on Easter Monday his own fans chimed with the Rovers chorus of 'you're getting sacked in the morning'. Bohs were trailing the best team in the country 2-0 in Tallaght until a seasonal resurrection of three late goals engineered a comeback win. It served to reignite their campaign, easing the pressure on a manager the Gypsies faithful have been slow in warming to. The temperature has changed from ice-cold to moderate and will likely require a trophy to emit heat but that's not his craving. At times, the stick was deeply personal. On occasions, it stretched beyond the confines of league grounds, with the authorities getting involved. Reynolds has been in management since Waterford appointed him as player-coach at 29. Most of his career was spent as No 2 to the likes of Stephen Kenny, Ruaidhrí Higgins, Keith Long, Jim Crawford, Liam Buckley and John Caulfield. Being in the frontline is a different animal. He's ultimately responsible and, as cutting as the flak was, he was prepared to be the punchbag instead of players. And yet never did he entertain the thought of quitting. Read More FAI to be hauled before State's Oireachtas Sport Committee 'Without a doubt, it was the most difficult stage of my managerial career,' he reflects on the barrage of abuse. 'It was tough at times for the players in Dalymount but I was happy the fans vented at me rather than them. 'It wasn't nice but I was glad to be the one taking it. That wasn't something that was said in the dressing room but it was clear. 'I'm glad I got the stick at this stage where I was able to dust myself down, saying 'right, let's crack on with this'. 'Not for a minute did I consider walking away. If the people above wanted to make that decision, so be it. 'Dalymount is known as a tough place to come but it became a tough place for us to play. That's now swung around.' He's just over 14 months in the job. The one plea made during last year's underwhelming opening campaign was for the patience of three transfer windows. Two of those are completed and he doesn't foresee much business required in the upcoming one, such is the contentment with his personnel. Crystal Palace have recalled his centre-back Seán Grehan from a loan deal but into his squad place will come Cian Byrne returning from a temporary stint at Galway United. 'We were impressed with our signings, and despite it being hard going early, I always believed in what we were doing,' he reasoned about moulding his team. 'Results have been good and so have the displays. 'People say things about the summer break but we worked really hard when we came back last week. 'We needed a break from seeing each other. They're young lads, have families and enjoyed the break, even if they had fitness programme results to submit. 'I felt the first-half performance at Cork City last Friday was the best since I've come in. We were 2-0 up but should have been out of sight. 'Nobody gave us a chance after the early results and it's hard to say we're eying the title. Still, we're within touching distance.' Their tilt will be strengthened by the returns from injury of former English Premier League striker Lys Mousset and Connor Parsons. Options will be expanded if the right contender arises after July 1. 'I always said three windows were required but after the first series of matches I thought I'd need more,' Rennie said, jokingly. 'I feel you need to improve in all windows. We'll see if something pops up but you'd want to be a good player to get into our squad. 'We like our group. All they lacked was a bit of confidence.' Read More Kylian Mbappe admitted to hospital with acute gastroenteritis
Irish Examiner
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Ger Nash seeking response from 'hurt' Cork City
Come 10pm last Saturday night, Cork City found themselves in the lonely position of 10th in the Premier Division table. City's defeat to Bohemians on Friday night, coupled with Sligo Rovers one-nil win over Waterford the following day ensured exactly that. The momentum built from a positive performance against Shelbourne prior to the mid-season break - albeit without the much-needed three points - was taken away in that loss to Alan Reynolds' Bohs, as City boss Ger Nash illustrated on Thursday. "I think we were hurt by Friday night, that's important to say," Nash said. "We felt we had built a little bit of momentum after the performance against Shels. I think it's probably the first time I've seen that confidence be affected, and that's something we had to address, we had to talk about." Stephen Bradley's Shamrock Rovers are next up on Friday night, with the visit of high-flying Drogheda and St Pat's to come next week. "I'm looking for a response on Friday night, we've spent a lot of time with the players this week - on the grass, off the grass - and I went to watch Drogheda and Shamrock Rovers on Monday, so we're prepared as well as we can be, and it's time for us to put in a performance now over the next week. It's imperative." A response is what is wanted by Nash and assistant David Meyler, and a response is what they so badly need. That response, for Nash, needs to consist of being defensively resolute, and having the bravery to play football as they did against Shels and during parts of the defeats to St Pat's and Galway United. "We have to be confident in who we are and what we are about," the 38-year-old said. "That's maybe something we didn't do in the Bohemians game in the first half-hour, where I think we were rocked a little bit. "As much as we are up against a really difficult opponent (in Shamrock Rovers), I think we really need to focus on us, and be the best version of us and give the fans the best version of us. "I think we showed that against Shelbourne in some aspects, and we need to get back to that level of performance, but importantly, we need to put a huge emphasis on getting points on the board over the next eight days, with three games to play." He added: "We need to stand tall, puff our chests out and represent this great club. As much as we're going to play a tough team, it has to be about us and what we are going to do to get ourselves out of the situation that we are in." Dutch winger Malik Dijksteel - who has been working his way back to full fitness after a lengthy injury absence - may feature more prominently on Friday after a number of appearances off the bench. Midfielder Rio Shipston will not make the clash with the table toppers, nor will Matty Kiernan, who is sitting his Leaving Cert. "Malik is one who has stepped up... he's in a better place than he was two weeks ago, so he's one that will be able to have more football."
Irish Times
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Times
Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley wary of threat posed by Cork City's livewire attackers
It's first versus last at Tallaght Stadium on Friday evening as Shamrock Rovers look to strengthen their hold on top spot in the Premier Division when Cork City visit Dublin 24. Unbeaten in 10 games, with seven victories in their last eight, Rovers are in cruise mode and enjoying their best form of the campaign. Stephen Bradley's side sit nine points clear at the summit, albeit with two games more played than second-placed Bohemians , who they meet at Dalymount Park on Monday in a mouth-watering top-of-the-table clash. Conversely, these are worrying times for Cork City, who are bottom of the league, two points adrift of Sligo Rovers and an alarming 10 points behind third-from-bottom Waterford. They travel to the capital on the back of last Friday's 2-0 home defeat to Bohemians. Manager Gerard Nash is still searching for his first win since taking charge four games ago. With no victory in eight and just two from 19 all season, Cork are in a battle to avoid relegation for a third time in six seasons. READ MORE 'The task is huge. We are in a fight, we know that,' said Nash after last week's defeat. 'We have 17 games [remaining] and we have to be better. The players care and we need to show fight and spirit now, starting in Tallaght.' The Leesiders held Rovers to a 1-1 draw at Turner's Cross early last month. Bradley is fully respectful of the challenge they bring despite the 29-point gap between the sides. Cork City's Sean Maguire was singled out by Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley. Photograph: Tom Maher/Inpho 'When you have (Seán) Maguire, Djenairo Daniels and Cathal O'Sullivan, their attacking threat with those three is as good as any in the country,' said the Rovers manager, whose only injury absentee is defender Adam Matthews. 'Seán Maguire's movement is very similar to (Waterford's) Padraig Amond, very good and very clever. O'Sullivan is a very good young player and Daniels causes real problems, so they must be respected and Cork as a team must be also.' [ Shelbourne end St Pats' unbeaten home record thanks to Ali Coote goal Opens in new window ] Having gone second in the table last week, Bohs manager Alan Reynolds brings his team to his native Waterford as they strive to make it three wins on the bounce to maintain their momentum ahead of hosting arch-rivals Rovers on Monday. 'Waterford are a good side,' said Reynolds, whose team has won nine of their last 12 games since languishing second bottom of the table at the end of March. Bohemians celebrate after Rhys Brennan's goal against Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium on April 21st, which helped turn their season around. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho 'They had a great record against us last season and they've beaten us already at Dalymount this season, so it's another game where I think we're going into it with something to prove.' Shelbourne welcome Derry City to Tolka Park with manager Damien Duff warning his players not to be distracted by next month's Champions League clash with Linfield . 'Your league form is what gets you to Europe. Don't take your eye off that,' said Duff. 'The lads need to realise they have to be on form individually to be in contention to start or play in Europe. That's very different to just being motivated by the occasion. 'It has to be collective and it has to carry. Build the form, attack the league, take that to Europe.' Friday's fixtures (all 7.45pm) Premier Division Drogheda United v Sligo Rovers Galway United v St Patrick's Athletic Shelbourne v Derry City Waterford v Bohemians Shamrock Rovers v Cork City First Division Athlone Town v Finn Harps Dundalk v Treaty United Kerry FC v Bray Wanderers UCD v Cobh Ramblers Wexford v Longford Town
