A face
21/04/2009, 5:21 PM
League feels pinch as cuts kick in
With the near demise of Cork City and Drogheda United last season, League of Ireland clubs generally are adopting a more cost-conscious approach this year. Nowhere is this better epitomised than at Sligo Rovers where, even after a successful season in which European and Setanta Cup football was secured, the budget has been tightened further. Manager Paul Cook, whose own future was in doubt in the close season as the club endeavoured to raise the funds to hold onto him, is aware of the new order of priorities -- and he approves.
"It's funny," he said, "a lot of people were tipping us to do very well, but we have a reduced squad, so for me this season represents a different challenge. First of all, I want to maintain our Premier Division status, and then I want to win something. "My hands were tied due to the economic climate. We were very successful last year and the problem is maintaining that. I have spoken to the committee about the problems we'd have with a small squad and injuries -- and now we've got them. But we've got a committee that's backing us well and in me and (assistant) Gerry (Carr), two men who are very committed to the club."
Read more at www.independent.ie (http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/league-feels-pinch-as-cuts-kick-in-1713405.html)
With the near demise of Cork City and Drogheda United last season, League of Ireland clubs generally are adopting a more cost-conscious approach this year. Nowhere is this better epitomised than at Sligo Rovers where, even after a successful season in which European and Setanta Cup football was secured, the budget has been tightened further. Manager Paul Cook, whose own future was in doubt in the close season as the club endeavoured to raise the funds to hold onto him, is aware of the new order of priorities -- and he approves.
"It's funny," he said, "a lot of people were tipping us to do very well, but we have a reduced squad, so for me this season represents a different challenge. First of all, I want to maintain our Premier Division status, and then I want to win something. "My hands were tied due to the economic climate. We were very successful last year and the problem is maintaining that. I have spoken to the committee about the problems we'd have with a small squad and injuries -- and now we've got them. But we've got a committee that's backing us well and in me and (assistant) Gerry (Carr), two men who are very committed to the club."
Read more at www.independent.ie (http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/league-feels-pinch-as-cuts-kick-in-1713405.html)