PRE-SEASON UNDER WAY
Preparations for the 2010 season got under way last Sunday (17th January) when Mick Cooke and Pat McGibbon put the Monaghan United squad under the microscope in the first session of pre-season training. Weigh-ins, fitness tests and a training session helped the squad shake off the cobwebs from the closed season and manager Mick Cooke was very happy with the first session.
“It was a great first session, their fitness levels on the first day back was quite impressive. There were no strugglers and since the guys are members of gyms they have kept themselves in good condition in the closed season.”
There were 26 players at the session, including the 23 who have signed for United and trialists Aidan Collins (Athlone Town) and Adam McCarey (St Patrick’s Athletic) as well as Monaghan United legend Paul Whelan who is currently weighing up his options for the coming season. With only 3 new players signed so far, Philly Hughes, Darren Kelly and Anthony Costigan, there was very little disruption and the squad fell back into training easily.
“Philly (Hughes) had obviously played under me before and knew quite a few of the lads and Anthony (Costigan) was training with us during the summer as he was due to join us then only for a mix up in his registration so they both settled in very quickly. Darren Kelly and Ronan McGann were working well together during the session too so I am very happy with how the squad is coming together.” Cooke continued.
“I still hope to sign another goalkeeper but there is a shortage of quality ‘keepers out there at the moment. A few other managers have rang me asking if I know of any so we are all in the same boat.”
“All and all I am happy with how our first session went and look forward to the coming weeks as we gel together and prepare for our first game of the season.”
PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES CONFIRMED
Monaghan United manager Mick Cooke has confirmed that he will be putting his squad to the test in a series of friendly matches in the February with the most attractive prospect for the fans being the match against Dundalk at Gortakeegan on Friday 26th February at 8pm.
This will be the only home friendly for Cooke’s men and will give the fans a chance to preview the team a week before the season kicks off. United open their friendly account with a game against Drogheda United on Friday the 5th of February in United Park at 7.45pm.
The series of tests continue with a game against newly promoted Sporting Fingal on Saturday the 6th February at Portmarnock (time to be confirmed) and UCD on Saturday 13th of February with a time and venue to be confirmed.
These 4 games against Premier division teams will give Cooke and McGibbon a fantastic opportunity to try out some tactics and team layouts prior to the opening of the season on the weekend of the 5th March and will give fans a chance to enjoy what will hopefully be a prelude to a great season.
SEASON TICKETS
Monaghan United FC Season Tickets are on sale from the club office (office hours Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) or online at www.monaghanunited.com . For 2010, United are keeping the prices the same as for 2009 and the ticket offers great value for the football fan in your house. Prices are:
Full Season: Adult €140.00 Family €170.00 (2 adults & up to 4 children under 16 yrs)
Half Season: Adult €70.00 Family €90.00
Season tickets are valid for all Monaghan United home games in the FAI League of Ireland 2010.
McCAREY MAKES WOLVES DEBUT
Former Monaghan United goalkeeping protégé Aaron McCarey, made his debut for his new Premiership side, Wolverhampton Wanderers in a reserves game against Chelsea reserves on Monday night last (18th January). McCarey played his first game since the FAI League of Ireland season ended in November having completed his transfer and being registered as a professional player in the FA Premiership.
Thrown in at the deep end on the day his clearance came through, McCarey was up for the challenge and pulled off many good saves against a much more experienced Chelsea side than the youthful Wolves team he was playing for. The game finished 2-0 to Chelsea but the young Scotstown man could not be faulted for the goals.
McCarey’s former manager at Monaghan United, Mick Cooke, was delighted for the youngster and watched his debut with pride. “I watched the game live and it was an honour for Aaron to make his debut in the reserves at 18 and fresh from the League of Ireland. He did a great job and was no way at fault for the 2 goals. It was a young wolves team playing a more experienced side but Aaron handled himself brilliantly and showed that he certainly has the potential to make it.”
Cooke concluded “Aaron would be 3rd choice ‘keeper at Wolves at the moment with injuries and Ikeme on loan to QPR so it is a very exciting time for him and we will all be delighted for him when he makes his debut in the Premiership.”
AGM
The Annual General Meeting of Monaghan United FC will take place at 8.30pm in the Greg Turley Suite, at Gortakeegan on Thursday January 28th 2010. All voting members are encouraged to attend and are reminded to send in their nomination forms prior to the meeting.
MONAGHAN CREDIT UNION MINI LEAGUES RETURN
After the break for Christmas, the Monaghan United Monaghan Credit Union Mini Leagues will return to the Regional Development Centre on Sunday January 31st. Sessions for children aged between 5 & 8 years old are at 11am with the 9 to 12 year olds playing from 12 noon until 1pm.
New registrations are welcome. Forms will be distributed in schools and are available to download at www.monaghanunited.com.
