Today was game day. A long casual morning at home before we all headed into town. They dropped me off at the ground before they went to the hotel for the pre match. I spent time just chatting with the physio and kit man and a couple of the injured players before I went out onto the training pitch. Shaun is a goal keeper recovering from a shoulder injury and we warmed up together before doing our own different work. I did 20min of running and then some ball work. Of course for the hour that we were out there, it decided to absolutely pour down, and at one stage I was running in hail stones. My clothes weighed an extra few pounds by then end. As always, it was good to get some extra work in, because I’m sure staff and players were taking notice.

Once Shaun and I finished with some long passing, we went back into the changing sheds and showered while they got ready. We said our good lucks, and off they went. I went up stairs to get a cup of tea and before my tea was even done, they were down 1-0. And soon enough it was 2-0. And by the 30th minute of the game Derry was down to ten men. The game ended 5-0. Not a great showing at all and just tough circumstances for the team. Rough mood in the changing sheds after the game however the manager did bring everyone together and spoke for a few minutes. It was all valuable words that he shared and important he did, because it is his job in how the staff, players etc. react to the result.

Eventually, it was finally time to head home and start a new day!