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First of all, Happy Fourth of July to all my American friends. I was fortunate enough to celebrate this holiday for the last 3 summers, and these celebrations are still great memories 🙂

Today marked the beginning of a very important week for me. This week is an added week with Derry, and I will be playing in at least one friendly if not two friendlies this week. My performance in those games will be very defining in the decision the manager will eventually make. So it is important for me to have another good week in training.

The session started like all others did, foam roll, mobility, and stretching. From here, we split off, with the 18 involved in the game went and did analysis from the game and the performance, while the other 8 of us went and put our boots on and went onto the field. We warmed up with Pearce and then did some plyometric work, then went into a 4v4 game, before Donal arrived from the other groups meeting and ran a passing drill for us. Our group then had to wait around for the other group to do the warm up, plyos and passing drill, before we all joined together to play 2 touch possession for what seemed like forever. When we thought we were finally done, we did more. The final segment of training was three different stations, 5v5 to goal, 4v4 possession, and 3 different types of running exercises. This was the longest session since I have been here and most likely the hardest too. The possession grids became difficult with fatigue and the wet conditions, but it was a challenge mentally too as some of the players got on my back with decision making, but I just kept on going. Finally we were done after being on the field for 2.30hrs.

We showered and then went and grabbed a bit of lunch, before we were back and took a big photo with 250 kids who were doing a summer holiday program. It was a loud few minutes with kids screaming like they do, but then we were out of there and off to the gym. The gym session went well, but just like training, when we thought we were done, there was more. 2 4min extra sets of various exercises. Oh joy!

Finally we were done, with the body barely hanging on, and thankfully a day off tomorrow. And during our gym session, the manager came in and gave the list of the team for the Wednesday friendly against Limavady. I will be playing in that game, along with a mixture of older and younger players. It will be a good opportunity to finally play and hopefully show what I can do on the game field, and give him a more developed picture of who I as a player.

Home for the afternoon to relax, watch a bit of tennis, and rest up!

A semi drama filled morning, with Wardy waking Connor and I up an hour earlier than we needed to. Yoga was at 10, meeting at 9.45am. Instead of waking at 9.15, Wardy came into both of our rooms and woke us up to get ready and go to Yoga. I said to him, yoga is at 10, and he was like yea I know, but for some reason he didn’t realize it was 8.15am and not 9.15. Connor didn’t even look at his phone and got everything and we got in the car. I had tried to say something, but by now I had assumed things had been changed and yoga was now at 9am. It wasn’t! We got into town and we were supposed to pick up Dean, and it wasn’t until Connor looked at his phone to ring Dean and said, it’s 8.30, what are we doing here. We killed the time by going to Harry, AB and Jordan’s house.

Yoga was another good workout but very good for the body. Yes it’s challenging but I know it’s helpful for sure. Sometimes it’s difficult for the lads to keep focused in there, but we get there eventually. Onto the ice baths and then home. The ice baths were freezing today for some reason and I come out of there so numb I can barely sense touch to my legs. Oh well, much needed recovery.

Once I has home, I made myself some nice lunch and then sat on the couch to watch the end of the Tsonga vs. Isner Wimbledon match. I started watching at 4-4 in the 5th set, and I ended up staying on the couch for about two hours as the game finally finished at 19-17. The three of us lads and Connors girlfriend headed out for Sunday dinner at a nice restaurant/bar. Unfortunately, the service was poor, with us waiting at least 30min for our drinks, and then it was another 30 odd minutes before our meals came. The food was good, but the service just tainted the evening a little bit. Nonetheless, it was nice to have a meal and chat.

Onward home to watch the final Quarterfinal, France and Iceland, and unfortunately, the fairytale ended for Iceland. 

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!

Training today ran the same path as previous training sessions. So it was nothing spectacular or special.

I thought now would be a good time to give my readers a little more insight into Derry City FC. DCFC is a professional football team the plays in the League of Irelands Premier Division. The club is actually based in Derry, Northern Ireland, and is the only team from Northern Ireland competing in the league. Their home field is the Brandywell Stadium,

which is also a greyhound racing track. The Brandywell has hosted many big teams over the years, with a pre season friendly one year against Barcelona. It has been said that the support for the team fluctuates often, with crowds coming and going season by season, however it only takes one good season for the large crowds to return, with the ground able to hold approx. 7,700 fans.

Now that I have been here for close to two weeks, I have a clear understanding of the rhythm and routine week in week out. The season consists of approximately 40 games per year including cup games. Because of this, player freshness, injury prevention, and muscle treatment is key to sustaining the team consistently throughout the year. Here is what a regular week will look like:

• Sunday: Yoga, Ice baths
• Monday: Foam roll/Mobility, Training, Gym
• Tuesday: Off / Team community service or public appearance
• Wednesday: Foam Roll/mobility, Video analysis, Training, Gym, Ice baths
• Thursday: Foam roll/Mobility, Video analysis, Training
• Friday: Game
• Saturday: Off

The routine isn’t too bad at all, with 3 full training sessions a week in there to keep the team ticking over and preparing for the upcoming opposition. And for me at this stage not taking part in games, instead of the game on Friday, I will head in early again and get some work in on the training pitch while the teams warms up and prepare for the game. The game will be a great spectacle with Derry needing to win to stay in the title race and close the 9 point gap on Dundalk.

So far, it’s been a good two weeks, and I’m very glad my time here with Derry City will continue longer.

Back to training today. It was massage day so we spent a good 45min in the locker room before we headed over to foam roll and stretch. Then we did video analysis, and finally got onto the pitch, a lot later than usual. And of course, it was raining. But actually raining today, not drizzling with it clearing after 2omin and then drizzling again. It rained consistently the whole session. Made for a very slick surface and a few guys on their asses during training.

A gentle warm up, some basic passing drills, and bit of speed and footwork and then we split up. The likely 11 and another 11 players possible to play went away and did functional training with the manager, focused on shape and pressure systems they plan to use against league leaders Dundalk this Friday. The rest of us, and a few goalkeepers went with Donal and played 3v3+1 or 4v4+1 possession games. It was fairly intense work with a good competitive side to it. Yes, this type of thing is getting repetitive, however consistency is key and so it’s really just about putting the head down and working hard during the session. Once we were done and the other players had finished we split into 3 teams of 9 to finish off with a few 5min games. The field was condensed and the conditions were still wet, but it was nice to play and get out there. At the end of training the manager asked for myself and a few other players to head up to his office after we showered.

I headed up to the managers office and made myself a cup of tea while he finished off lunch and then I headed in. It was another good opportunity to get on the same page about my intentions and what I am looking for really. He was open and appreciative and understood everything and he was also pleased with me and the way I have fit into the team environment and how well I get along with the boys, because for him that is very important. So that was a very positive thing. And he had also seen some good stuff out on the field, but still wants to see me in a game environment because it’s a completely different situation, so he’s asked if I can stay around longer and hopefully get involved in a friendly game in the coming weeks. All positive things really, and I am happy to continue training in the professional environment, challenging myself and developing myself as a player. It’s all about gaining experience for me at this stage of my career. So this was another refreshing talk, which I’m sure will make me more comfortable and settled at training which will be good, and when my opportunities come, I just have to make sure I take them.

Once I finished meeting with him I headed with Harry for some lunch and then off to the gym. Another strength, speed and injury prevention session. Body is feeling pretty strong, which is always a nice feeling. Then it was time for ice baths. Today was the coldest ice bath I think I have ever had, going waste deep, with the jets on the whole time. Home to shower and then have a casual night in!

For highlights of Derry City’s 1-0 win against Wexford Youths on Friday, you can view here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=XN5s0-SdHtQ

It was back into rhythm today and a long hard slog it was. The day began with the usual foam roll and stretch. Once we hit the field, the weather decided that we should just get dumped on for 20min. It was wet, the grass was freshly cut, studs on boots were getting filled with grass every 3 steps and I was slipping everywhere.

It wasn’t my greatest session during my time here. We began with some passing which was fine, but the body was just highly fatigued, and so was the mind. Training progressed into a massive 16v8 possession game, with the 8 defending for 3 sets of 3 minutes. It was supposed to be fitness for the defenders, but it was just a shambles. It was difficult to get on the ball, let alone get a good touch in. Ball movement and fast decisions were key, and thats what I had to focus on, ensuring that the touches I did get were quality and purposeful. Then when it was our turn to defend, we made sure that we eclipsed any of the previous defensive records and won the ball the most out of the three groups. It was frustrating to say the least, but I could see the point, just execution was a little off. From here we split off, and the likely 11 for the game against Dundalk on Friday worked on some defensive shape, while the rest of us went and played a possession based game towards goal. Once again it was myself and some of the academy players, and it was a chance for me to prove myself. I did what I could, but the conditions were trying and the body continued to be tired. By now the session had been going for around 90min. We then broke from training with the ball and did some sprint, speed, agility and power work. As much as the body didn’t want to, I pushed through it to make sure I benefited from it. After that, we played a condensed 11v11 game, where I knew that it would be an opportunity to show what I have to offer. It was the likely 11 agains the rest of us. I was playing in my regular position at center back, and distributed the ball fairly well, with a few misplaced passes. However, we didn’t concede and played some good football.

Finally we were done with the field session, drenched, grass everywhere, and tired. A nice refreshing shower and a quick dash to get lunch before gym time. Todays gym session was about power, with a lot of upper body stuff, but also some double leg and single leg power work. A good sharp session in the gym allowed me to finish the day in a better mental state. It was just a long day, 9am till 3.30pm. Finally time to head home and catch the two Euro games. Both with some exciting moments in them, however nothing truly compelling for 90min.

Today is also a very special day as it is Mum’s birthday. Despite the very large distance for the last 4 years, I always find a way to share my appreciation for her love and support throughout my journey of life.

After having the day off after game day, it was back into recovery and preparation for the coming week. The team met at a Yoga studio and were put through an hour long session of yoga, focusing on hamstrings and core. It was as much of a workout as it was recovery. Nonetheless, it certainly helps the body. If I stay for an extended period of time, I plan to do two or three sessions of yoga a week.

Once the yoga was over, it was off to the ice baths for a quick dip before everyone headed in their own directions as the big Ireland vs. France game was kicking off in a few hours. Myself, the two lads I live with, and one other team mate headed down the road to a local pub to watch the game. It was a great atmosphere and a lot of fun, well at least when Ireland scored after the first 2min. Not a bad way to spend the Sunday afternoon.

**I do have a 20second video of when Ireland scored, however I cannot upload it to the blog as the site does not support video.