Category: Football

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. 

Game Day was finally here. I would get to experience all that is a game day for Derry City FC, which I was excited about. However, I had the whole day to wait. I was able to watch a movie, make some good food and relax.

Wardy was in the squad for today, however Connor was suspended from their last game so Connor and would head to the game later than Wardy. The good thing was, Connor and I were still going to get our work in. We arrived around 6pm before the real preparations truly began. The match was scheduled for 7.45pm so we had time. We shared a bit of

banter with some of the staff, kit man and a few other players who weren’t playing, before we went out and got about 30-40min of work in. Some decent running, a bit of ball work and foot work and that was us for the day. All while various staff and coaches watched on before their true preparations began for the day. I was very happy to have done the extra work with Connor before the game as it was another opportunity to show my commitment to the cause.

Handshakes and well wishes happened in the locker room before they all headed out for the game. We quickly showered, dressed, grabbed a water and went and took in the first half of the game. It unfortunately wasn’t the greatest football to

watch and Derry were struggling to keep the ball and break down Wexford Youths. Derry did take the one clear cut chance they had to lead at Half time, however it could have easily been 2 or 3 -1 to Wexford with the clear chances they had. Derry’s keeper kept them in the game by doing his job very well. Into the changing sheds for half time. The sheds are set in two direct rooms conjoined by the shower/bathroom area, so the team and manager was on one side, and myself, other non-playing players and staff were on the other side taking it all in. The manager put his foot down, admitted to his tactical mistake, addressed the problems and then gave the team a bit of a kick up the ass. He made one substitution and they were a different team in the second half. Controlling the game a lot more with better possession and a few good chances.

The game ended 1-0, which was a good result for the team, keeping the foot down especially coming off the mid season break. Now the focus turns to the current champions and league leaders Dundalk for next week.

The rhythm is becoming regular for me now, however this morning was a little stagnant. We arrived to the ground for 9am beginning, however today was the day that the regular starters were getting massages and therefore we didn’t begin training until well after they were done. As always, we foam rolled and stretched, and watched more film, however this time it was of Derry’s play and not the opposition. Finally we were onto the pitch. Today’s weather was the most consistent it has been since I have been here, with it mostly sunny during most of the session!

The session today was lighter and shorter, however still some good work out of it. To begin with they split up the squad for the weekend and the rest, and we went off and played a 5v2 grid transfer game. Originally they had made the grids with olders vs youngins and I was in the olders one until they changed it, so it was a little disappointing not to be with the older and better players. However I took this chance to really show myself and quality. I was with mostly youth players and did as best I could to control the grid keeping possession, but also winning it back when I was defending. After the grid game we went into 6v6 possession, and once again I made it a point to stand out through my quality and experience and thats what I did. Winning the ball back, keeping the ball, and also keeping the ball moving within the grid.

I was happy with the way I mentally overcame the challenge and just put in the hard work and got on with it. At the end they played an 11v11 with the starting 11 and bench and they needed a few extra players. I was asked to step in at center back and we played for about 20min. Except for one poor pass, I was happy with my play, defending well, communicating constantly and keeping the ball. These are the chances I need to take and show what I have to offer, especially when the manager is there watching.

I came out of the session satisfied with my performance and felt as though I took another step in the right direction. After a shower and some locker room banter we headed to get some lunch. It was 5 of the lads and myself and we had a good time, all

finished off with a nice cup of tea at a nice cafe at Foyleside. Unfortunately no Euro games to watch today, so Ill just rest up this afternoon.

Today was another early morning to head off to training. I surprisingly woke to clear skies and the sun was shining, but who was really to know how long that would last. In the 8 days that I have been here, I’m pretty sure each day has had wind, rain, and sun. All part of the experience really.

As always, training began with a roll out session and stretch, before we did some pre scout of the opposition Derry is facing this Friday, Wexford Youths. It wasn’t too dissimilar to pre scouts we had at Quinnipiac. The manager just really wants the team to focus back on the task coming off of a two week mid season break so that was harped on a lot during the pre scout.

We then hit the field and got warmed up. A passing drill to get the feet going before we were into small sided possession. The session finished up with about a 20-30min 11v11 game. This was focused towards the game on Friday and the manager set up the likely

starting 11 against the rest. I was in the rest and I was put at right back. It was the first time I had played right back since my early seasons at Nelson Suburbs. However I adapted well and was able to show some of my defensive capabilities which I was pleased with. The training was kept fairly short because there were quite a few injuries compiling and so the manager didn’t want to risk many more players, with some key players missing training already. I got to speak to Donal O’Brien at the end of the session and he was checking in on how things were going and how I was feeling. I gave him all good feedback which I can only hope will help in the long run. He wants to have lunch at some stage in the next few days to really chat, so that should be great. But at the end of the day as he said, it is up to whether or not the Manager wants me. All an unknown at this stage and so I’ll just keep my head down and work away!

A quick shower and a snack before we headed across the river to the gym. It was a lighter session and only upper body today due to all the injuries there were. We were in and out in 30min, before we headed to a place to have ice baths! As always, they can be miserable but they bring good results and the legs feel a lot better afterwards.

Onwards home to eat and rest and watch the Euros. Another good training day in the books.

Today was a day off for the team to rest the legs in preparation for Friday’s game. However, the team was still responsible to show their faces at a primary school tournament being played on the training fields of the club. It was a great success with many happy kids.

I was able to absorb some good football at the Euro’s with a couple exciting games going on, and a huge win for Croatia.

Back to training tomorrow bright and early!