Limerick FC goalkeeper Brendan Clarke is delighted that the club have secured their Premier Division survival following their 2-2 draw with fellow strugglers Galway United at the Markets Field on Friday night.
The 32 year-old goalkeeper, who has another year left on his current contract, said that while the club hadn’t been in the relegation spots it was difficult year at the club, “Obviously it was publicised at the start of the year that we were looking to qualify for Europe to be honest, and that were the ambition, but this League is so tough.”
“You’re literally fighting and scrapping every single week for a point, let alone three, and as the season transpired there was a little bit of upheaval, we basically had 3 managers! (Martin Russell, Willie Boland and Neil McDonald). It’s just one of those things, you have to re-evaluate things and you know we kind’ve got dragged back a little bit into the scrap. But we haven’t been in the relegation zone all year. Basically we were delighted to get over the line last week and we’re able to enjoy this week.”
Neil McDonald finally took over the reigns, succeeding Martin Russell, on the 18th Of May. Many expected Limerick to kick on straight away under the Newcastle man, however it’s taken time for him to get the best out of the side. However, ironically it was their FAI Cup quarter-final win over Friday night’s opponents Galway United in September that turned around their fortunes, having only lost one ever in six games since, and that a narrow 1-0 defeat to Champions Cork City in the Cup semi-final.
Clarke said about McDonald’s tenure, “It’s gone well. When he came in I presume his brief was to secure safety, if possible, and get us as high up the table as he can. I’m sure, from his end of things, the first part of that is now done and we’ll see where we finish after Friday night’s game.
Many people don’t see how difficult it can be for both players and coaches to adjust to being involved in the League of Ireland and Clarke acknowledges that, “It’s a tough one this league, I don’t think it gets the credit it deserves. I know from speaking to lads that have never played in this league, they don’t see it as a good league. It surprises them, and I do think it’s takes time to get used to it. Hopefully we’re all the better for it next season.”
“There’s numerous players have come over to Ireland to play in this league, and I’m sure they obviously expected to just rip the league apart. It’s not like that, this league is a very good league. I can only speak for myself, but I don’t think the players get enough credit for the quality they put in the pitch on a match-night,” he continues, “You get into a whole marketing of the league argument then, but that’s another day’s discussion. You can look at the grounds and the facilities aren’t great, and that’s part of the perception. But the actual commitment of the players, in terms of the things people don’t see, like the way they look after their bodies and preparing right. Players do that in this league like they would in the English Premier League or the Champions League.”
He then goes on to discuss the success that Dundalk have had and the boost that both they and the league in general got during their wonderful Europa League run, “You only have to look at the success we’ve had in Europe over the last few years. Instead of hoping to get through one round, now clubs are expecting to get though a round. And obviously the Dundalk team last year was fantastic. It’s shed a massive light on the league with the results they had. But listen, Dundalk have done that themselves. You know Stephen Kenny went in there and dragged a club that was on its knees to where it is now. It’s a fantastic achievement and they haven’t had any help from anyone else, that shouldn’t be the case, but again that’s for another day.”
The players at both Dundalk and this seasons Champions Cork City have done so much to improve themselves physically and other clubs have a lot to do to catch up with them. It’s something Clarke also agrees with, “Other clubs are having to do the same to try and match those clubs physically. The league has come on so much in the last four or five years compared to what it was and hopefully the improvement continues.”
The crowds at the Markets Field this season have been very good and Clarke has some thoughts on that and also on some things that can be done to improve on that, “They have been good. I mean it’s like every League of Ireland Club, you have your core support and they come every single week. Ireland’s a bit of a nation of band-wagoners, when clubs are doing well there’s queues outside the gates, but when they aren’t that’s a different matter. Obviously it’s expensive to come and watch LOI clubs for some people, for s lot of people really. Clubs are trying to get families in, but sometimes you could have 2 adults and 3 children and you can spend up to €100 on the night. It’s great if the kids get the bug but then after playing on a Friday there’s often a game thrown in on a Monday! That’s a couple of hundred quid out of a parents wage packet. Maybe if we could cut back on the midweek games, something like that might help. Crowds, as you say for us, have been really good. We just need to get better results next season, as that will obviously bring better crowds.”
Clarke was taken off in last Friday’s draw with Galway, but he says that the injury shouldn’t keep him out if their final game if the season against Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght. He explains what happened last week, “I’m not sure whether the delay of the game didn’t help me or not. I was just moving around and felt a little pinch in my calf. The game was just too big not to have a fit goalkeeper in goal, so I made the decision to come out of the game. It was hindering me a little, and I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if something happened, or Galway score a goal over me being injured. It was more out of respect of the other 10 lads bursting their balls on the pitch to come off and hopefully finish off the job, which thankfully they did in the end.”
After five years spent in Inchicore with St Patrick’s Athletic, winning a league title along with an FAI Cup and 2 league cups, you would think he’d have an eye on Pats troubled this season, however he said, “To be really honest with you I haven’t taken any interest in any other clubs this year only ourselves. I’m the type of person that when I’m at a club I give 100%. I’m there, I’m fully committed to Limerick. Once we get over the line, only then will I look to see what other clubs are doing.”
Once Limerick’s survival was assured he did get a look at how Pats we’re doing, “The jobs not done yet for Pats, the result last week was a big result, especially from being 2-0 down. They went out, produced a massive performance and got the three points. I’m sure they’ll be going to Derry now and finish the job. That’s all they can do, and not worry about anybody else.”
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