John Caulfield was in combative form when he faced the media in advance of what is broadly expected to be a difficult campaign for Galway United in the top flight.
It was an honest insight into an off-season dominated by departures. Replacements have arrived too, but many come with an unknown pedigree. Regardless of ability, the United boss admitted that the rate of churn brings its own difficulties.
Caulfield said: “It’s going to be a big challenge. Twelve new players is a high turnover in any group. We’ve been working hard. We’ve been back since the middle of December.
“In an ideal situation, you don’t want such a high turnover. It came in the context of a team that had been together for four or five years. The age profile was quite old. It’s a higher transition than you would want.”
The pre-season report card was mixed. Players have been afforded minutes and different combinations have been tried. There were a few chastening score lines and some acclimatising necessary. The United manager downplayed any concerns about the reversals, including a big one against Sligo Rovers.
“Sligo was our Under-20’s to be fair. You could look at it any way. We had three wins in a row as well.
“We have assembled a good group. Against Cork was a reality check for some. If it was a competitive game, there would have been sending offs. But we have a hardcore of fellows that have been around the league.”
Rather, the manager’s focus is on the first game, the home games and seeking to inspire the passion of the Galway public to lift his team.
“The first game is at home. We are appealing to the fans for a full house. Games between us and Drogheda are very tight. Physically, they’re a very strong team. It will be exciting because we have a new team. We need to start on the front foot.
“The Premier Division is ruthless. There is no easy game. We have turned Eamonn Deacy Park into a fortress over the last three years. Our results have been positive. The atmosphere has been fantastic. The crowd has a big influence against the opposition, on the officials and for us.”
Before a ball has been kicked, the United manager is seeking to provoke a reaction from his group and Galway more broadly. Much of the national media commentary has been far more complimentary of the business done by United’s immediate rivals, namely Dundalk, Sligo, Waterford and Drogheda. Caulfield acknowledges this.
“We are at the media day and no one gives us a chance. We are perceived as being in the bottom two. The general opinion is that we will be down and around the bottom. We have to rise above that. No matter what people say up there, we are in control of our own fate.
“This year is a different challenge. We have so many new players. Are we solid defensively? I think we are strong enough. Will we score goals? I think that will be the challenge to us.”
Caulfield has struck the right tone of defiance. He needs to be followed into the fight by his players and by the public.
