By Matthew Wilson
Fanad United joint-manager Paul Friel is hoping that his side can prove to be competitive in this term’s Brian McCormick Sports Premier Division.
Paul Friel and James Gallagher are in the hot seat at Traigh a Loch this season, having taken over from the departing Arthur Lynch.
Both men progressed through the youth ranks at Fanad United and they each went on to represent the senior side with distinction during their playing careers.
In recent years, they have remained closely involved through coaching roles, helping to develop players across various levels and maintaining a strong presence within the club structure.
They’re two months into their pre-season training ahead of the league campaign, and Friel expressed his satisfaction with how things have gone to date.
“It’s been good, we’re into our eighth week of pre-season training now. We’ve had a summer cup in Rathmullan and we’ve had a few friendly matches as well.
“Gaelic football has finished up for a lot of our clubs, we’ve four Gaelic clubs represented in the squad. We’ve got a number of them back now so we’re hoping to kick on in the next number of weeks before the season starts.”
The new managerial duo have been busy putting their squad together for the new season since taking charge.
Despite some interest from clubs competing in the new FAI National League, Friel said that they have retained the services of last year’s group which will provide a boost.
“We’ve held on to everybody, there was a lot of local interest with the National League starting but we managed to hold onto everyone and bring in a few new faces as well.
“We’re looking forward to getting going. The bit of freshness along with the experience that we have will hopefully bring us on a bit further.
“We’ve a strong underage relationship with Mulroy Academy and their under 16 team are after winning a league there.
“That’ll be the nucleus of our Saturday day team and they’ll be there or thereabouts in a few seasons coming into the first-team.”
The Traigh a Loch residents concluded last year’s Premier Division in fourth place, behind Letterkenny Rovers, Bonagee United and Kildrum Tigers.
Competition in the top flight of the Donegal Junior League is always fierce, with any side capable of taking points off another on any given day.
The Fanad men have always competed well in the league and, speaking ahead of the new season, Friel’s target is to ensure they remain competitive this term.
“We just want to be competitive. It’s a new season for myself, James and our goalkeeping coach Patrick Carr so we’re just looking to be competitive and see where that takes us.
“We’ll take it one game at a time and at the end of the season, we’ll see where we sit.”
Manager: Paul Friel and James Gallagher
Last Season: 4th in Premier Division
Star Man: Edward O’Reilly
One To Watch: Alex Cullen