Stephen Duff hoping to steer Laois Ladies in the right direction

In the world of Laois Ladies football, change is on the horizon. Stephen Duff, the newly appointed interim manager, steps into the role with a clear vision and a determined mindset. Following a challenging debut against Meath, Duff sets his sights on upcoming battles, aiming to forge a stronger path forward for the team.

Reflecting on their upcoming game in the Leinster Championship, Duff acknowledges the uphill climb but remains resolute: "It's just such a pity that it’s Dublin this weekend because they're on a different journey and a different path. We're going to have a go and see where we are, but we're doing that to test ourselves and see where we are performance-wise."

"This is just a hit to nothing, there's no pressure on us, and it's brilliant to have it in O’Moore Park. We're hoping to get people out to support Laois Ladies football, but for us as a team, it's to see what we can do to improve from last weekend," Duff said.

Duff unveils his strategic approach, emphasizing a shift in defensive tactics and ball movement. "For the first week, we wanted to play a little bit more of a plus-one system rather than a full-out sweeper system," he elaborates. "We spent last week just getting on that to make ourselves harder to beat at the bare minimum."

With a comprehensive plan in motion, Duff is buoyed by the progress made, albeit acknowledging the challenges ahead. "It really depends on the next couple of weeks," he admits candidly. "We're in a better position than we were before Sunday."

Duff is not just focused on the immediate season but also on the future of Laois Ladies football. He underscores the importance of building a strong management team and fostering a supportive environment. "It's really about building a set-up to attract players to come in the future," he shares optimistically.

Looking beyond the playing field, Duff outlines initiatives to invigorate the sport at a grassroots level. "Going into the summer, we want to get the Laois people behind us and try to involve the kids on match days similar to what Bryan Breen does with the Laois Gaels. Our PRO Síle Burgage is in contact with the clubs to get them involved," he said.

In closing, Duff extends an invitation to fans, urging patience and promising commitment. "Bear with us and give us patience while we get up to speed," he appeals. "In the meantime, while we’re doing that, we’ll give you everything, and we’ll give you a reason to support us."

As Laois Ladies football undergoes a transformation under Duff's leadership, one thing is clear: the journey ahead promises both challenges and triumphs, with a renewed sense of purpose and determination driving the team forward.