Dave Rogers raring to go as Finn Harps begin pre-season action

Dave Rogers says he’s excited to finally put his recent planning into action as Finn Harps get set for pre-season action with weekend friendlies away to both Dundalk and Derry City.

Harps go to Oriel Park on Friday evening with Rogers set to take his place in the dugout for the very first time against Stephen O’Donnell’s men, kick-off 7.30pm. 

Following that, Harps make the short trip to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium on Sunday where North West derby rivals Derry lie in wait. 

As Rogers continues to work hard to add new faces to his squad ahead of the new SSE Airtricity League First Division season, the Liverpudlian says he couldn’t be more pleased with his players’ efforts to date. 

“The first full week of pre-season was excellent and the attitude and application of the group both on and off the pitch has been superb. The players have really taken on board the training methods and standards that myself and Darren (Murphy) are setting for them. 

“And that has shown in the distances and data from our sports science department, which is right at the numbers we had planned for. Obviously, this week has been hampered with the severe weather conditions and heavy snowfall. 

“But we’d plans in place to make sure the players were able to continue their programs efficiently and effectively”. 

On this weekend’s first taste of competitive action, he said: “We are really excited to be playing away at Dundalk and Derry - two fantastic clubs, full of quality, that will provide us with really strong tests. 

“It’s fantastic to be getting into matches now. And at this stage of our pre-season preparations, it will allow the players to get some quality game time and competitive minutes under their belts”.