Finn Harps in positive mood for the battle at Bishopsgate against Longford Town

With Finn Harps’ season commencing this Saturday away to Longford Town, newly appointed manager Darren Murphy acknowledged the Donegal side should have nothing to worry about this season citing they have one of the most settled sides entering the league this year. 

The former Linfield player has praised his players’ attitude and commitment as they boast a positive pre-season over the winter months with Murphy now hoping that his side can take that positivity into their league campaign this weekend.  

“The way the window is, we were very fortunate that many of the senior players in the squad that I spoke to were committed to stay on and support me when I accepted the role of manager,” Murphy said at the Finn Harps press conference on Monday. 

“I knew once I got the backing of the players it made my decision easy to stay with Harps because I knew the platform I’d be starting from, I knew what I’d be working with and that was hugely important to me.” 

Harps are hoping to bounce back from a poor 2023 season which saw them finish second last in the second division under Dave Rogers after only being relegated from the Premier Division the year before. 

However, Murphy refuses to dwell on the results, both last year and this season ahead, instead turning his attention to the bond and positivity amongst the team at Finn Park over the past few weeks, emphasising that that is the most important thing to his management. 

“I’m very happy with what the players are doing, there has been a lot of good work that has gone into last year,” Murphy said. 

“I know sometimes it’s difficult for supporters and the media to see that but when you take all the young players that now have a year of senior football under their belts, that’s vital and let’s hope they can kick on. 

“We are much tighter as a group, and we’ve bonded really well so far. I’ve tried to show the players what Finn Harps means to the people of Donegal, that was always going to be my theme. I never signified results, it was always about building a bond and understanding the importance of the club. 

“Before it might’ve been seen as just a football team to the players, I hope now over the period I’ve been with them, they understand that this isn’t just a club, it’s a community that makes people happy and changes people’s lives.” 

With regards to injuries facing the team, up until last week Murphy and his side could boast a clean bill of health but now will be without at least three major players for their match against Longford. 

“We had a settled squad up until last week and over that week we picked up three injuries. So, we’re just waiting on results from all three of the lads and see how they come through it,” Murphy said. 

“In terms of the squad we have at the moment, I’m happy. Would I like some more? Of course! I’m like Oliver Twist, I always want some more, but I love working with these lads, and we understand each other's relationship. They know I’m the boss, I’m not their friend but that close bond is certainly there.” 

Murphy elaborates more when identifying his injured players and their timing situation on return. 

“Seán O’Donnell is recovering from a dislocated shoulder. Lucky for us he doesn’t need an operation. But we don’t know the time scale yet of when he’ll be able to come back into contact. 

“The other is Ryan Rainey, he had a scan the other night on his ankle. We just have to wait and see what the results are. Hopefully, it’s nothing major. 

“Our third is Kevin Jordon who is now waiting on results from a scan. He’s in a brace over the past week now in his right knee. The initial thought process with Kevin is that it doesn’t look good, but we’re going to have to get into the deeper details with Kevin. At the moment he has no movement in the leg. 

“I’m hurting for the lads but unfortunately that’s the game we play and that opens the door for other lads to step up. 

With Harps stuck in Division 1 for the second season, Murphy acknowledges the difficulty that lies ahead for his team who are currently playing for a club fighting financial constraints in spending but admits that there are no “runaway trains” this season and every team is on an even scale in playing terms. 

“Last year we had two runaway trains in Galway and Waterford, they were so far ahead of everyone else,” the Harps manager said. 

“Now when you look at the rest of the teams in this division it’s very much of a muchness. I think it will be a more competitive league. I don’t see anyone running away with it or any team doing what Galway and Waterford did last year. 

“Five of the teams in this division have new managers, that brings changes to teams and personnel, so it will be really hard to call. Whoever puts a run of games together will stretch out in front, but there are no outright favourites.”

SSE Airtricity League First Division ROUND 1
Longford Town v Finn Harps
at Bishopsgate Saturday February 17
kick-off 7.30pm