Dave Rogers lays foundations with long-term Finn Harps view in mind
The new Finn Harps manager has vowed: 'We won't be one of those teams that kick the ball 60 or 70 yards.'
Dave Rogers is looking to the long-term at Finn Harps.
The Liverpudlian was unveiled as Ollie Horgan's successor in early December. Horgan had nine seasons and a tenure that spanned 354 games.
Rogers was handed a four-year contract on a full-time basis, an immediate signal that the club is willing to give the 47-year old time.
His task is by no means straightforward. News of departures flooded pre-Christmas.
Rogers this week confirmed that Barry McNamee, like Conor Tourish, had declined the offer of a new contract.
Indeed, only Ryan Rainey from the 2022 squad has been officially retained.
Rainey, as with most of Rogers' new signings, has been signed on a two-year deal.
“We don't want to be on that merry-go-round every year with lads on one-year deals,” Rogers, whose team face Bohemians in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Friday afternoon, told Donegal Live.
“This is a complete rebuild and we're trying to implement structures and foundations to take us forward. We know where we want to get to.
“We will have an energetic and enthusiastic group of players who will be proud to play for Finn Harps. We want that type of character in the dressing room.”
German goalkeeper Tim Hiemer, American defender Ryan Flood and Brazilian attacker Filip Da Silva are among the new faces.
Rogers' first recruit was Keith Cowan, the 37-year-old Ramelton man appointed as captain and set to add to the 241 appearances he has already made for Harps.
The arrival of Convoy native Michael Harris following stints at Derry City and Colorado Rapids was one to rouse some excitemnt among the Finn Park faithful.
The 20-year-old played wide on the right on Sunday at the Brandywell. Rogers likes his teams to play on the front foot.
“What I have been impressed with so far is the principles we're asking,” Rogers said.
“We won't be one of those teams that kick the ball 60 or 70 yards. We want them to play on the front foot. I am delighted with the progress.
“We always go out with the right attitude and want to win every game.”
It was notable that, against the 2022 FAI Cup winners and Premier Division runners-up, Harps left all of Harris, Da Silva and Brendan McLaughlin in advanced positions when defending set pieces.
Rogers said: “We are trying to be positive. We're trying to show the boys that we have pace to play on the counter. We have the pace up top to exploit.
“We are trying to give the boys little ingredients and tell them to go play on the front foot. We want them to play with no fear and for the boys to express themselves.”