Gary Cronin took charge of Longford Town for the first time on Friday night, after the club dismissed Alan Mathews, and came away from Tolka Park with a point in a game he believed they should have won.
The former Town player, who confirmed that he has applied for the Managerial position, spoke to us about the game. He said, “On reflection it was disappointing for us not to have won the game.”
“The game obviously changed with Shels going down to nine men, but I felt the second sending off worked against us as they had to sit in and defend their box. This proved difficult to break down and penetrate although if one chance goes in we win the game.”
They did have chances, and plenty of them, but just couldn’t manage to beat Shelbourne keeper Dean Delany. Cronin said, “I felt when the chance that hit the bar from Dylan (McGlade) and bounced on the line, and the one they somehow cleared off the line from Jake (Kelly), that it was not going to be our night in front of goal.”
“I was very pleased with my players application and their effort to try implement what we had done in training during the week.”
“I felt we had the better of the play in the first half at 11 v 11. It may have suited us better at 11 v 11 but things happen in football and you have to adjust. We will look to build on our performance in the first half.”
When asked about his interest in becoming the manager of the club Cronin told us, “In relation to myself and the job. I do want to manage Longford town. I’ve been at the club a long time and know the club very well. I have my own ideas on how to progress, and build on work put in over the last seven years. That’s all I have to say on it for now. Ultimately the club will decide on who the next manager will be.”