Limerick FC manager Tommy Barrett speaks to Sporting Limerick ahead of visit to Sligo Rovers

Limerick FC manager Tommy Barrett has been busy preparing his players for the opening game of the Airtricity League season on Saturday. The new manager took time out to speak to Sporting Limerick reporter Adrian Finnin before training on Friday afternoon.

The former Limerick midfielder stated that he did not have any second thoughts about taking the role once it became clear that the club were interested in appointing him as Neil McDonald’s successor;

“Yeah of course it was (an easy decision). You’re doing your pro licence for a reason. I would have always wanted to manage Limerick and it’s great to be able to get the opportunity.”

Barrett will not be a full-time football manager as he holds another position outside of football and he admitted that a few issues had to be cleared to juggle both positions. “There was a bit to be sorted in relation to work and family life. At the end of the day you’re doing the pro-licence to become a manager.”

Barrett has recruited seven new players to the club including the returning Clyde O’Connell and Shaun Kelly. He has been applauded for acting so swiftly in the transfer market and the Limerick native is delighted with the players he has acquired for the club.

“I am delighted with the players I’ve signed. They are all good characters and they all work very hard. That’s the whole group. I keep saying that they are a really good group.”

Some of the new players have been criticised for performances at other clubs but Barrett feels that every player has a point to prove in the league. The Limerick FC under 19’s teams were a stylish team who played entertaining football. When asked if he felt he needed to alter his management and playing style for the first-team, Barrett declared that he felt he had the players to play attractive football but also pointed out that the style of play must conform to his players strengths.

“I had good players at the 19’s so we could play good football. We have good players here so I think we can play a good quality of football. A lot of managers play systems and have an ethos but I don’t believe in that. I feel you have to adapt to your players strengths as a group.”

Barrett feels that the format change was a positive move from the FAI and strongly believes that both divisions will be strong this year. However, he will be hoping that Limerick remain in the premier division. “Yeah I think both divisions will be strong this year. I know there was a bit of uproar about the changes due to the play-off situation which I can understand. Both divisions will be very competitive.

Limerick travel to the Showgrounds tomorrow night to face Ger Lyttle’s Sligo Rovers. Barrett confirmed that Conor Ellis is struggling through injury but relieved fears of Shane Duggan’s possible absence by confirming that the captain trained well all week and is raring to go. Sligo’s system will not be a shock to Limerick.

“We have an idea (how Sligo will line-up). We watched a couple of friendly games. Although we can’t read too much off them because a lot of the times teams don’t show their hand. We know they will be well organised.”

Barrett is aware of the threats facing his side from various avenues.

“They have quality all over the pitch but that’s the premier league. There’s quality in every team. Caolan McAleer was very good with Harps and Wixted as well at Drogheda was a decent winger so it will be a tough game.”

The game against Sligo Rovers will kick-off at 7.45 pm on Saturday night as Limerick look to begin life under club legend Tommy Barrett with a victory.