Jamie McGrath, who met up with the squad at the weekend, spoke to the media team in Portugal and the midfielder is already very impressed with Jimmy Thelin.
“My first impressions of the new manager are very good. I had some chats with him before I met up with the squad. I am really looking forward to working with him and the new coaches and seeing what happens. It will be really interesting to learn off them as they will see the game differently. I think it will be great for all the boys and I think they will learn a lot.
“Already in training we are doing a lot of tactical work.
“There is a lot of hard work ahead, and for each player to know and understand their roles and responsibilities. As a player though, you enjoy that.
“He appears someone who likes things to be done in the right way and wants what is best for the team. It is very much about the group dynamic, team dynamic and creating a good culture. I think that togetherness will be very good for us and stand us in good stead for the season ahead. When everyone is together, it can take you to some great places.
“Gavin (Molloy) is a player I am very aware of. He has been a big name back home for a while. He has a really good reputation in Ireland. His team were top of the league. I would tune in every Friday night and watched them play quite a bit. So I knew a lot about him, then on Saturday I got to see him in the bounce game and he looked really good. He has settled in very well, he is a really good lad. I think he will be brilliant here for us. And it is good to have another Irishman here!
“Pre-season is the most important time of the year for a footballer. If you can get through it well, and without any injuries, it greatly helps you get through a season. I was quite cautious last year after not getting a full pre-season under my belt but luckily enough and with the help of the medical team here I got through the season relatively unscathed. Hopefully this year though I can hit the ground running quicker, feel fitter and feel better about myself.
“Last season for me personally, it was a positive one. To get back playing and to get back into the international team, it was a positive season for myself. To play 48 games makes you feel that the body is a bit more robust.
“As a team there were some unreal nights to look back on and when I retire, I will think a lot about some of the cup games from last season but the league form was not good enough, despite finishing the campaign strongly.
“Hopefully I can take that (my form from last season) into the new season and help the team be much more consistent in the league.”
RedTV | to watch the interview with Jamie in full please click here
