Rovers ready to rock th 'Hoops'
Shams showdown gets season under way
Iarflaith Davoren, Sligo Rovers, with model Jenny Lee Masterson at the launch of 2010 Airtricity Premier Division in the D4 Berkely Hotel, Ballsbridge, Dublin.
Friday March 05 2010
Manager Paul Cook ishoping that theShowgrounds 'rocks' forSaturday night's openingAirtricity League of IrelandPremier Division game againstold rivals Shamrock Rovers.(Kick-off 7.45p.m.)
"It's a great game to start with and ofcourse we are looking for the backingof a big, big home crowd," said Cook.With seven new recruits in hissquad- Iarfhlaith Davoren, GaryMcCabe, Derek Foran, Padraig Amond,Paul Whelan, John Dillon, MarkDonninger- and Maura Almedia andJason McCartney also returning to thefold, the Rovers boss has reiteratedthat fans must be patient as the playersfind their feet.
"It might not happen as we would allwish straight away, but we willendeavour to play good quality footballand entertain supporters.
"A lot of our players are young andwhen things don't work out as peoplemight wish, they will need supportmore than ever.
"We are all looking forward to theseason ahead and a home matchagainst Shamrock Rovers is a crackingway to begin," said Cook.
The Hoops are expected to be amongthe sides chasing for honours thisseason and manager Michael O'Neillwill be equally determined tocommence the 2010 campaign with agood result.
Ex-Shams striker Padraig Amondwill obviously be anxious to undo hisold club and he was on the scoresheetas Rovers beat Cliftonville three-nil intheir first competitive outing in lastSaturday night's Setanta Cup tie at theShowgrounds.
Cook was delighted with that result,though this weekend's curtain raiserwill be a much more demandingassignment.
"The lads were smashing againstCliftonville and it was great to get thewin. However, there will be highs andlows ahead.
"I would urge fans to come out innumbers on Saturday night and to getbehind the players from the off," theRovers manager said.
