'We can win the Premier Divison in the next few seasons' - Rory Kirk has confidence in Lisahally's ability

Having toiled for years, Lisahally have finally found their feet after promotion from the First Division, writes former manager

THE BIG DOG'S BARK
by Rory Kirk

After at least ten years in Division One, Lisahally now seem to have settled in to life in the Premier Division. The reason for this, I believe, is due to a number of factors.

The current crop of players is a very talented bunch. They have all come through at the same time and are all around the same age. This is something that we haven't had in a long time and is the basis of a good team.

There is also a different attitude regarding Lisahally these days and I believe that it began two seasons ago when myself and Danny Brown instilled belief and discipline into the squad. We tried to make the team into winners with a 'never say die' attitude, while also stressing the importance of the playing for the fans and we were successful in doing this, as can be seen from the fact that we won the double, gaining promotion. And after last season's early blip (and my moment of madness) Lisah' are back doing what was started when I took charge.

Sometimes the progress we made is overlooked but the recent development is great to see - we have come a long way. I actually believe that we will win the Premier Division in the next few seasons but we need every player to give 100 per cent dedication, heart and belief to achieve it. We can have no superstars at Lisahally and as long as players keep grounded they will achieve their goals. We also need every player to realise that Lisahally is not simply 90 minutes on a Sunday - it is with you for life and if losing doesn't bother you, then you're at the wrong club.


We played for many seasons in recent times with a basic team, but we loved it. We were a team of battlers who gave everything for Lisahally and the legendary Topher. One of the best memories I have of my time with Lisah' was Topher's face the night we won the cup in 2008. It was a true reward the dedication that we put in over the years. These kind of memories are what Lisahally is about and should never be forgotten. Hopefully this new team will give us plenty of memories in the upcoming years.


Lisahally's success is also due to the fans and without them we would have nothing. It is them who you play for and what great days and nights they have given us.


Keep barking 'Wee Doggs' and the good times aren't far away.
Woof woof, Big Dogg.

'I wouldn't swap any of them for any other player in the league' - Lisahally manager Noel O'Donnell praises his squad

Lisahally currently occupy fifth position in the D&D Sunday Morning Premier Divison, six points behind the league leaders and manager Noel O'Donnell believes that it is a reflection of the progress that the club has made over the previous seasons. "Talent wins games," he says. "But teamwork and intelligence win championships."

"This is a lot better than what people thought at the start of the season," said O'Donnell of the team's league position. "Considering that media outlets such as the Derry News had Lisahally down as favourites to be relegated.

"People say that Lisah' are punching above their weight but I think it's the opposite: Lisahally are moving towards their potential. We are not there yet but moving in the right direction," he said.

A former Lisahally captain, O'Donnell made the transition into management last season following the sabbatical of then-manager Rory Kirk and he believes that his players have made his job an easy one by responding positively to his instructions.

"My aim at the start of the season was to insil self belief and confidence into the players," continued the Lisahally boss. "I tell them before each game that I wouldn't swap any of them for any other player in the league and that's the truth.

"I believe in each of them and as a team no great changes were needed - just little tweaks here and there. Going out with the right attitude no matter what level of football you play is key."

Indeed, in the past, the Strathfoyle Men encountered difficulties with players failing to show respect to the club by turning up late, the worse for wear, or sometimes not at all, but O'Donnell believes that the players are now taking their role at the club a lot more seriously.

"The lads had to realise that gone are the days when you could turn up for Lisah 'under the weather', should we say," said the Beechwood man.

"If you do it now, believe me you'll be standing on the sideline with me for a while. We can only push forward as a team when everyone is on top form," he stressed.

And O'Donnell is happy with the level of competition that now exists in the squad, remarking that it 'keeps them on their toes'. He said: "Lisahally have a great squad now, every player is on par with each other and the team will not weaken no matter what changes are made. The players know this and it keeps them on their toes."


The Lisahally boss is also grateful for the level of support the club receives and believes that his team is representing Strathfoyle when they pull on the jersey on Sunday mornings.

"My overall view is that, although it's just a game of football, the Lisah' team are representing Strathfoyle and have a right to go out and perform to the best of their ability each week," suggested O'Donnell.

"Not just for themselves and their teammates, but also for the estate as we have a great following both home and away. No other team in junior football brings such community spirit like Lisahally.

"I would like to thank everyone who helps and supports the club and hopefully we will bring something to cheer about soon enough.

"Believe me it will not be for the lack of trying!"