Hoops, They've Done It Again!
Not content with winning the Airtricity League for the second year in a row, Shamrock Rovers made history in 2011 by becoming the first Irish team to qualify for the group stages of a European competition. Star man Rohan Ricketts talks to Stuart Clark about their moments of magic.
Stuart Clark, 05 Jan 2012
“He’s obviously got a lot to learn, but the talent and – just as importantly – the attitude’s there. Enda’s very comfortable with the ball; lovely left-foot and pacey. Could be a bit better defensively, but that’ll be drilled into him by Alex McLeish and the Villa coaches.”
Talking to Hot Press last year, Phil Neville was of the opinion that Seamus Coleman had learned more playing first-team football for Sligo Rovers than he would have done going through the Everton Academy.
“The Airtricity League is a good place to learn your trade, definitely. It’s really high-tempo because there’s something on the line and you’re getting used to dealing with big crowds and the media. You don’t get that playing for the youths or a reserve team.”
Rewinding to Thursday September 29th this year, just how good was it to be back at White Hart Lane where under Glen Hoddle – “A great coach but wasn’t received too well as a man manager” – Rohan picked up two Player Of The Month Awards.
“Very emotional. To have 30,000 Spurs fans give me a standing ovation as I ran on to the pitch was amazing. Even more amazing was that the 5,000 or 6,000 Rovers fans out-sung them throughout the game.
“We could have been 2-0 down early on – Pavlyuchenko had a great chance and Defoe hit the bar, but our goalkeeper that day, Richard Brush, was outstanding. After that we got our goal, kept possession better than we usually do and gave them a scare before they eventually scored three in quick succession.”
The trip to Salonika proved to be less enjoyable.
“One of the PAOK fans called me a nigger,” Ricketts recounts. “When that happens you’ve two choices – either kill ‘em or don’t give them the satisfaction of upsetting you and get on with your game. I’ve decided that the second of the two options is best. It’s just ignorance.”
It must have been especially galling a few days later then when Sepp Blatter came out with his “discrimination can be settled with a handshake” remark.
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Stuart Clark
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2012-03-05 - Interview
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2012-03-02 - Interview
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2012-02-10 - News
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2012-02-08 - Reports
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2012-01-16 - News
He's nearing the end of his week-long trip there with Concern Worldwide.
2012-01-13 - News
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