Daly pleased with pre-season progress with three weeks to go to season start

While there was disappointment that the third of a seven-game pre-season programme ended in defeat, there was also an acknowledgement from manager Jon Daly that the squad is on track to be ready for the opening game of the 2026 season, when Shelbourne visit the RSC on February 6.

The Blues had defeated Bray and Cobh Ramblers before heading to Ballincollig to face Cork City last Wednesday for a game that was always going to be severely impacted by very poor weather.

And despite that impact and a one-nil defeat through the concession of a late goal, Daly was also aware that it was more minutes in the legs for his players.

“It obviously played its part,” he commented on the conditions. “But I still think we could have been better. For me, pre-season, it's about learning from certain situations and just getting that fitness up and match sharpness.

“It was getting through games unscathed, no injuries, which seems to be the case today, which is good. It's another game under the belt for 60 minutes for some and 30 for others. It was fine.

“Obviously, they tested us, which was what I wanted. They've got some top players in their team still in terms of the front end of the pitch and at the back, they're quite solid. It's always a good test for our lads.

As I said, it was just about getting through the game with no issues, which I'm quite happy with.” With plenty of work behind them so far, Daly has been pleased with the progress of the squad as he seeks to blend the new players with those who remain from last season.

“We're continuing to work on what we're looking for from the players. There's still a lot of new bodies in the building. They're trying to build the relationships with each other and how they play.

“That takes time. Every day in training, that's going to keep continuing to grow. It's opportunities like today where they can actually go and do it.

“Unfortunately, the probably disappointing thing was today that they didn't actually go out and probably do what we've been looking for, which was disappointing. As I said, it's a good place for us to learn. If it's not going to happen, it's not going to work, then I'd much rather be here than on the first game of the season.” 

A SOLID SQUAD 

And while he has already built a solid squad ahead of the new season, Daly knows that there are a few gaps to be filled!

“From last year, I think there were 14 players, from the first team and the fringe players, left. I think we've brought in 10 so far. But we’re still a few bodies short on where we need to be.

“We are continuing to look and to bring people in, as you mentioned, on trial. And then continue having conversations with clubs and players who might still be available. It's really just about finding the balance between who's available, who's willing to come in on trial, and who's willing to come in when we put out offers.

“We've obviously missed out on a few at the start of the window, but that's always going to be the case. I think every club will be the same. I think where we're at, we probably know we need maybe three or four bodies to come in and help us.

“The recruitment, the ones we've brought in, I'm happy with. I think they've got good quality, and I think once they get settled, once they bed in, I think they'll be fine.” 

THREE WEEKS TO GO 

And with about three weeks of pre-season remaining, the focus will continue to ramp up ahead of that opening game against Shelbourne.

“There are loads still to be done. We've got a couple of pre-season games next week before we then play Bohemians at home, and then obviously the kick-off of the season. There's plenty of time, plenty of games to come, but it'll be fairly fast about coming around.

“We're looking forward to it, looking forward to getting there. I think pre-season is obviously a tough time for players. They work hard, they're working on everything you want to actually work on, on the pitch and how you want your team to play, set up defensively, offensively.

“It's one where we'll try over the next three or four games to try and get ourselves ready for that start of the season.”