Danny Cooper has brought his squad very close in the past, but after a marvellous victory over last seasons LOI Champions Shamrock Hoops in the playoffs, Crusaders will finally get their crack at the big time. We caught up with The Parish gaffer to get his thoughts on impending life in the LOI.

-You’re no stranger to the TM world having made your debut way back in Season 3. This was your 10th year in Division 2.2 but you have finally hit the big time. How does it feel?

10 seasons in division 2.2 must be some sort of record but I am happy to have finally made it out and I am delighted to have a stint in the promised land.



-You were in the playoffs before but agonisingly lost out on a spot in the LOI (season 13). This year when you were handed a rough draw against last season’s LOI Champion Shamrock Hoops... did you fear the worst again?

The Hoops are a class act and weren't champions of Ireland for nothing, when I saw the draw I was apprehensive but at the same time was confident due to our good run of form over the last 10 or so games of the season. I send my commiserations to the Hoops and I expect them to make a quick return to the top flight.



-The standard in the LOI is a big step up for you. Is your squad ready to compete at this level?

The squad that I have assembled are largely products of the youth system, last season I brought in a few proven foreign lads and they seem to have made the difference in div 2.2 however I am unsure as to whether they have the ability to stay in LOI. I would say that the sum of the parts is greater than the individuals assembled.

-Last season, 5 teams were promoted... only one managed to finish above the bottom six and 3 of them are making a quick return to D2. Do you think the gap between the top few teams and the rest of the league is really that big?

Having looked at the standings at the end of this season it seems to be a very healthy and competitive league with anyone capable of taking points off anyone on a given match night, however there is no getting away from the fact that there seems to be an established select bunch that are that bit better able to deal with life in the top half of LOI. I certainly feel survival at this level will be a monumental achievement for Crusaders however not an impossibility.


-So who are you most looking forward to facing in the LOI?

Well facing the cream of the isle every league night is something I am look forward to, the teams I am most looking forward to facing are fellow 2.2 qualifiers AC Pool. Also Roly (kill) who had a great season to be run away winners of div 2.1 and look to have assembled a formidable squad. And young Walsh (le Sharks) whos record in LOI is unrivalled, and I have been assured of Le Sharks finest bottle of merlot when we visit Galtymore.

-Will you be splashing out in the NT sales?

Would like to, however I haven't a lot of cash to spend on players so may have to make do with one decent signing, it remains to be seen whether this will be enough to survive.

-Who was your player of the season?

Promotion was genuinely a team effort with no real superman in the team, however if I was pushed I would say Pat Blaney (ML) scored some important goals for us and has been a constant presence since coming through our youth system.


-Do you think he will have the same impact in the LOI?

I have no doubt that he is LOI standard and lets face it, Blaney and the most of others will have to be if we are to avoid relagation.

-So come on, how will you do next year? : )

Well Europe would be good but enough about my holiday plans :) realistically I would be happy to be playing off to stay in the division (hopefully not against The Hoops!)

-Thanks for taking the time out to answer the questions and best of luck next season.

Thanks, and good luck to you, keep tip'n away, As I have show'n... even the tortoise gets there in the end!