• Welcome back to the LoI Shamrock Hoops, after a short time away. You went from the heights of winning the top flight to the depths of relegation in two seasons, can you run us through what you believed happened there?

I think I kept too much faith in an ageing team.Funnily enough i started the season really well but i hardly won a game in the 2nd half of the season.A panicky manager probably didnt help much either.

• How gutted were you to be relegated?

Totally.Was in Portugal the final week of the season and watched the playoff game before i headed out.I wasn't much company that night and the missus for some reason wasn't particularly understanding of my plight.

• Yes, I have similar issues.  Askeaton almost followed your footsteps last season, is there a curse on LoI champs, should Na Fianna beware…?

I'm sure he'll be fine but if Hubbsy ever needs some advice on how to cope with the added pressure he knows where i am.

• How is your team stronger than when you were relegated?

I'm not sure it is to be honest.Time will tell.Its definitely a (slightly)younger squad and getting the balance right between youth and experience is crucial in this game.

• What youth prospects do you have coming through?

McNamara and O'Flaherty(if he ever starts to bloom) are ready to step up and Gallagher's not far behind.Have a lovely prospect in the OMC Boyle who should be ready in a few seasons.The boy could be special.

• Your defence looks formidable, but at keeper you look vulnerable. Is this an area you are looking to strengthen?

I bought a new keeper during the sales.Bit of a gamble but hopefully he'll do well.Callan doesn't owe us anything and i was delighted that he's not retiring yet.

• In your opinion has the quality of teams in the LoI increased since you were last there and if so in what way?

Hard to be certain but the standard in the LOI seems to get stronger each year.It's seems to be very hard for the promoted teams to stay up but if they do they can build from there.

• Who would you put money on to win it in Season 18?

Les Sharks are 2/1 fav with my local bookie and they are seldom wrong.

• Who of this season’s new entrants do you think will do the best and why?

Hopefully we'll all do well.  s i know only too well Cavan had a fantastic year and it was depressing checking his results each week and seeing another handy 4 nil win.His team is young and I think Mr.Martin is definitely a future NT manager.
The B Sharps look very strong and again they have a young team with a sprinkling of stars so they should do well.
Good to see Biff back in his rightful place too and I'm sure he'll fare well too.

• Do you have any old scores to settle?

Not really no.Although I always enjoy a game with our old rivals Lisburn.

• And of course the obligatory one, where do you think you’ll end up?

Hopefully avoid relegation.Anything else would be a bonus.

• Well good luck with it and I look forward to meeting you on the pitch.