Sproule insists every point will be crucial

DERGVIEW manager Ivan Sproule believes every single point will be crucial in this year’s Bluefin Sport Championship and that a good start is imperative.

 

This year’s Championship has been reduced from 38 to 22 games and Dergview open their game with a difficult away game at Newry City before hosting Queen’s.

 

It’s been a frustrating time for everyone involved but there now appears to be light at the end of the tunnel. Clubs should be able to return to full training on November 14, two weeks ahead of the big kick-off.

 

Sproule insists it will be important to get things right in that short two week period.

 

“It’s even frustrating now. You are basically a couple of weeks away from the start of the season and you can’t get games in, a competitive friendly,” said the former Hibs man.

 

“You can’t work on your shape and things like that but every other manager has their hands tied as well. No one is gaining an advantage and for me it’s about making sure the players are as fit as possible.

 

“Understanding shape and things like that will have to be really scrutinised in those two weeks before the season starts, but it’s the same for everybody. It’s a challenging time for every manager, just not me.”

 

“I went on record last year as saying that performance wise Newry were the best team I had seen at Darragh Park.

 

“We beat them away from home with a really strong performance but at Darragh Park they had a wee bit more of a cutting edge than us and ran out 2-1 winners that night.

 

“I was impressed by them, they are a big club and have real aspirations to be a Premiership club. People will chat about Loughgall, Dundela, teams that are going to be up there but I think Newry could be the real dark horse.”