- Andrew Dempsey
- Sun, Feb 12 2023
Conor McCormack hailed John Caulfield’s ability to attract Ollie Horgan to Galway United as assistant manager.
Horgan was most recently in charge of Finn Harps but stepped down at the end of the 2022 Premier Division campaign.
But rather than taking a break from the League of Ireland circuit, the former Harps boss has linked up with the Tribesmen to become Caulfield’s No 2.
“Ollie has been in the league and he is an experienced manager,” Galway captain McCormack told extratime.com.
“He worked wonders when he was at Finn Harps keeping them afloat.
“It was great that John was able to get Ollie in with us and hopefully that can pay off this year.”
Despite falling short in the play-offs last season, Galway have been installed as one of the favourites to claim promotion to the top-flight this season.
And while Waterford and recently relegated Finn Harps are expected to contend as well, the 32-year-old is confident for the season ahead after an encouraging pre-season.
“We’re really looking forward to the start of the season,” he added. “We were disappointed with how last season ended so this year we want to put things right.
“We back ourselves every year and we want to win the league. We want to get to the Premier Division. That’s where Galway United needs to be.
“The two years of missing out have been hard to take so hopefully we can put all the wrongs right this season.”
During the off-season United have been able to land the services of Brendan Clarke, Darren Clarke and Colm Horgan.
“The manager has made a couple of astute signings and we’re really excited to get going.
“He’s added experience and depth to the squad so hopefully it will work.”
But if Galway do achieve promotion this season they are likely to require some luck and good fortune with Waterford set to compete for the honours again under Danny Searle.
“It’s going to be difficult and there is only one going up automatically,” the Co Louth native said.
“Cork City were lucky enough to do it last year and fair play to them. But we need to cut out our silly mistakes and hopefully we can be up there this year.”
He added: “The league is going in the right direction and there are a couple of teams in the First Division that see themselves as Premier Division clubs.
“We see ourselves as one of them as well. The league is growing and the quality in the division is getting better.
“It is going to be a competitive league and hopefully we can be up there in contention.”
