Skryne man Finnerty is delighted with his progress at the Phibsborough club
SOCCER
Meath man James Finnerty is excited ahead of a new League of Ireland season and the reward of Europa League football following an impressive second place finish behind champions Shamrock Rovers in the 2020 season writes BRENDAN GRAHAM
The no-nonsense defender from Skryne has become a real fans’favourite and with the new season on the horizon he is raring to go once again as they look to continue their steady progress both domestically and in Europe.
“Pre-season went very well for us," the former St Patrick's CS, Navan student told the Meath Chronicle.
“We’re all delighted to be back and we’ve had a few friendlies which have gone well in the run up to be ready for the start of the season this weekend," he added.
There has been steady progress under the watchful eye of Keith Long and Trevor Croly within the walls of Dalymount Park in the last few years.
Last season’s hugely impressive second place league finish brought to an end the recent first and second duopoly enjoyed by Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers for the past number of seasons.
“We were delighted with second and finishing ahead of Dundalk was a huge achievement with the quality and players that they have," stated the Skryne man.
"Playing in Europe was a fantastic experience as well and something we are really looking forward to again this year when it comes around.
“We had one of the youngest squads in the league last year so to finish second was a huge achievement and has given all of the lads a real confidence boost.”
Consistency is the word to describe this squad in the last few years with Finnerty contributing hugely.
Ensuring they are at the right level to compete in every game is hugely important to Finnerty and key to reaching the same standards as last season once more.
“Once we reach the same levels of competitiveness as last year and give as much as we possibly can in terms of performance that’s all we can do and we’ll see where we get to from there," he stated.
Another strange season lies ahead with the Covid-19 pandemic ensuring all games for the foreseeable future will be played behind closed doors.
The tremendous support of the Bohs faithful in the Jodi Stand will be absent for now and according to Finnerty the squad can’t wait to be reunited with their loyal supporters once again.
“I’d much rather have crowds. There’s nothing we can do about it at the moment, but the crowds and hearing the roar from the Jodi Stand every week makes such a difference in terms of confidence and that extra edge you need in games.
"Playing in front of a packed Jodi is a fantastic feeling and we can’t wait to get the fans back as soon as is realistically possible. I’m really enjoying my football with Bohs and I’ll take it game by game.
"However, it would definitely be a realistic ambition of mine to get back to test myself in England again if the opportunity arises. We’ll see what happens,” he concluded.
Having spent three years under-age with Aston Villa and afforded the opportunity to learn from the likes of John Terry, the self-confessed Chelsea fan is taking it game by game at the moment in Dublin 7. A solid defender at the heart of the Bohemians defence Finnerty will be hoping the call from across the water comes once more.