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McCaffrey Geared Up for Training Ground Return

November 8, 2018

Dundalk FC manager Seán McCaffrey will return to the training pitch for the first time since being relieved of his role as Republic of Ireland underage boss almost 17 months ago when he assembles a 27-man panel for the beginning of pre-season on Wednesday.

The Monaghan native expects to bring his signed players to nine before training with the acquisition of John Mountney from Mervue United, while six of the club’s underage players are due in.

Up to 13 trialists are also set to arrive at Oriel Park, in what will be a light opening day for the players.

But, for McCaffrey, it will be a special one as he makes his comeback following his longest spell out of football since his teenage years.

“I can’t wait to get the footballs and bibs out, get the players together, and get going,” Seán told dundalkfc.com.

“It will be brilliant. I can’t sleep at night thinking about it – that’s the truth. I can’t wait to see the players and get everyone in.

“There’ll be a fantastic buzz around the place with the staff and all.

“We have a lot of good players coming in. Of the players due in, I’d say probably 15 or 16 of them would have been playing with professional clubs in England at some stage.

“There are a lot of good lads coming in. They have all got ability, but they have to have the qualities that we need.

“It’s all about blend and balance when you’re putting a team together. It’s how well they mix and what they add to the environment around the place.

“I think there’ll be very few trialists coming in that are not going to impress football wise. But it’s about if their face will fit the club, the environment and the league.”

Full story here.