Bradley enjoying life at Limerick

With just two games to go, Limerick’s Stephen Bradley spoke to Extratime.ie about his season so far. In what was considered a shock by most, the attack-minded midfielder put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the Shannonside club, securing his services until the end of 2013.

Despite having earned his place in the first teams of Shamrock Rovers and St. Patrick’s Athletic in previous seasons, Stephen Bradley opted for Limerick at the beginning of the 2012 season. While most think that this shows a lack of ambition, the man himself disagrees.

“My first year looks like it’s going to be a title winning season which is why I came to Limerick. I didn’t come here to play in the First Division for a few years; the plan was always one year then back to the Premier Division.

"When I met Pat O'Sullivan and Pat Scully for the first time, they said that it was the main reason they wanted me at the club - to go win the league and get into the Premier. The club have been brilliant since I have joined and they have done everything they said they were going to do when we first met. Although the club is part time it is very professional in everything it does.”

As the midfielder has said himself, the reason he was signed was due to his previous form in the Premier Division and he was seen as a key ingredient in getting Limerick back to the top tier. Reflecting on personal performances, Bradley feels he hasn’t hit his peak.

“My own performances haven't been as good as I would have liked. I have picked up a lot of little injuries and stupid suspensions which have not allowed me get a run of games and I believe you only play your best football when you play regular football. I did mange a run of about eight games in the middle of the season where I felt I was getting close to my best form.”

A lot of people are sceptical about Limerick given previous occurrences with clubs spending big money in the second tier, but Bradley insists that the club is run well and the owner, in particular, is the real deal.

“Pat [O’Sullivan] is one of the good guys for sure. From the first time I met him I could see how passionate he was about what he is trying to achieve at the football club and in Limerick in general.  Pat never says he will do something for you if he can't do it; he is a very honest man and he expects the same honesty back from his players.”

While all at the board room seems legitimate, the ex-Shamrock Rovers playmaker also paid tribute to his manager for the success the club has enjoyed throughout the season so far.

“A lot of credit should go to Pat [Scully] for our performances this season, he makes sure we play from a solid base which shows in our goal against column and then gives us the freedom to play when we have the ball which again, shows in our goal for column. I think there are still some people that will have a go at us but if we win our last two games we will finish on sixty-five points; that's the same as Limerick got last year and we would have played five less games than last season.”

Limerick is a city always gathers interest in sport, regardless of what that sport may be. Having gotten a feel for the city this year, Bradley understands the potential that lies on Shannonside.

“When we get promoted, it will be great for the club and Limerick city. With attendances like thirteen hundred in the First Division, I think it shows the support is there for a successful football team in Limerick and with the clubs plans for a new stadium next season I could only see more people coming to watch the games.”

With promotion all but secured, Stephen Bradley looked ahead to next season and contemplated targets for the club, as well at what players Limerick could be expecting to bring in.

“Next season, we will just have to wait and see as the Premier will be a very good league next year because you have big clubs that didn't have a good season and I'm sure they will want to bounce back. You also have some clubs that have young players and will only improve next season so it’s up in the air. You only have to look at the calibre of players the club can attract while they’re in the First Division, so I don't think there are too many players playing in Ireland that would turn down a club who are looking to build something long term and a club that does things very professional both on and off the pitch.”

On a parting note, Bradley reassured Limerick fans that he would be going nowhere anytime soon, and that he looks forward to playing in the royal blue in the Premier Division.

“I can see myself being at the club for the foreseeable future. I know I still have more to give in terms of my playing level so I want to show Limerick what I can do.”