Taylor appointed Limerick manager

The early-morning Shannonside fog was diluted by an air of optimism as new Limerick FC boss Stuart Taylor was presented to members of the local media at a press conference. The 38-year-old Glaswegian signed a three-year deal with the Blues and will look to get straight to work as Limerick prepare for their first season in the Premier Division in almost twenty years.

Speaking about his new managerial role, Taylor spoke highly of his new club and mentioned how easy of a decision it was for him to make. "Basically after speaking with Kieran and the chairman [O'Sullivan], the only thing in my mind was to come here. You can hear the hunger and passion from them and that suits me. I'll meet the players tomorrow morning and let them know my philosophies and how I'm going to go about my work. We're starting with the foundations and we're building this club up. My philosophies have been successful in the past. I start with the youth and I utilise the best of the experienced players. I know the players here; I even tried to sign one of them before. I'm absolutely delighted to be here at the club who are ambitious with a good fan base who was so passionate and loyal."

In terms of footballing philosophy, Stuart Taylor had no qualms about his methodology. "In terms of formations, I have one that I'd like to play but the players really shape your formation so we'll see. I like to play good attacking football and have a disciplined shape that is going to be built on a work ethic. I'm going to build an environment that players are happy to come and work in, and when you get that, you get so much more out of the players. I know the supporters are very passionate and I just want them to have a team to be proud of."

In a concise fashion, Taylor accepted the current situation and admitted that he has players he wants to bring in. "I have the budget and I have the players I want to bring to the football club. I know the situation regarding budgets and incomings; a good relationship has built up there."

Having secured Rory Gaffney for the season, Taylor spoke of his admiration for the young striker. "I sat down with Rory last night and we agreed a deal. He has the exact attitude I want at this football club and he is a top young talent."

Having both David O'Leary and Shane Tracy going to Oslo with the PFAI training camp is of some concern to the Limerick faithful, but the new Limerick boss was quick to clear up the situation. "I spoke to both of them before they made the journey. They made it clear to me that they were adamant on going before I got the chance to talk to them, but I will sit down with both as soon as they return. I prefer to do my talking face-to-face because you get a better insight into the players and I'm more than happy to sit down and talk to both."

Taylor, who wasn't mentioned as a potential candidate for the job until late into the search, discussed how exactly he came to know about the position. "I have many contacts in Ireland, not just in the Premier but in the First Division also. I've stayed in contact with most of them and I've tried bringing Irish players to Scotland while I was there - some have signed, some haven't, but I know the league from my time with Drogheda United. I know the players over here. They have the right attitude, similar to the Scottish and that's what I like to see."

Comparisons between the Irish domestic league and the Scottish league are frequent, and Taylor maintains he can apply a lot of what he learned at Hamilton to his time at Limerick. "Progressing the youth system is vital. It is a big part of my philosophy. The development side of the game is so crucial to clubs. I will look to bring a lot of young players to the club. Saying that, there certainly won't be eleven under-19s lining out. You need a good mix of experience in there too."

Now situated in Limerick full-time, Taylor says it will take time to adapt to relocating, but he needs to be fully committed. "Obviously, it's a change of direction, but this job is not something I'd dream of doing part-time. My family are over here and I've already made a lot of contacts around the city and I've set up meetings with people that will start next week. I've three kids and they're looking forward to coming over. Accommodation is something I'll leave to my family, I don't want distractions from the football."

Former Cardiff City and Everton centre half Darren Dennehy has expressed his interest in playing in the League of Ireland, with reports suggesting Limerick are front runners for his signature. Taylor admitted that he admires Dennehy and is friendly with the young defender. "I know Darren, he was one of the players I brought on trial to Hamilton. I know his brother Billy and his father too. When I look to sign a player, I don't do so half hearted, I like to know his background. He is a good lad and we'll just have to wait and see what comes from that one."

While most are pleased with the appointment, there is an air of uncertainty regarding Taylor's lack of experience as a manager, rather than assistant roles or coaching positions, but the new Limerick boss is adamant he'll be up for the challenge. "I'm really confident. When you have such a dedicated background support from people like we have here at Limerick, it solidified all my thoughts and I knew this was the right club to start my managerial career at. The board are so positive and I'll make it as positive as I can."

Limerick FC will begin their pre-season tomorrow morning, Saturday, January 12th.