Purcell sets sights on top-half finish

While the managerial hunt might have taken its time, pre-season is in full swing on Shannonside and with the re-signing of Paddy Purcell, Limerick FC have renewed that sense of continuity and leadership once again.

Purcell, who has been at the club longer than anyone else in the current squad, will finally get the chance to see his beloved Blues play Premier Division football. Speaking to Extratime.ie, Purcell spoke of his excitement at his new deal and the opportunity that awaits him.

“I am delighted to be back with Limerick for another season. This is going to be my tenth season in total (so far) with Limerick. My deal has been agreed for some time now, because it was a very easy decision. It was a very proud moment for me personally, when we won promotion because it's something that I have been trying to do for a long time now, and to do that as captain made it even more special. My ambition has been to play in the Premier Division with Limerick and to ensure the club stays there. I'm looking forward to getting that opportunity in the forthcoming season.”

After spending the last six years at Jackman Park, the Carey's Road venue will cease hosting the Blues' home games. A move to Thomond Park may have surprised quite a few people, but the quality of the facilities available may just be the boost the league has needed for quite some time.

Purcell is extremely enthusiastic about the change of scenery and looks forward to the quality of surface available to him and his team.

“Of course, playing in Thomond park will be a huge boost for the players. I've been lucky to have played three matches there and as well as it being a fantastic stadium, it also has a superb pitch. The quality of the pitch is the most important thing from the players viewpoint. In saying that, everything about Thomond is quality, so I can't see any real reason to criticise the move to Thomond. It's got everything you'd want as a player and everything you want as a supporter. Hopefully we can make it a tough place for teams to visit.”

Change seems to be in abundance on Shannonside this season. Along with change of venue, the appointment of Stuart Taylor has also increased the levels of anticipation among Limerick supporters. Promotion-winning captain Purcell is equally as excited about working with newly-appointed Taylor.

“We're only five or six sessions into pre-season, but I can honestly say that I have been very impressed with what I've seen from Stuart so far. People probably expect that answer, and I'm sure I'll get some stick from the lads, but it's the truth. I'm impressed with what we've done so far, with Stuart's approach to what we have done and also with what he has said to us. I'm really looking forward to working with him for the coming season.”

While a wave of euphoria is present in the Treaty city at the moment, a newly-promoted side must be level-headed when it comes to ambition. Purcell has his own views on what he considers success.

“This year is very important for the club. A very successful year would be a mid to top half league position and to get a good run in the cups, possibly winning one of them. It's also hugely important that we keep progressing as a club, both on and off the pitch. We've improved so much over the past 3 - 4 years, it's important that we keep maintaining the momentum, keep looking for ways to improve, and to keep building on the foundation which is now set.

"I would also hope that we can increase our support base, the region is sport mad, with a very high percentage of people playing, or supporting football, we want to entice them off their couches and into Thomond Park to watch live matches.”

Thirty-three year old Purcell is excited about the forthcoming season, and on a personal level, he finds it best to set smaller targets in the short-term for long-term benefit.

“I have a straight forward approach when it comes to ambitions - I want to stay fit for the season, cement my place in the team and to give everything I can possibly give to ensure we achieve our team goals and targets. Once I do the above things, everything else will take care of itself.”

Limerick FC's first Premier Division fixture since 1994 will be against Munster rivals Cork City on March 8^th at Thomond Park.