LIMERICK FC manager Martin Russell will take charge of his first home game with the club this Friday when the Super Blues welcome Shamrock Rovers to Thomond Park (kick-off 7:45pm).
The recently-installed boss tasted defeat in his first competitive match with Limerick, who succumbed to two late goals away to Sligo Rovers last Sunday, and he is keen to arrest the team’s current slump of four straight league defeats.
Speaking at the launch of Limerick FC’s partnership with the Lyoness international loyalty programme on Monday, Russell said: “Winning is a great habit to have. We want to get that as quick as we can. I believe it will come. I’m sure it will come.
“You can’t expect something that’s been there for a while to change very quickly, but in time I think we’ll go in the right direction. It’s important to get points on the board but you don’t hope for points. You play for points and your performances have got to win you points.
“There were pluses within the performance [v Sligo] but I’m also conscious of areas where we need to improve. It won’t happen overnight but we’ll continue to build a stronger club and the same will happen with the team.”
Russell will need to plan for the foreseeable future without right-back Shaun Kelly, who left the club earlier this week for family reasons. The 25-year-old Donegal native recently became a father for the first time and has signed with Derry City.
Limerick FC chairman Pat O’Sullivan paid tribute to Kelly upon his switch to the Candystripes, saying: “Being aware of the circumstances around Shaun’s request, the club had no hesitation in granting his request promptly.
“While Shaun was with Limerick, he was a credit to himself and his fellow professionals in all aspects of his behaviour both on and off the pitch and he’s a terrific example to all aspiring young players. We wish Shaun and his family the very best in the future.”
