Kenny Shiels, the Derry City manager, says he believes that Letterkenny could cater for a senior League of Ireland team.
Shiels was speaking as the special guest at Letterkenny Rovers’ youth and underage awards last night at the Station House Hotel.
“Look at the infrastructure of this town and the people around it and you’d have to say Letterkenny could be in the League of Ireland,” Shiels told the packed function room.
“There is a great football infrastructure here and I’m sure in the years to come that may happen.
“Letterkenny has grown quite a bit in recent years. I think I read that it’s the fastest growing town in Europe.
“The infrastructure and the people are here.”
Shiels, who has guided Derry back into the Europa League for 2018 following a trying and emotional season that saw the Candystripes have to deal with the death of their captain, Ryan McBride, in March.
Shiels spoke of his own football experiences, growing up in Maghera, and the influence of his late father, a former Councillor in the area.
Shiels’ told the audience about the importance of enjoyment in football.
He said: “It’s not necessarily what you’d won, it’s about how much you’ve enjoyed it.
“Football is a great social experience for children. There is a great correlation between sports activity and high academic students. People who are competitive on the sports fields can transfer that to their academic side.
“It isn’t about who goes further, it’s about who puts the most into it.”
Shiels referenced the case of James McClean, the Wigan Athletic player and Republic of Ireland international, as he urged the young players to work hard at their games.
Shiels said: “You learn from getting beaten. James McClean spoke about losing 7-0. He is a player who is driven and he got to the top because he worked hard and he wanted it more than the rest.
“If you want it more and if you’re dedicated then you have a good chance.”
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