Matthew Crossan says Kildrum Tigers face an even stiffer challenge than last season if they are to keep hold of their Brian McCormick Sports Premier Division crown.
The Tigers won the title in dramatic fashion last season when Damian Crossan netted a fabled late equaliser against Castlefin Celtic on the final day of the campaign.
That dramatic goal swung the pendulum and wrestled the silverware from Castlefin’s grasp all at once.
Shane Browne has made some astute signings with Alan Gethins, Trevor Gethins and Matthew Crossan on board.
Crossan was on the Finn Harps side that won promotion to the Premier Division in 2015 and was at USL side Fanad United last season.
There were pangs of regret in his mind as he watched Kildrum – including his brother Gary, cousin Damian and cousin Kevin McHugh – win the League and Cup double.
“I was wishing I was a part of it last season and I was disappointed then that I wasn’t,” he said.
“I was meant to sign for Kildrum at the start of last season, but I’d given Fanad a commitment.
“It was going to be hard to step away because I enjoyed my time at Fanad and Arthur (Lynch) and the lads were very good.”
Crossan, though, was quickly persuaded.
The owner of the Matt’s Takeaway franchise, with bases in Killea, St Johnston and Raphoe, his is a busy timetable, so returning to one of his schoolboy clubs wasn’t too big of a wrench.
He said: “It’s always going to be hard after the season the boys had.
“They made it an easy decision to come back – especially since I know all the boys. It’s great to be back with all the lads. It was easy to go back into the local boys.
“They had a brilliant season and that’s going to make this season ten times harder.
“I couldn’t really commit to training last year. It was a bit of a journey and I’ve been busy. I need to get my training in. When you’re my age you need to be training and I couldn’t do that again this year.”
Crossan says Kildrum will have to start well.
On the pedestal now following the success of last season, Kildrum will face stiff tests with the likes of Castlefin, Milford, Kilmacrennan and others all expected to be in the mix.
He said: “There will be no easy games here. Every team has their strengths. There are quality players all over the league. Every team has them. You could have five or six teams going for it.
“It’s up to us to step forward and get the ball rolling.
“I’m looking forward to it. Every game is going to be a big challenge and a battle. We’re the league champions and the Cup winners. Every team is out to beat us.”
Keadue might be one of the newbies in the top flight, but Crossan says they’ve already proved their worth. And they are unlikely to be daunted by Sunday’s trip to Station Road.
Crossan said: “We start with Keadue and they’re only new in the Premier, but they beat Kilmacrennan last week so they showed what they’re about and the likes of Corey (Gallagher) could play with any team.”
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