Graham Gartland speaks to Rovers Ramblings
16/01/2012 22:58
Rovers Ramlings recently caught up with new Shamrock Rovers signing Graham Gartland, we discussed the standard of LOI football, what made him sign for Rovers and his expectations for the coming season..
Rovers Ramblings: First off, what made you sign for the League Champions? Was it the prospect of playing in Europe once again, or the standard of the facilities compared to Scotland?
Graham Gartland: Nah it was few reasons obviously Europe was appealing but just had a want in me to come back and play I really enjoyed my time in the league but couldn't see myself coming back to play for anyone else being from tallaght and seeing the influence the club has had on the area. Plus my mate Patrick Hyland was onto me all the time about it!
Rovers Ramblings: This time last Year Shamrock Rovers had Michael O’Neill, now Northern Ireland Manager, in charge. Would you of rather of being playing under Michael’s influence rather than new manager Kenny’s?
Graham Gartland: Obviously they're 2 great managers and both successful in their own right think Stephen was a great choice with michael leaving... but just glad to be associated with such an historic club
Rovers Ramblings: A bit about the standard of football now, comparing the Airtricity League to the SPL or Scottish First Division. Do you fell the standard of football is better here than there?
Graham Gartland: Think the Spl is stronger from top to bottom compared to LOI if ya get me... while Rovers where flying in europe Galway could barely field a team or pay their players that gap doesnt appear in the SPL its more of a even league without the old firm obviously but i do think Rovers could more than hold their own in the SPL !
Credit to sportsfile for the photo
Rovers Ramblings: When first signing, back all them days ago, what were your expectations at both coming to Ireland and coming to Shamrock Rovers? On a European basis and a domestic basis.
Graham Gartland: Well i know the league pretty well i only left 3 seasons ago so have an idea what it will be like but ive never played in Tallaght stadium so lookin forward to that really! European games are always special and im sure they'll be extra special with Rovers although there will be a higher expectation this season after last seasons herioc's so hope the expectation is realistic.
Rovers Ramblings: When you were first released by St.Johnstone, how did that come about? Did you go to them or did they come to you? Do you fell you were better of leaving Scotland?
Graham Gartland: Mixture of both i asked would i be playing regular i was told id be cover and in and out so decided it was time to move on... there were other things that went on that i cant go into due the terms of my leaving contract! Had options to stay in Scotland but decided to sign for Rovers!
Rovers Ramblings: Knowing you start pre-season training tomorrow, are you looking forward to getting stuck in and meeting the lads at SRFC?
Graham Gartland: Yeah love a fresh challenge so looking forward to it ! great squad im joining in fairness!
Rovers Ramblings: Would you take time out of your schedule to watch say the Rovers Women’s Team or the Rovers Under 19’s? Would you take notice of much under age players coming through the ranks? Or would you be more concentrated on what you’re doing yourself.
Graham Gartland: Yeah I know the manager of the 19's Deco Heavey and Shane Connolly whos a Longford fan and always talks about the old days so i'll pop along and watch games haha but first team stuff comes first in terms of importance!!
Rovers Ramblings: A bit about your future now, Do you see yourself finishing your career in Ireland or more specifically do you see yourself finishing your career at Rovers, ie do you ever see a return back to England?
Graham Gartland: Well we'll see how this year goes first but would ideally like to stay for a s long as i feel i'm useful haha you never know what will happen in football but this is where i wanna be for the forseeable future.
Rovers Ramblings: On the fans scene now, What would you most associate with Shamrock Rovers fans? Noise, amount that attend the game, etc. Would you agree with Pat Sullivan when he comments on Rovers fans being ‘immense’.
Graham Gartland: Stick hahah they use to proper caine me when i played against rover maybe it was cause im from tallaght or cause my discipline wasnt always good against Rovers haha but rovers have a massive fan base which is what the club is all about !
Rovers Ramblings: Favorite career moment to date?
Graham Gartland: Have a few... winning the league as it was the only trophy i hadnt won and the one i wanted most ! but more importantly was massive for the club!
Winning my 3rd FAI cup in a row meant i was the only active player to do so which was a proud moment for my family really.
And the B cap was nice as i never thought id play for ireland again at any level
Rovers Ramblings: What’s your thoughts on clubs being owned by fans? It mostly happens in the LOI lately, is it the right way forward? As it shows the success Shamrock Rovers had since the fans took over all them years ago.
Graham Gartland: Its the right way forward if the fans run it with their heads and their hearts and not just their hearts which i believe happens at rovers... it shows it can be a success when done right !
That concludes today's interview,
Rovers Ramblings would like to thank Graham for his time,
Thanks for Reading
Interviewed by Alex Murray for Rovers Ramblings.
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