Robbie Rock on a Season of Growth for Longford Town U20s
In his first season with Longford Town’s U20 team, head coach Robbie Rock led the squad through a whirlwind of challenges, rapid progress, and key achievements.
A Season of Progress and Potential: Robbie Rock Reflects on Longford Town U20’s Performances…
For Robbie Rock, head coach of Longford Town’s U20s, the 2024 season has been a journey of swift progress and adaptation for the team. Coming on board just a few short weeks before the start of the season, Robbie faced an unexpected challenge and with only a single preseason game under their belt, his team was launched head-first into competition with little time to prepare.
Reflecting on the season, Rock notes the strides they have made: “This season has gone from strength to strength but still lots we can do better. It was all a bit rushed when I came in. I think it was 2/3 weeks before the start of the season and there were no players signed to the squad. So going from there with one preseason game the week before the first game of season to making the Quarter Final of the Enda McGuill Cup and to the Semi Final of the Plate we have taken some really good steps in the right direction.”
• Standout Moment:
When asked to pick a standout moment from Longford Town U20’s season, Robbie Rock doesn’t hesitate: “the last 16 clash of the Enda McGuill Cup”. For Robbie, that game at Bishopsgate was more than just a win. With a strong crowd backing them on their home turf, Longford put on a show, beating Cobh Ramblers 5-2 in an exhilarating display of skill and teamwork.
“That game just stands out," Rock recalls. The match saw an unforgettable performance by Callum Bonner, who scored four of the team’s five goals. For Robbie and the players, Bonner’s performance was an inspiring showcase of talent and determination, a demonstration of what the team could achieve when everything clicked.
“The highlight for us this year would be the last 16 tie of the Enda McGuill Cup. We had a good crowd at Bishopsgate on the day and to beat Cobh Ramblers 5-2 and for Callum Bonner to score 4 goals in the game is something I think that just stands out in the season.”
• Save of the Season: Cillian Campion-Wigglesworth’s Heroics Against Sligo Rovers
For Robbie Rock, naming Longford Town U20’s “Save of the Season” was another easy choice. One save in particular stood out - a stunning display of reflexes and positioning from goalkeeper Cillian Campion-Wigglesworth in a high-stakes match against Sligo Rovers.
“They had a free kick out wide, good delivery in, David Jonathan got up well and headed the ball into the ground around the 6 yard box and Cillian came across the goal and took it out of the top corner. It was a great save.”
• Leadership, Defensive Prowess and Technical Skill
Robbie spoke highly of each player in the squad this year, particularly highlighting Ryan Boyle’s leadership, Bobo’s defensive prowess and Scott Browne’s technical skill. Each of these players contributed something unique to the team, showcasing the talent and determination that Robbie believes will help them thrive beyond this season…
• Ryan Boyle (Right Back)
“Ryan is an excellent player and leader in the team. I remember seeing him train at the first session I attended and I signed him that night. His attitude towards the game. Great at going forward with the ball and when it comes to defending is a good 1v1 defender and for someone who would not be the tallest, has great jump and reading of the ball in the air.”
• Gbolahan 'BOBO' Adejumobi (Centre back or Centre Midfield)
“Bobo was as solid as it came for my team this season. His speed, love for a tackle and reading of the game makes him what he is and that is a player who can push on to another level. Unfortunately, this is Bobos last year in Academy Football but I am sure he get the right move for his career as he has so much to give to the game.”
• Scott Browne (Striker or Midfield)
“Scott joined us in Phase two and was a great asset to our squad. His first game he scored verses Athlone in a 3-1 defeat but his goal was 25 yards out, left footed into the top corner and the fact he is right footed it was amazing to see. Probably one of the most technically gifted players I have worked with for use of both feet, passing range and reading of the game. Scott will go far in the game I have no doubt in my mind about that.”
Video: Scott Browne’s penalty kick v Shelbourne U20’s : (August 2024)
• Standout Opponent: Robbie Rock on the Best Player Longford Town U20 Faced This Season
Reflecting on the season, Robbie Rock is quick to acknowledge the talent his team encountered across various matches; “We have played against some fantastic teams and players this year. So many good players; Gavin Smyth & Kyle Fitzgerald (Galway United), Aidan Russell Vargas (Dundalk), Agbo Babatunde (Athlone Town) and I am sure I am forgetting some quality too.”
Yet one player truly stood out to Robbie: Nickson Okosun of Bohemian FC. “Nickson has it all speed, strength, can finish but his biggest asset was how composed he is in front of goal. For a player that young and with that quality I will be following his career to see what he can achieve because he could go all the way to the top.”
• Looking Ahead with Optimism
As Robbie Rock reflects on a season filled with challenges, standout performances, and memorable moments, he’s energized by the potential of Longford Town’s U20 team. Robbie and his squad are eager to build on their progress and take their development to new heights in the seasons to come.