Galway United manager John Caulfield believes Conor McCormack’s addition will assist the emerging talent in the squad ahead of the 2021 SSE Airtricity League season.
United returned to training this week boosted by the arrival of decorated midfielder McCormack, who joined from Derry City.
During his teenage years McCormack enjoyed a stint with Manchester United and has been an influential figure in the domestic game.
McCormack worked under Caulfield at Cork City and the United boss is thrilled with the acquisition. “We have been working on it for a long, long time to be honest,” Caulfield says. “But you never know until you eventually get it over the line.
“Sometimes it can be quick and straightforward, but this one took a lot longer. The board was excellent, they sanctioned it to go ahead. Obviously I've been working in the background for a long time, trying to get it over the line.
“It is nice from a squad point of view. He is a player I felt would bring a lot into the squad with the type of players we have. Obviously the age profile of the team is quite young and we have a lot of very good young lads coming through.
“He will give a lot of leadership to the group as well as Shane Duggan and Conor O'Keeffe. The good thing is in training we have had everyone in bar Kevin Horgan, and he is due back next week. Everyone is there and we are very happy with that.”
Caulfield is hugely encouraged ahead of the upcoming campaign with United’s pre-season preparations having commenced last Monday.
“In the circumstances we have to be very careful, to follow all of the protocols,” Caulfield says. “That is what we are all doing. It is different to any other pre-season because you have so many restrictions in order to get everything right.
“You have to make sure to adhere to all the guidelines because if you have problems in your group with Covid, it can have a massive effect.
“We are delighted to get back. The atmosphere at training has been brilliant. The attitude of the lads is great. We realise we are privileged to be in this position with so many other sports and amateur sports that can't go back training.”
