Lynsey McKey has long been a stalwart of the domestic women’s game. She has been involved in the top flight since its very inception in 2011. That she sat in front of the assembled media in The Connacht Hotel on Tuesday and joked about nerves for her first press conference tells you everything about the trajectory of the women’s game and her team.
She was flanked by her manager Phil Trill who is not bashful about the quality of his group.
“We have never felt inferior to any team. The league has become closer. We have started really well which meant Shelbourne have had to come out of the blocks quickly. Athlone as well. We don’t fear anybody. We won’t fear anybody in the All-Island Cup draw. As far as we are concerned, we are the holders, so come and get it”. As it happened, United were drawn at home to Treaty United in the quarter-finals late that day.
The manager’s confidence is tempered by practicality and awareness. He remembers a fine start last year that trailed off in the league. “We were in a similar position last year and went through a big dip in May. We started very well. We are way ahead in terms of a lot of metrics but for us it about consistency and how far we can keep this run of form”.
“We have 26 [goals] in 9 games. If we were to continue the same trend, we would score 78 goals this season. Last Saturday, we had our 13th different goalscorer.
“The really good thing is now the narrative is changing and teams are really not wanting to play us. Even last Saturday we gave loads of people opportunities which they deserved, and loads played really well”.
Trill was referencing the 2-2 draw in the All-Island Cup against Athlone where he rotated the side. He dared not rotate Jenna Slattery, the league’s top scorer who has been in incendiary form this season.
The 20-year-old star heaped all praise on her team when reflecting on her own start to the season. “This year we have come more together as a squad. The bond we have together as a group is very positive. We have taken a step forward from last year in terms of professionalism and standards”.
Slattery was eloquent in reflecting on the progress season on season, but her skipper McKey has a broader frame of reference with her long career in the league.
She identified the key progression in the squad when saying: “I think a bit of belief. I think winning silverware last year just gave the girls a bit of confidence. It needs to be our identity, how hardworking we are. If we lose the ball, we are working our socks off to get it back as quickly as possible and maintain it. It comes from our training”.
McKey is enjoying a new lease of life in a dynamic midfield strengthened further by the return of Julie-Ann Russell who has been superb. “It’s a dream to play with this team... I have been around a long time but they have given me a new energy. They have made me enjoy my football more than I ever thought I could”.
That energy and togetherness will face a test under the glare of the TV cameras in Tallaght against a hitherto underperforming Shamrock Rovers side. It is still early but a big game for both sides.
Evidently, United believe they can win. That may be half the battle.
