Noe Baba: Dave Rogers can deliver at Finn Park

Football has taken Noe Baba across Europe and the Mayo man says what Dave Rogers is attempting to build at Finn Park deserves backing.

The former Fulham and Birmingham City man is back in Ireland after a four-year spell in German football, and has signed a one-year deal with the Donegal outfit.

The ink would have barely been dry on that when Baba was fired right into Rogers’ starting XI for the visit of Bray Wanderers last Friday night.

And despite not having a pre-season under his belt, the ex Republic of Ireland underage international lasted the entire 90 minutes as Harps picked up their first point of the season in a 1-1 draw.

Baba admits it was a tough and physical baptism but it was also a game he needed under his belt.

“I was delighted to be involved and help get the point against Bray,” he said. “To be honest, the manager and the players have been absolutely brilliant with me. I’ve seen in my short time here, the boys are working so hard.

“The manager’s plans are exciting and the boys are all trying to drive that forward. For me, I was more happy for them, really. Because they’ve been here for weeks, months, pushing and giving absolutely everything they have”.

Dave Rogers has asked for time and patience along the terraces as he tries to coax the club along in a different direction under his stewardship. But there was no doubt the Finn Park faithful appreciated the team’s efforts following last weekend’s performance.

“I can see right away that Dave is an experienced coach,” explained Baba. “The way he gives instruction and direction, you can see he’s worked at a really high level. I’m more than excited to see where this goes.

“There is a real buzz. Yes, the results didn’t go the team’s way in the first two games. Last week was a good step forward. There is a clear plan and process there. We are taking small steps.

“Looking around the dressing room, it’s a very young team. But you can also feel the hunger and the want to learn. On the training pitch, they are really together. And that comes from the manager and the staff.

“Everything is set up for the squad and the staff to gel. And when that process moves on, like it will, I have no doubt we’ll pick up results. The way forward at Finn Harps is going to be very positive”.

Given his experience, even at just 26-years-old, Rogers might well expect his new midfield addition to be a leader inside the dressing room and on the pitch. But Baba says he’s happy to take instruction for the time being.

“I’m 26 now and maybe that’s part of it - maybe I can be an experienced voice in that dressing room. I’ve been around the place. I’ve played in England, Ireland and Germany. I know what it’s like to work in a good environment.

“And from what I’m experiencing right now, it’s the right mix. Because I wasn’t here in per-season, right now for me, it’s more about listening. I want to learn as much as I can about the group, the club, and as quickly as I can.

“Then, maybe I can speak and look to have an input. If there are moments in the game, in training that I can have an influence I’ll try to do that. But right now, it’s about settling in and looking at what the manager wants from me.

“Dave - as a manager - he is always speaking, always encouraging. And it’s always positive. I believe he is someone I can really learn from. I’m excited. The way he sets up things, the tempo of the work. Everything is at pace, snappy.

“The more I can learn from Dave, and the quicker I can do it, the more I can then bring to the team”.