Things aren’t as gloomy at Finn Harps as some are portraying - Darren Murphy 

Darren Murphy agrees results simply haven’t been good enough at Finn Harps this term but he insists the club’s overall ambitions and plans remain on track. 

Metaphorical babies often get chucked out with the bathwater but the current interim boss insists that there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about next season, regardless of who is at the helm then. 

“Football is a results business but so many other wheels turn within a football club. Results have obviously not been what everyone would have wanted. But that has not been through the lack of effort. 

“It hasn’t all been as bad as some are portraying. There are real glimmers of hope in between all of that for Finn Harps Football Club and the fans. Sean O’Donnell’s progress has been amazing. 

“Aaron McLaughlin - there is so much more to come from him. He’s still only 17 so we’ve been careful with him but I really don’t know if people realise just how special he’s going to be. 

“Ryan Flood, who bagged a hattrick against Athlone, has been outstanding. Yes, there will be others looking at those lads. But the way the club has approached it this year, they are Harps players. 

“Whoever is in charge next year, there are foundations in place that will make it an easier transition into pre-season”.

Harps go to Bray Wanderers in their last game of the season tonight, Friday, and regardless of the result, they’ll finish second from bottom. The ambitious punt on Dave Rogers simply didn’t work. 

But it’s hard to blame the club for that. His CV, with involvements with both Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, spoke for itself. And when it didn’t, Rogers himself was often quick to point out just how qualified he was to bring the club forward. 

They’re good friends but as characters, Rogers and Murphy couldn’t be further apart. And while it’s only been a short period, Murphy’s more understated demeanor, in both victory and defeat, could yet see Harps chairman Ian Harkin and his board decide to ask him to remain in charge.

“It’s well known that it’s been a very difficult season at the football club. It’s been extremely hard. It’s been difficult for me as well. 

“I’ve known Dave for 15 years. So that’s been a tough scenario to come to terms with.  So I need to sit down as well, take stock and see what’s next for me. 

“I wasn’t going to come back into the game but Dave encouraged me to get back involved. Like I’ve said, I’ve loved it here”.