McElaney: We’ve finished bottom of the league so there will be changes
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Patrick McEleney says that Finn Harps aim to add quality reinforcements to their playing squad for next term but insists there are some real gems to build those plans around.
The Ballybofey club rounded off a poor First Division season, where they finished bottom of the pile, with a morale-boosting 2-0 home win over Bray Wanderers.
Goals from Aaron McLaughlin and Benny Monteiro secured the three points for the hosts as McElaney instantly turns attention towards 2027.
And with a multi-million euro takeover by Filipino entrepreneur Freddy Gonzalez set to be voted on, on Monday evening, things are about to get really interesting in and around Navenny Street.
“I’ve played here - I’ve played against Finn Harps for years,” said McEleney when pressed on the Harps fans sticking with the team throughout a turbulent campaign.
“The fans have been so good as I think they’ve seen how hard the players have tried. It’s unique, in a way. So they deserve a lot of credit.
“I said when I came in I was prepared to work day and night and that’s what I’ve been doing. It’s going to continue. It was a good night for the club.
“There is always room for improvement. We have finished bottom of the league, so there will be changes. But there is serious talent there within that squad.
“My job and the club’s job now is to build around that and build for a future for everyone”.
Underage internationals Gavin McAteer and Josh Cullen picked up the Young and Senior Player of the Year gongs at full-time on Friday night and McEneney will no doubt look to build his new-look Harps around the likes of that talented duo.
“I can’t speak highly enough of those lads. Gavin McAteer has been majestic. I want to work with him for as long as I can. Josh Cullen is the exact same.
“They have an unreal drive and attitude. And the big thing is they love it here and they really want to play for Finn Harps”.
On the match itself, it was only the side’s seventh win this season but one that hinted that good times might just be around the corner if their young boss and potential flush new owner have their way.
“It was really good,” he said on the victory. “We tried to replicate what we were moving towards. We were aggressive and went after the ball.
“But every single player was excellent there tonight. So I’m absolutely delighted. We’ve leaked a lot of goals and it’s been tough season for the club, the players and the staff. I see them every day.
“They deserve so much credit. They are a really good group. I’ve told them that inside there. They try so hard. I can’t fault them. So I’m really proud of them tonight”.