Des Hope Interview

iSTAT were delighted when Des Hope took the time to have a chat and reflect on last season and his hopes for the coming campaign.

1. It wasn’t a particularly successful season for The Team but on a personal level were you happy with your performances?

Well firstly I would rather have won more games. I am never happy after a game we have lost even if I have played well. I was happy now looking back but that was mainly down to the fact that I played the whole season.

2. In past seasons you seemed to be very injury prone, this season you managed to stay clear of injuries for the most part.  Is this due to different fitness training, coaching or maybe just down to a little bit of luck.

It was down to all the above reasons really, we worked really hard in pre season and during the season both in the gym and on the training pitch. A big thanks to John for all his efforts with us and I hope he takes it a little bit easier on us when we go back soon.

In past seasons I could never really get a good run to build up my fitness but I worked hard even in the off season so hopefully that will stand to me in this season.

3. You were handed the captains the armband last season, do you hope to fulfil the same role this term?

I was honoured to be named captain last season and id like to think I didn’t let the team down but already Brendan has signed a lot of players with a lot more experience then me so if he decides its not me this season I am not going to let it affect my game. I would like to think I will still try and lead by example.

4. What was your highlight last season, both as a team and personally?

Unfortunately there weren’t too many highlights but the ones that stick in my head are being named captain, and winning the awards at the end of the season. I have a good feeling that next year will be a lot better.

5.While your defensive performances were very consistent last season I thought you were unlucky not to get on the score sheet a little more often.  Is this something you plan on working on and how else do hope to improve as a player in the new season?

I had set myself a target of at least 6 goals last season so I will do the same this year. Every year you learn something new about yourself as a player but last year id say I learned the most of any season, so I hope to bring that into next year. I am always looking for improvements in my all round game like working on my left foot, so that will continue.

6. What do hope Athlone can achieve in the new season?

I don’t want to get the fans hopes up for next season but having worked with Brendan and Padraig last season I have really high hopes because I believe if  they can get the right players in we have everything else in place to really push on next year.

Everyone concerned with iSTAT would like to thank Des and wish him well in the coming season.