IT’S NOT easy to play second or third fiddle in a league at any level in football. But Bluebell Utd have bided their time and this may be the season their bell is rung again in the top of the Leinster Senior League Sunday Senior division.
The Red Cow outfit lead the top tier of the LSL after 13 games by three points and will be hoping to continue that this weekend as they take on Wayside Celtic. Ahead of that game, Bell’s manager Andy Noonan spoke to GazetteSport on his side’s form this season.
On what the difference has been compared to the last two seasons where Bluebell have finished third to Crumlin and Tolka respectively, Noonan said: “There’s been a lot of changes, especially in the backroom staff. Initially we lost Trevor Molloy to the Duleek job.
“We then brought in the likes of Hughie Strong who is a UEFA A coach, as well as Keith Foy, who won everything in the game as a LOI player to look after the Saturday side.
“To be honest, the big difference has been the improvements in the credentials of the backroom staff. The team behind the team, really they’ve been a major difference. Being able to call upon lads of their experience has been the biggest plus compared to last season.”
The division has been much tighter this year compared to recent times, and has produced more shock results than previous seasons.
On the reasons for this, Noonan said: “I think the two teams that came up this season, Drumcondra and Killester, have really shaken things ups. Everyone knew they were strong but they’ve really been excellent this season.
“I know a lot of the players and management involved in both clubs so it’s not surprising. It’s been good for the league.”
As well as leading the top division, Bluebell are also in the quarter-finals of both the Charlie Cahill and Herald Metro Cups, which suggests there is plenty of strength in depth in the Clondalkin outfit.
“I’ve been fortunate. I’ve a 22 man first team squad and that’s reflected on our Saturday side that are top of their league.
“Having strength in depth in your first team only benefits your second team and that’s been the case for us.”
If his side maintain their current form, there could plenty to celebrate in the Bluebell clubhouse to go along with the news that club have secured a new long-term tenancy at the ground.
