Dixie Robinson believes Dungannon Swifts have 'the best manager in the league' in Rodney McAree
Dixie Robinson believes Dungannon Swifts have “the best manager in the league” in Rodney McAree as they prepare to begin their Irish Cup title defence against Ards.
McAree masterminded historic success at his beloved Swifts last term, sealing their joint-best Premiership finish of fourth before guiding them to Irish Cup glory for the first time by beating Cliftonville on penalties at Windsor Park.
It means the Co Tyrone club begin this season’s competition in the unfamiliar position of defending champions, but they’ve continued to back up their positive results, currently sitting inside the Premiership’s top-half once again.
Former Glentoran chief McAree was named NIFWA Manager of the Month for December after his side won four and drew one of five matches to open up a cushion in the race for European football.
McAree has received deserved plaudits for Dungannon’s free-flowing style of play and his assistant Robinson believes the Swifts have the Irish League’s top coach at Stangmore Park.
"Last year when we finished fourth, people thought at various stages of the season when we lost a game that the bubble had burst,” he said. “There's a lot of belief in the changing room and we have good players - that's why we are where we are, because of the players.
"In my opinion, we have the best manager in the league in Rodney and we're very fortunate to have him. That makes us work really well and we're looking forward to defending our Irish Cup.
"It's a great thing we're able to say that we are cup holders and it's coming at a good time where we have to bounce back (from league defeat to Crusaders). It's a difficult game against Ards but one we're looking forward to."
Ards enjoyed Irish Cup success of their own last season, reaching the semi-finals, and are coming off a whopping 8-0 Championship victory over Armagh City.
John Bailie’s men will face a Dungannon side boosted by the return of Shea Gordon and Corey Smith from Cliftonville and Coleraine respectively.
The Swifts benefitted from a financial windfall after qualifying for Europe last summer, reaching the Conference League’s second qualifying round, but Robinson insists that doesn’t change their position in the transfer market.
"Keith (Boyd, chairman) does a fantastic job and he looks after the money side of things,” he added. “He won't spend foolishly and he's just right...as a clubman myself, I like to see him looking after it.
"We're always pushing for a wee bit more. We have to realise where we are.
"I always think January is a difficult window for every club, but if you have the finances you can maybe get what you're looking for. It's really difficult to pinpoint people who come in and automatically play on our team.”
Dungannon have continued their proud tradition of developing young talent with a host of academy stars named on the bench for last weekend’s defeat to Crusaders.
Daniel McCarron, who is still only 15 and has been linked with a move to Premier League giants Arsenal, was amongst them with clubs circling for their top youth products.
"If you go to watch our U18s or U20s, you'll see a few familiar faces in the crowd and know they are there for a specific reason,” said Robinson. “We look after our best young players and we have good relationships with them and their parents.
"They trust the process and it works both ways, so we're quite happy. If we feel an opportunity is there, we have to (sign them up) because we can't afford to lose them."