Mick McDermott not worried by quick cup turnaround

After having to wait nearly five months for a competitive fixture Glentoran and Ballymena United are facing up to the prospect of playing two games in five days.
By Steven Crawford
Published 29th Jul 2020, 19:28 BST
Glentoran players celebrate their penalty shoot-out win over CliftonvilleGlentoran players celebrate their penalty shoot-out win over Cliftonville
Glentoran players celebrate their penalty shoot-out win over Cliftonville

Both sides played a gruelling 120 minutes followed by penalties on Monday to make it through to Friday’s final, the first game played in front of spectators in the UK since March.

It is a quick turnaround, but Glens Head Coach, Mick McDermott, who was the only manager who voted for extra time, isn’t too concerned.

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“I’m not worried about fitness after extra-time, there is a four-day turnaround,” he said.

“A three-day turnaround I’d be worried when you look at the statistics and data out there but I’m not worried about the four-day turnaround.

“During the season we play Saturday/Tuesday but even though we’ve been off for so long, if you’ve got your preparation right, you shouldn’t be worried.

“It ill be hard and niggles are likely but that’s something we’ll deal with.

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“I was the only coach who voted for extra-time so I’ll take the blame for that. I don’t regret it.

“We’ve been asked to change rules so many times in recent months and it wasn’t our choice to play Monday/Friday.

“I think football is about extra-time and penalties. Of course,the health and wellbeing of players has to be important but the decision was justified by the excitement of the extra-time and penalties in both games.”

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