THE CHALLENGES WHICH come with starting a new job in any walk of life can be tough.
Adjusting to the surroundings, learning about your colleagues, being made aware of the company’s competitors and finding your feet in the role understandably takes time.
When Paul Cook finally departed Sligo Rovers for Accrington Stanley after nearly five years in charge at the Showgrounds in February, it was accepted by most that a short transitional period would be afforded to his successor.
However, one-third of the way into the current campaign, from the outside looking in at least, Ian Baraclough’s move has appeared seemless. The former Scunthorpe boss goes into tonight’s meeting with the side he managed his first Premier Division game against, Shelbourne, sitting six points clear at the top of the table with a record of eight wins and three draws.
“A lot of credit has to go to the people whose job it was to employ the new manager,” Baraclough told TheScore earlier today. “As soon as I came in I had a good feeling about the place.
The board insisted that European football was a must from the off and I was told I would be given time to work and build a team.”
The Bit O’Red have been the envy of many other clubs in recent years. As well as three cup wins in as many years, a first league title since 1977 wasn’t far away in 2011 as they finished runners-up to Michael O’Neill’s Shamrock Rovers.
As is often the case, a talented group of players was stripped of two of their stars in Eoin Doyle and Richie Ryan by the Scottish Premier League during the last transfer window but even before Baraclough’s arrival replacements in the shape of Danny North and Mark Quigley had been brought in.
“I was made aware that this was a squad that was going to fare well. They lost a 20-goals a season striker in Eoin as well as Richie, who was an important player but new signings were made.
“I spoke to Paul Cook before taking over and several times since. I respect the great job he did here and he admitted himself that the club can achieve more.”
North, a close season arrival from St Pat’s, has shone in particular. Two more goals against the Hoops in their 3-1 home win on Saturday put him ahead of Gary Twigg at the top of the scoring charts. Baraclough worked with the 25-year-old at Scunthorpe three years ago so was well versed in the threat he poses.
“We knew each other from before and he has done superbly for us. Mark Quigley has also come in and is a terrific player on his day.”
Youth has been given a chance with midfielders David Cawley and Lee Lynch playing a part in Sligo’s excellent start to 2012 but despite their early dominance, Baraclough is keen to keep the players and fans grounded.
I can’t dwell on what’s happened now. We have the next block 11 of games to come and I set myself targets from month to month.
“You look at the previous years and there has been a steady progression. Sligo is a mad town full of football people and success has been ingrained here. It’s not only them, the fans and the board are all working together. We’re a club that’s on the up.
“Right now, I’m enjoying working with the players day-to-day and building a bond.”
It wouldn’t be an understatement to call the 41-year-old one of the hardest working men in Irish football. He was up in Dublin on Friday night to take in a game before their fixture the following day and was also spotted in Gortakeegan during the week as he looks to improve his knowledge of the league.
“I’m getting there,” he says. “I’ve been also watching a lot of dvds to find out about players from opposing teams.”
A last-gasp header from Jason McGuinness earned Sligo a point at Tolka Park after Quigley had been sent off on the opening day of the season and the former Queens Park Rangers player is well aware of what his title contenders will be up against tonight.
“They’re a strong team and one who are very tough to break down. They will try to intimidate us but we need to be patient, pass the ball well and get it wide nice and early.”
