Posted online: May 15th, 2009

By Gary Ferry
James Gallagher believes that the fans of Finn Harps can help rebuild the club at this time of crisis.
Harps are currently third from bottom of the First Division with one victory in nine starts but following the untimely departure of Paul Hegarty, into the breach stepped ex-Harps goalkeeper James Gallagher and now he faces the huge task of directing Harps onwards, upwards and away from the bottom rungs of Irish football.
“When a manager quits everything looks much worse than it really is. To be honest I feel good about taking over the reins of a club that has fallen and then risen again and I believe the future id a bright one for Finn Harps Football Club,” said the caretaker boss.
“When the going gets tough the tough get going is an old cliché but it really applies in our case right now. A few wins would help bring people back to Finn Park and if we manage to beat Monaghan on Saturday night here than we’ll be on our way.
“Sometimes it’s all about belief in your own and collective abilities. This club is down at the moment so the only way is up now and with everybody pulling in the right direction we can still make an impact in this division.
“The season is only nine games old. There’s a long way to go yet. Being pessimistic is negative. I’m very optimistic and hopefully that optimism will rub off on the players here. Yes. There’s hard work ahead but if you’re afraid of hard work then you will fail. We must not be afraid. Facing the challenges ahead together will give us all the strength to put this fine club back to where we belong.”
And if he did turn things around on the playing front and on the terraces, would he want to take this job on a more permanent basis?
“If the fans thought I was doing a good job and results will tell its own tale then that’s a consideration for the board and myself.
“Right now my energies will be directed to getting a morale boosting victory over Monaghan on Saturday night and I appeal to our fans to turn out in great numbers and get right behind the young players here. Together we can rebuild the fortunes of this club.”