Defender Sean O'Hanlon on going again next season
Defender Sean O’Hanlon spoke to us about the way forward as the club prepares for the 2014/15 League Two campaign.
“I don’t think anyone needs me to say that the way the season wasn’t what we wanted,” he said. “We took it to the last couple of weeks but we just couldn’t get the wins we needed.
“We knew we’d made things really difficult for ourselves going into the Wolves game because they are a good side and it was a case of having to win by three goals if we were really to stand a chance.
“For me, the fact that we didn’t get the victory at Crawley, even though we played quite well, sort of summed up the way things were going. That was the night when our fate was probably sealed. That was a horrible feeling because we wanted it to be in our hands. Obviously the worst feeling of all was when the final whistle blew at Molineux and we looked across at the fans. That was when it really started to sink in.”
“Being part of something like this is really tough to accept,” he added. “It’s your career, as a player, and you want to be playing at the highest level you can. Nobody wants a relegation against their name, particularly the lads who were out of contract, because it does take a while to recover from it.
“What you can’t do is allow it to affect your confidence. We have to deal with and start winning some games as soon as we get the chance to play again next season. If we do that, and get a bit of momentum going, I have no doubt the buzz will come back and we’ll start seeing a little bit of success again.”
“The only way a positive can come from any of us is for us to turn it round,” he insisted. “Winning regularly will bring the crowds back. It’s something we have to make happen.
“The process of turning things round has to start now. What’s happened has happened and the focus now has to be to get out there to try to win League Two. I’ve played in that division before and I’ve been lucky enough to win it, and I know this club can match that.
“We’ve seen that League One has some big clubs with a lot of resources, and you have to work hard to compete with that. This league is different to that and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be one of the teams to beat.”
“It will be more physical but it’s a case of making sure you take the game to the opposition,” he explained. “The manager has already addressed what he wants to do with the squad with the releases, and things like that, and he’ll be looking for players who will help to take us forward. The new faces provide a lift and competition so I think you always look forward to that.
“I think the other thing we have to build on is our home form. Brunton Park is a difficult place to come to and that has to continue. Points and goals at home will lift everybody and that also helps to get things going.”
“The message to the fans is that we are coming back to put a few things right,” he said. “The players who are still here feel that more than anything. We want to be winning games because we know it’s the best way to get fans back on our side. We want it to be a successful season because it’s what everyone at this club deserves.”
