Former Cork City star Graham Cummins on moving into management with Midleton

After years of playing as a professional and then analysing the game as a columnist for The Echo, Graham Cummins has decided to put his knowledge to the test by taking up the role of Midleton manager in the Munster Senior League.

Cummins has now put away his pen and will try to help Midleton defend their title.

“When approached by former teammate Billy Woods I was a bit hesitant as it hadn’t been something I thought about. However, having seen the professional set up at the club, I got excited and agreed to take on the position.

“I suppose at first I thought life was pretty busy already with work, family and commitment to playing with Tramore Over 35s and also playing GAA but genuinely walking into a club who are like a professional outfit made me think more about it. Then, having spoken to former manager Kevin Murray and with him leaving the team in such a healthy position, I knew there wouldn’t be a better opportunity. 

"I decided to take on the challenge and I am looking forward to it.

“We’re back pre-season about two weeks and numbers have been great. Stephen Daly has come in with me and to be fair, he will lead the sessions and I am there as Manager to give pointers when needed. 

"I feel we have a good coaching staff in place to take this club to the next level. Andy O’Donoghue, Ian Kirby, Gearoid O’Leary, Alan Healy and Jan Haandrikman will also make a massive impact to the squad. All these lads have a lot more experience of the league than me so that’s important. I think collectively we will work well together and hopefully we can carry last year's form into next season. 

There’s a great group there and already just two weeks in, I can see the hunger from everyone.

“We’ve signed a few players but hopefully more to follow. We are delighted to have Dale Holland and his experience from League of Ireland will be a huge asset and you can already see him setting standards, staying longer after training to work on different aspects of the game. 

"Younger lads will feed off his enthusiasm. Adam Kelly from Leeside, Oyemen from Leeds and Dan Ryan also from Cobh have all come in so it’s exciting to have fresh faces in the squad in order to drive fellas on another level.” 

While not a lot of managerial experience having only had a brief stint with Tramore seniors as player-manager, his competitiveness will still give him the drive and determination to help his side win silverware, the intermediate cup being his main ambition.

“I only had a brief stint with Tramore as player-manager but obviously for years as a player, I’m familiar with a manager's role. However, I have Stephen and the lads who will lead most of the training sessions and I will be there to give me knowledge of the game, from a player's perspective mainly I suppose." 

AIM HIGH

Like all managers, the aim is to win silverware. 

"Our first aim is to retain the league title with Kevin doing a fantastic job winning two leagues in his three years in charge. He’s created a fantastic culture and while it may be hard taking over from him, he’s left the club in a brilliant position that again it’s exciting to come into. I would imagine a manager's role is only one part of the job as I believe the players will have that drive and determination to win silverware.

The main thing is to get off to a good start and see where that takes us.

"I’m a similar character to Kevin so I think he knew I’d enjoy this role to take the club to the next step. I'm well aware there’s a fine line between winning a league and avoiding relegation so it’s a good challenge for me. 

"I believe with the support of the club and the excellent professional environment at the club we definitely have a good head start. Coaching staff are all enthusiastic, experienced lads and that accompanied with some exceptional talent makes me look forward to the season ahead.”