Wexford’s Aaron Dobbs believes his sides turnaround is down to persistence and simply making their own luck.
Speaking to finalwhistle.ie’s ‘League of Ireland show’ on Wednesday night, Dobbs expressed his belief that Wexford haven’t changed their approach all season, but rather have stuck with it, which has led to an uptick in fortunes, which has seen them take points off Cork City, Treaty United and Longford Town as well as a comfortable win over Cobh Ramblers.
“Since we’ve come back from the break it’s been really good and really positive. For anyone follows the First Division and has seen our games, you could argue that we’ve been unlucky.
“We’ve played good stuff, Ian (Ryan) has us playing good football and as you’ve seen the last two weeks we’ve got late, late goals. Throughout the first and second series of games, those goals were going against us, so we’re due that bit of luck.
“We do all we can do in terms of playing good football and we get them lucky breaks. What you’ve seen these last few weeks is persistence and trusting the process.”
On the topic of whether Wexford can push promotion as they currently find themselves in a playoff spot, Dobbs feels they can given the ambition shown by manager Ian Ryan at the start of the season.
“When you look at the signings he (Ryan) brought in, the likes of Dinnie (Corcoran), Conor Davis, Joe Manley, these are all good, good players. Joe was promoted with Longford and look at the career Dinnie has had.
“These are the calibre of players Wexford are bringing in now. We knew when we got this squad together that we can do something here and that’s been the aim since day one, to achieve something with Wexford.”
That would have personal meaning to Dobbs. It’s also a welcome juxtaposition from previous experiences.
“As a local lad myself it’s great to see Wexford finally getting up the table instead of scrapping for last place, second last place every year. When I was here in 2017 or 2018 it was ourselves and Athlone at the bottom plugging away, trying to pick up points to avoid finishing bottom. But now we’re actually pushing for playoff places.”
Despite GAA being king in Wexford, the numbers in Ferrycarrig Park show that soccer can have an effect on the town.
“I know it’s a big GAA stronghold down here, but we’re getting numbers down to Ferrycarrig again and we’re building it back up.
“If we get results we’ll get crowds in the door and that’s what we’re doing. All we can do is keep winning games, picking up point and playing good football and hopefully numbers will continue to gain throughout the year.”
On the characteristics of his boss that make one want to play for Wexford, Dobbs lauded “Ryaner’s” man management.
“He has a different approach as a manager. He’ll talk to you as a person. What I found was that even at training he’d have a pop at you, but in a good way, it’s all good energy around the place.
“He has everyone gelled together. He’d bring you in on a Monday or Wednesday and he’ll have a bit of craic with you, it’s not all the nitty gritty. He’ll chat to you about life, about anything and everything.
“But more importantly he’s a good lad before he’s a good manager and that’s all I can say about him. He’s a privilege to work for, to be honest.”
Although they are taking it one game at a time, Dobbs is relishing the challenge that the Showgrounds in Sligo will bring in a few weeks when they face the Bit O’ Red in the cup.
“We knew that when the draw was made that we could get anyone and we got a Premier Division team. I was fairly happy about it, those are the games you want to play. The Showgrounds too is a great pitch.
“We’ll be confident going up there. I think on our day we could beat anyone and why not have a go and try cause an upset?”
Dobbs and Wexford will look to continue their good run of form Friday night against Athlone Town.
