Dundalk goalkeeper Gary Rogers says there’s much more to come from his side as they look to wrestle back the title from Cork City. The Lilywhites moved to within a single point of the leaders with a 2-0 win over Sligo Rovers on Saturday night. Pivo
Dundalk goalkeeper Gary Rogers says there’s much more to come from his side as they look to wrestle back the title from Cork City.
The Lilywhites moved to within a single point of the leaders with a 2-0 win over Sligo Rovers on Saturday night. Pivotal to the victory was another Rogers clean sheet – his seventh on the bounce meaning Dundalk are yet to concede a league goal this year.
The veteran net-minder pulled off a number of great stops, denying Calum Waters in the opening seconds with a save at full-stretch. While the Meath man was called upon again in the second half, keeping out Patrick McClean this time.
Despite an impressive start to 2018, Rogers is adamant that Dundalk are yet to find their quicker gears.
“It’s important we don’t allow Cork open up a gap like they did last year”, he stated.
“I think we’re going to get better throughout the season. I don’t think people have seen how good we can be yet this year so it’s an exciting time ahead.”
The Sligo game was Rogers’ 501st League of Ireland appearance, one week after he became a centenarian five times over in the narrow win over Waterford.
Although maybe in the twilight years of his career, the former Bit O’Red man isn’t ready to hang up the gloves just yet.
“I was aware it was 500 because there was some talk about it. I knew it was on the horizon but it’s just nice to be still playing and playing well at this stage of my career. Hopefully there’s more to come.
“I’ve just finished my degree in Sports Management and I’m currently doing my A Licence.
“I’m getting things in place for the future but I’ve no intention of finishing up for another couple of years. Bar an injury, I’m going to try and keep it going.”
Rogers came under scrutiny for some below par performances in recent years, particularly during an injury ravaged 2016.
But he still managed to take home a league title before appearing in yet another FAI Cup final.
Ignoring the naysayers, he says there’s not much he could do with simply get on with it.
“You have to take it on the chin”, he concludes. “That year, I played with a broken hand so it wasn’t easy. I knew I had the injury and not a lot others did. It doesn’t do you many favours when that’s the case. I did come in for criticism but you don’t cry about it – you just get on with it!”
Rogers was described in the local media in Sligo last weekend as “like a fine wine, getting better with age”. Now approaching his twentieth season in the domestic game, Gary says he’s never been happier.
“I think with goalkeeping, you improve with age and experience. You become more comfortable in your position. I’m enjoying it more than ever now because I’m relaxed and I’m not trying to impress anyone like when I was younger.”
The 36-year-old spent three seasons at the Showgrounds. An integral part of the team who dragged a league title back under the shadow of Benbulben for the first time in 35 years in 2012, Rogers says the north west is where some of his most precious professional and personal memories belong.
“To win the league in Sligo, that was special”, he recalls. “It wouldn’t have been my best performance on the day we won it against St Pat’s but to go and achieve something that hadn’t been achieved in my career was so special.
“I really enjoyed my football up there. We were successful in terms of trophies and my first daughter was born in Sligo so it is a really important place for me.”
“I’ve had great times with Dundalk in Europe but winning the league at the Showgrounds was really one of the good ones.”
