EX-CLARE PLAYER Ollie Baker has expressed his delight at being appointed as the new Offaly manager and vowed to build on the groundwork laid by previous manager Joe Dooley.
In an interview with Midlands 103 Sport, the two-time All-Ireland winner said there was “definite potential” in the side that encouraged him to apply for the job.
When asked about the prospect of recreating the glory days of Offaly hurling, Baker emphasised the importance of taking care of the basics first and foremost:
“What I would set out is that every player that is out there wearing the jersey do so with pride and put in a performance that supporters coming to the game would be proud of.”
He said he will reject the temptation to make a ‘dramatic overhaul’ to the squad and explained that he “won’t be setting any targets” as of yet for the forthcoming season.
However, Baker added that he believed Offaly’s current players are good enough to be a force in the hurling world once again.
“There’s Trojan work that’s been going on, which Joe Dooley has put in over the years and that’s not going to be wasted on these players now, so it’s only a matter of taking up the baton and driving forward with it again.”
His appointment is due to be ratified by the county board next month, while it has already been confirmed that Alan Cunningham will be joining him as coach.
