Rock reacts to first point of the season against Dergview

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Q - Okay Robbie, it's a nil-nil draw with Dergview here at Crystal Park in a game that must have been exciting for any neutrals over here today. Despite the fact that it was a thoroughly deserved point and a point that we probably would have been pleased with heading into the game, could we have possibly walked away with more today?

A - I think we probably get a bit greedy saying that, if I'm being honest with you. They were able to hit the post, they hit the bar in the first 15 minutes or so. They've probably definitely had the upper hand in the first 15 minutes. But as well, if you think about it, the more clear-cut chances in front of the goal, I think probably fell our way. Obviously, it would have been nice to win right at the end, but... Do you know what? For the season that we've had, I take the point all day long.

Q - Obviously, there's a symbolism point today. It's our first point of the season and one that will give the lads a huge left-after. Just such a fantastic performance.

A - Yeah. No, it's a great day. The thing was, the players were just so happy to be able to give that to the fans. We spent time in the dressing room speaking about it and the lads were happy with it. They were buzzing. But the first thing they said is, that's for them. For every fan that's ever come out, it's followed us up and down the country. That's turned up here, the Crystal Park and all. I've been in a lot of grounds, been at a lot of games. And I tell you, the noise when that full-time whistle went today was outstanding.

Q - Just beginning with the first half, we sustained a few attacks from Dergview in the first 10 or so minutes. Then we took off and dominated in that half where we won 50-50s, worked the ball into the right areas and came close to capitalising on a number of chances. What inspired today's game plan?

A - I think just finally everything started to click a little. I'm very cautious in saying that because it's one point. But for the game plan, for what the lads done, we met early this morning. We went through everything. The lads had a very good understanding of the game plan that we've gone through. Gary Lamb, goalkeeping coaches taking up the role of set-piece coach. And I think that definitely caught them off a little bit. And we were very dominant in both boxes. And I had a feeling in my stomach this morning when I turned up that we weren't going to lose today. And it was nice to turn up like that and it actually happened. As for game plan and all, like I've said plenty of times, I'm just a face. I'm the guy that stands there in the dugout, does this. They've done everything. The players were fantastic today. The lads on the bench that didn't even get on, my coach and team, everybody, they all done that. I'm just the one that you're going to ask the questions about.

Q - So just in terms of the second half, it's probably a memory reflection. We continue to dominate. We're just missing that chance from Victor at the end there. What are your thoughts on the second half?

A - I thought Victor was excellent today. Victor coming back in, he just gives us that different threat. I think he probably could have had, and I know how Victor is, he's probably going to go, I should have had two or three today. But his work, holding the ball up, battling, running in behind was excellent. Creates a lot of chances for the team as well, just by being physically dominant. And he was unfortunate not to score today. But in fairness, that one we're talking about right at the start of the second half, the keeper's made himself big and he's pulled off a good save, to be fair, to the goalkeeper. When you're one-on-one, all goalkeepers are asked to do is make themselves big. He's done that. So, like, as much, yes, Victor should score, but, in fairness, the goalkeeper made a tough one.

Q - It seemed from the sidelines that there was just something in the air today the lads were the way they fought for the ball even you were quite enthusiastic particularly enthusiastic in touchdown today

A - It's, I don't know, like I said, when I turned up this morning it just felt different I don't know hopefully it's the start of things to come I like to think when I speak with people I'm nice and chilled on the touchline usually the calmest man around but no definitely not today definitely today I kicked every ball I headed every ball, I made every tackle with them.

But my thing is to be able to affect 22, 23, 24 lads, that's my job is to try and affect them and get them going the one direction. Today was proof that we can do that together. It's just about building on and out like that. We don't want to take away from the performance, but it is only one point. It is only the start. We've gone through a lot to get here. We need to keep our feet on the ground and push on as well.

Q - It would be remiss of me to not mention a few outstanding individual performances today, particularly from Jayden Keaveney, Piotr Slawinski and Victor Ihmeje, who was unplayable paired with Ebuka Kwelele.

What was the thought process behind the decision to go two up top today?

A - Just decided to change it up a bit. Kept our back three. like that that back three gives us so much stability with Rory, Luke and Logan it gives us such a good base we can go off Neymar came up he's been with the reserves he's come on a couple of times started today he was excellent and just Ebuka is great at getting out into areas picking up the ball wants to be there to link the play together and like I said Victor just wants to be that big handful up front so yeah The main thing for me today was let Victor go and do that and then let a build go wrong and see what he can do. It was a gamble. It could have went one of two ways, but it's a gamble that paid off and the two boys were excellent at the club today.

Q - The club welcomed a new signing on today, Matthew McLaughlin from Linfield Swift. What was behind the decision to bring him in and what did you think of his debut today?

A - Matthew came in and trained with us, I think it was the Thursday before, and inside of 10 or 15 minutes, it's... I like to think I know a good player when I see him. And Matthew just came in, part of the group, knows a few of the players, would be friends away from them here, came in straight in. Just so technical on the ball for such a young player. I think he's only 18 years old. Chance came to sign him. Had him in training, like I said, 15 minutes in, I turned around to the coaching team, I was like, we need to get this done. I was delighted to get it done, delighted he made his debut today, especially in a game like this, and came on and affected it in a very positive way, very good with dribbling with the ball, very calm on the ball for our young player, playing in them kind of central positions. But overall, a lot to build on for him. But again, at the same time, when Cian played against Rathriland and he was the man of the match that day, there's a lot for them to build on. We expect that now to be their minimum level. He's got to go and see what maximum is. I'm excited to see what maximum is for him.

Q - And finally, Robbie, it's been a long, tough season for town supporters, but how does it feel to finally send the supporters home happy with a point tonight?

A - Best feeling. After the game, I had to walk out onto the pitch by myself. I was probably overwhelmed by myself. I've no shame in saying that. It's been a tough six months, challenging times. But like I said, that roar at full time, you'd swear there was 50,000 people here.

The passion, seeing people that have been in the club, being so welcoming to myself, my family, the players since we've been here. To see them smiling, jumping up and around, hugging each other. That's why we do it. The guys love playing football. I love managing football. We eat, breathe and sleep it. But to put smiles on faces, to crowds that have turned up in the bad times, to actually give them something positive to go home with.

Like I said, I'm absolutely delighted with it. And hopefully there's more there to come. Robbie, thank you so much. And we will see you at Crystal Park next week for Portstewart. All right, cheers. Thank you.