Craig Sives chats to Rovers Ramblings

Rovers Ramblings were joined by Scottish native Craig Sives, we talked about the arrival of Stephen Kenny, what changes would be made if he was made caption and the new signings at Shamrock Rovers. 

Q1. What made you sign for Shamrock Rovers?

Long story short, I was finished with football after a failed medical with Rovers but was persuaded by MoN too come back over and use the medical facilitys @ DBC Ashleaf, despite there being no wage for me or guarentee of a contract, so it was a bit of a gamble i suppose but things have worked out quite well since I think.

Q2. What do you most associate with Rovers and their fans? 

The fans are brilliant especially the one (or ones) who made up that song.

Q3. How’s life with new manager, Stephen Kenny, and the new players he brought in?

It's diffrent as you would expect with a new manager coming in, pre seasons been the toughest yet so im told, i missed 1st 2 weeks as recovery from my op has taken a wee bit longer than first thought, so i'm a good bit behind everyone at the moment. the new guys, they've all settled in very quickly as you would expect what with all of us left overs from last year being sound n all that.

Q4. Looking back on Mick’s departure, were you saddened by the news of him leaving? How did that hit home?

It was dissapointing as he seemed to be putting plans in place for this season and im certain that with the success we had in 2011 the club would have wanted to tie him, jim, the players and all the staff who were involved, down for the next few years to create some stabilty but for whatever reason it wasn't meant to be and we have to move on.

Q5. Now, on social network sites, from what we know of you don’t own a Twitter account. Are you looking to change this anytime soon?

Nah can't see it happening, I'll stick to talking and texting!

Q6. If you were made captian, what would you change or bring in?

I'd ditch the huddle as i think it's all for show to be honest with you but there's no chance i'll be captain so dont be worrying.

Q7. Looking at the quality of the league now, do you think the SPL is on the same level of our league? Who edges it and why?

Based on last years league the LoI, as a whole, is nowhere near the standard of the SPL, the 'worst' teams in the SPL are alot better than the 'worst' teams here but i think, again based on last year, that ourselfs, sligo and maybe a derry side with james mclean in it would be comfortable in the SPL.

Q8. Do you stay in touch with any former team-mates?

I try my best to stay in touch with as many as possible but when your house gets robbed and your phone gets pinched then it becomes a problem, that's my excuse anyway!

Q9. What do you think of Rovers Ramblings?

Great website you have there.

Q10. On the European success last year, how did that feel? Playing in the EL group stages? 

I was pretty relaxed about the whole thing as it was a no lose situation for me, i knew going into the group games that i was coming up against players that are on another planet from myself and that was confirmed after all the 3 games i played in. but it was a fantastic experiance, especially the game at White Heart Lane, and it's a great thing to have on your CV as there's thousands of better players than me that will never have played in european competitions.

Rovers Ramblings would like to thank Craig for his time,

Interviewed by Alex for Rovers Ramblings. 

Thanks for Reading.