Living the dream. Soaking up every moment as if it were the last. All his life, he’d waited to dawn the shirt. Ever since he saw The Reds on ‘Match of The Night’ ten years ago, ever since his aul man brought him to Dalymount for the 1996Cup Final, where he revelled in the joy of watching his heroes Ray Duffy and Declan Geoghegan. Ever since his fellow schoolmates beat him up for wearing his beloved Shels jersey for P.E, (insert numerous exclamation marks!!!!!!)
On Thursday 12th June, the dream became reality for the one and only Dave Rogers. Now whilst many Reds fans are undecided about this lunatic, let’s assess his career with the Reds to date. Firstly, his arrival put pressure on the rest of the defence, which at an early stage of the season, had a familiar look each week (Heary, Doherty, Gannon/Macker and Crawley). So straight away his signing brought competition for places, which is never a bad thing. Rogers first game (away to Derry) saw him slot inside next to Kev. Considering a trip to the Brandywell is never an easy task, some felt his inclusion was debatable. Although we lost the game, based on the opening ninety minutes of his time with Shels, it was clear Nutsy had inherited a young Macker style player. Assessing his performance, however, what stood out wash is communication (surprise surprise, he’s a scouser!) with the rest of the team and of course, his appreciation of the travelling Red Army.
Since then, the Roge has kept his place at the heart of the Reds defence, mostly in the centre, but lately (under tragic circumstances on Dave Crawley’s part)on the left hand side. Whilst he has a tendency to get caught out and at times his distribution can be atrocious, there’s no denying that we have a player who would go through a brick wall. His tackles are lethal. Perhaps a run in midfield alongside Stewie Byrne might be worth a go?
Outstanding so far, was his performance against the Stains at Tolka, and although he got skinned badly a one occasion, in Dalymount he kept Ryan (and the Bohs fans, especially the two who legged it!!!) fairly quiet. The highlight of the man’s career must have been his first goal in Shels colours! Judging by hi dive into the crowd, you’d swear we had just won the European Cup. And of course, the lowlights! The red card against Sligo and that miss in Ljubjana, it was easier to kick, and being a scouser…well nuff said!
What about off the pitch? I feel an Unofficial Stephen Geoghegan Mad Pox of the Year Award is on the cards! He’s a bleedin nutcase! Apparently, the captain threatened to redirect the plane on the way home from Slovenia if Rogers didn’t stop ringing the bell! We’ve already established that he lives on a diet of Jaffa Cakes! And his abuse of a certain substitute stadium announcer was class! Before a game in Tolka, he asked if we liked his suit? “Well I got it off the back of a truck if ye know what I mean” Top Buachaill!
Overall, I’ll be direct, I’m a fan of Dave Rogers. I think he still has a bit to learn about the style of ball played over here. Right, he’s no Declan Geoghegan, but who is? Mark Hutchinson, John Minnock and Crawley all were criticised on the same note, but Geogho senior will not be replaced. On Rogers part, it would be

fair to say, he does give it everything when he plays, and already his presence is vital if we are to take the title back to Tolka. While his crest kissing™ may be slightly patronising, let’s face it, he acknowledges the fans and appreciates the support, especially when away from home. For years, many Shels players ignored such support (Keely’s era how are ye?) so there can be no complaints.