With the new season on the horizon dpfc.co.uk managed to catch up with Goalkeeper David Devlin and get his thoughts on this current squad, the transition from Coach to Player, and what targets he has set for the season ahead.

Dev, you had previously decided to hang your boots up and take on a coaching role with the club last season. That proved a successful decision as you were part of the management team that led the club to promotion in the clubs debut season. This year you’ve decided to revert back to a playing career. What was it that prompted you to take this decision?

The reason I reverted back was because I felt good and injury free in the year while coaching, and I think that was what my body needed, a very long break. I felt that I wanted to have at least one more season before my little boy takes up football.

How have you found the transition from coach back to player?

I feel the transition has been good. At first it was slightly awkward but after the first training session it felt normal

How do you feel your team mates, certainly those who were on the receiving end of some of your touchline screams have taken it?

Well hopefully my team mates are happy with me back as player. I’ve certainly not seen or heard anyone say anything different. Occasionally it sometimes feels that some of the lads, don’t want to listen to me, but maybe that could just be me being paranoid due to playing again.

You’ve been handed the number 12 shirt this season but have already had a fair slice of games in pre-season. What are your aspirations for the season? Have you set yourself any personal targets?

My main goal this season to keep as many clean sheets as possible but also aim to getting that number one shirt!!!

What do you think the team objective for this season should be?

The team goal this season should be to push one better than last season and try and win the league or at the very least secure promotion.

Sunday see’s DPFC start their league campaign with a tough home fixture against Broadway Rovers, a team who secured a 2-1 victory over Davyhulme Park in preseason. Having played in that game what do you think the team should change in order to secure 3 points?

I don’t think there is much that we need to change for the game on Sunday. I think we lost that game due to the fact it was the first time we had played together as a team, so there was always going to be slip ups here and there. I think this time around we will have a different turn out, and think Broadway won’t know what’s hit them when they see how we can really play.

Finally, unfortunately you’ve picked up a nasty injury in rather bizarre circumstances. Do you have any update on a likely return date?

The injury is a major blow for me as I was feeling in good shape and confident. I won’t know exactly what damage has been done until my assessment on the 20th September but I’m keeping my fingers crossed it won’t be as bad as first feared. I can’t really give a time when I’ll be back but hopefully not before long.

Are you confident that this isn’t going to be another injury ravaged season for you?

It will not be another injury season for me this is just a minor setback and I’ll be back before you know it.

Well good luck with everything and thanks for talking to us. We look forward to seeing you back in action soon.