United centre-half Sean O'Hanlon (SO'H) spoke to BBC Radio Cumbria's James Phillips (JP) following Carlisle's 2-0 League One season ending defeat at home to Colchester, O'Hanlon unsurprisingly saying the Blues did want to win the game:
JP
You are the perfect man for Carlisle United to send up here tonight because I don’t think anyone could ever question your passion or desire, was it a bit of that lacking all over the piece, was it a bit of a final day syndrome for the Carlisle players today?
SO’H
Well, obviously it probably looked like that but before the game we wanted to win, that is what I said before at home that we want to win our home games. We don’t want to give anyone an easy game and I think in the first-half we dominated, the second-half it was just one of those really. I suppose they got their goal, a scrappy goal and a scrappy second one and then it is just a case of the last day of the season and kind of nothing for us to push for really.
JP
The season is not defined by this game, it is defined by the whole season obviously, but the performance that you guys all gave against Bournemouth compared to this one, in front of one of the bigger home supports that Carlisle have had in a while, they were just chalk and cheese weren’t they?
SO’H
Yeah, obviously they came here with one upfront, they only needed a draw so their goalkeeper (Sam Walker) was taking his time with goal-kicks and free-kicks, they were slowing the game right down so there wasn’t really any tempo to the game. We found it difficult I suppose to break it down and create chances.
JP
Why do you think it is the difference in the performances though, because Bournemouth are twice as good as Colchester probably, I don’t know if maybe twice is a bit much to say, but a wonderful team and you gave them such a good game all the way except for quality late on. Why the difference in performance in seven days?
SO’H
Well, it is just obviously we went to Bournemouth and they wanted to beat us. So, they were pushing forward, pushing men forward where we defended well and we were getting them on the counter-attack and it was a bit end-to-end the Bournemouth game. This game is completely different, they didn’t really want to attack, they were happy just to get men behind the ball and it was hard for us to get Matty Robson out wide and get him to get some crosses in. We didn’t really have that space in their half to do that.
JP
Just a view of the dressing room, as players though would you not say that you guys should be good enough to beat Colchester whatever they do?
SO’H
Yeah, of course, again you would like to think that they have come here and they are desperate to get a point. We have worked hard these last 12 weeks, we were in a similar situation to them and we have gone to places like Doncaster with the same attitude that I suppose Colchester did today and we have got points. So, we did all our hard work I suppose a few weeks back.
JP
And that is the point isn’t it, you did do your work, you were out of the position, you didn’t have to worry, but I am sure everyone would have liked to have just given the fans something to think about over the summer now, in particular when they are mulling over buying season tickets?
SO’H
Yeah, that is the disappointing thing because obviously as players we have gone in there and let the fans down I suppose. We wanted to give them that bit of excitement today and give them something to look forward to for next season, so we are disappointed about that.
JP
Yeah, as footballers we have all played in those games were things just don’t click, but I guess it is just more significant for you guys as professional footballers because we as fans just think that you should always be able to turn on?
SO’H
Yeah, and we tried today don’t get me wrong, it is not as if we didn’t try. I think they just made it difficult for us and we just didn’t click today.
JP
You personally, now you have got a pre-season with the football club and another couple of years to run now, at least another couple of years with Carlisle, how excited are you to be looking forward to a future in football after where you were in coming to United?
SO’H
Yeah, obviously I am looking forward to pre-season already, I have only played just half a season and I am still feeling fresh. So, I am looking forward obviously to when the fixtures come out and then that first game, I am sure we will all be ready and hoping for a successful season.
JP
After the way you played in signing here was it just a case that you were desperate to sign the deal that was put in front of you, or did Greg Abbott have to sell the plan for next year for Carlisle, because I am sure other clubs must have taken note of how well you had played for the Cumbrians?
SO’H
Yeah, I mean for it was more kind of being happy I suppose off the field and obviously Greg looked after me. He gave me a chance and in a way I want to repay Greg for giving me the chance. I came obviously from Edinburgh down to Carlisle and I just feel settled in this area. Everyone has been really welcoming, so the grass isn’t always greener, I was just happy to stay put.
JP
Did he make that point to you as well Greg, because he has talked about a few players like Vincent Pericard who came and then went when things turned up and it went wrong again?
SO’H
Not really, I am obviously grateful to Greg for giving me the chance to get my foot back in the door and hopefully I can repay him.