de la Vega's first full season in charge has left PSNI fans with something to celebrate. Fantastic cup runs results in their first Intermediate Cup win since 1987, and an impressive semi-final appearance in the Irish Cup.
"We gave the fans a lot to cheer about in the cup, and the final was spectacular. I'm very proud of the cup and scalps we took in the process. We can't get carried away though, a cup win isn't the same as promotion and that has to be our aim."
In the league PSNI seemed close to mounting a promotion challenge and were in the mix up until the last 5 games. However poor form saw them drop away from the pack and finish in 6th place with 43 points.
"A place and a point better than last year. Not quite the progress we were hoping for but still a good showing considering our financial situation. We managed this gradual improvement and cup win on a wage budget half the size of last year."
Half way through the season the PSNI board announced a 50% slash in the wage budget.
"We were already below our cap but it didn't and still doesn't give us room to work with. Even I've taken a wage reduction with my new contract of around the same margin. Next season will be interesting. We had good performances from McAree, Monteiro and Browne but we need to keep building."
"Aims for next season? I want to say promotion but we'll have to keep an eye on the finances and recruitment."
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