The one good thing about the 2016 season is that it's over! Looking at next year, with a positive outlook, is that we should be well in contention for promotion. Cobh and UCD also. Some talk about Waterford but it won't be easy to put together an entire new squad to be competitive immediately. Shels will be competing with us for available young Dublin players but they need alot of improvement to their squad. The problem is that available quality players are hard found.
On that basis, I think we should look to keep a good chunk of this year's squad. The continuity will stand to the them as opposed to making sweeping changes. With the short term players (Mvita,Dsane,Makouta) likely gone and also Flynn gone; I'd move on Powell, O'Connor and Skinner as well to free up the wage bill. Get rid of Cody Mulhall too.
That should leave 15 players as a starting point for Mathews to add to. The tough learning curve they had in the Premier Division will surely stand to them. What's everyone's thoughts on the squad and realistic new players to target? Any good players from the under 19's to promote that haven't featured yet in the senior squad?
There's some frustration about the make up of the commitee/lack of AGM, but let's keep this thread about players.
with the frustration about committee/lack of agm that should have its own thread as I want certain muppets out! I want change to progress the club.
Gary Cronin is he the right man to manage Longford Town?
http://www.pfai.ie/transfer-list
very interesting the amount of players of ours thats on it! sully and rhys gormanthe big name. strangely enough of the new signings only coulter is on it. no sign of Kevin O Connor so he must be stayin!!
of course never trust this list but I thought it was interestin to ppl to see it for themselves!
Gary Cronin is he the right man to manage Longford Town?
I'd disagree with keeping a large chunk of this squad. The 2016 squad were a bunch of losers. They won 2 games all season, blame cousins or Mathews or the board or whoever but good players don't have seasons like that. Mathews is keen to keep don and Sully as he feels they would terrorise FD defences. Apparently Eddie didn't bother training towards the end of the season so doubt Mathews will keep him which is a shame as he looks a talent. Yann has as good as announced on Facebook that he is off which is great as he was useless. I'd hope Rhys would stay but given his lack of game time this year I wouldn't blame him for going. Mathews has already spoken to a couple of players so good to see us getting stuff done early. First thing we need is 2 new keepers, Mathews will build this squad from the back and if don and Sully click there's no reason we shouldn't be in a play off position at least.
Do everything possible to keep Davey Tristran and Rhys I wouldn't mind Peter, Mark and Keelan either, but I would definately make Rhys the Captain
McGlynn's gone to America. No loss. Hopefully alan gets us in 2 out and our wingers now, we haven't had 2 good wingers for years now.
O'Connor needs to stay. Get rid of Hughes and Gannon anyway!
He'd want to have his head screwed on better than last season if he's going to stay.
Who is the one down?
Skinner, Rhys, Davy, koc and don re-signed. Gavin boyne and Aidan friel have signed.
That's a great start to the squad building. Probably the first four I'd have kept and Skinner will be OK as a First Division keeper. Don't know much about the two new lads.
Upwards to the vanguard where the pressure is too high.
Hearing good things about Friel suppose to be a real work horse which is what we need. Not sure Boyne will be a great signing to be honest but could just be a squad signing. We are going to need a strong squad to win the title. Delighted to have Davy , Don and RHYS back. Would be hoping Skinner is a number 2 but if not then a good second choice should help push him on. A promising start to things anyway.
There aren't that many better keepers we could get realistically. Fair play to Davy he's a true Town legend. He finished the season strongly and I'm sure some other clubs were sniffing.
Upwards to the vanguard where the pressure is too high.
Havo has signed for another year. Another good First Division player.
Upwards to the vanguard where the pressure is too high.
Just what I wanted to see, a squad of good honest lads been built up. Looks like Mathews has tossed the Charlie's out on their ears. Excellent
some pen picts of ye of the new lads.
http://www.extratime.ie/player/11115328/gavin_boyne/
http://www.extratime.ie/player/11119315/aidan_friel/
Gary Cronin is he the right man to manage Longford Town?
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