(Very early) Transfer gossip/squad retention

[Charlie Darwin]

Bray are the cockroaches of Irish football. But now the cockroaches are getting cocky, sticking two fingers up to fate and shouting "I dare you to relegate us!" And fire, lots of fire.

[Longfordian]

You know, I was just talking about it with someone else tonight, but why is Pat Scully been out of a job for so long? I was never too fond of the way he had Limerick playing, but he has a decent track record, and surely a more attractive option for a club like Bray over Alan Mathews.

I'd forgotten about Scully funnily enough. Last I heard of him was a wild rumour towards the end of last season, before we got to the play offs, that we were sacking Tony Cousins and bringing in Scully. You'd think he'd have popped up somewhere by now alright.

[DaveyPats]

You know, I was just talking about it with someone else tonight, but why is Pat Scully been out of a job for so long? I was never too fond of the way he had Limerick playing, but he has a decent track record, and surely a more attractive option for a club like Bray over Alan Mathews.

Probably due to the fact that he's a headcase. Clubs suprisingly have more sense than to hire him.

[Charlie Darwin]

There's only room in this league for one guy swanning around in a grey trenchcoat thinking he's Mourinho, and Roddy already has a job.

[Longfordian]

Town have apparently signed Stephen Rice.

[IrishRossi]

Town have apparently signed Stephen Rice.

only for i know yh cant always believe twitter, but everyone on there is saying it

even sully has tweeted it

[Longfordian]

Confirmed now by the club. Great signing.

[SkStu]

Biggest First Div signing since Limerick signed Behan and Gamble. Good stuff.

[ATFC-1887]

Athlone talking to David Webster from Bray. I think he was there captain last year??

[Ezeikial]

Athlone talking to David Webster from Bray. I think he was there captain last year??

Webster would be an excellent addition.

[redobit]

Rice will kick his way, and mouth his way, through that division.

[placid casual]

Ricer will give Longford a very good chance of winning a trophy at Longford , cos thats what he done at Rovers.

[Bray Head]

Webster has already re-signed for Bray.

[ATFC-1887]

Fair enough. Was just mentioned in our local paper that Cooke expected him to sign with us

[wandererfan]

as far as i know webster signed for bray last week

[ATFC-1887]

Was it announced or is it just rumour do you know?

[wandererfan]

Was it announced or is it just rumour do you know?
bray dont announce signings until the bulk of the squad is signed, but appearently he was the first to sign when devlin left

[atfconline]

The paper didn't say he was signing, just that Cooke had talked to him.

[White Horse]

EX-Derry City midfielder Ruaidhrí Higgins is believed to be signing for Dundalk tomorrow (Tuesday).The talented 29-year-old, who wasn’t offered a new contract with City, has thought to have turned down a number of clubs to join the Oriel Park men.

Former Candystripes boss Stephen Kenny held talks with Higgins last week and while the Limavady man also held talks with Linfield, Glentoran and Coleraine, he is believed to have opted to sign for Dundalk.
http://www.londonderrysentinel.co.uk/sport/football/digest/higgins-to-sign-for-dundalk-1-5804150

Meanwhile, Tiernan Mulvena has signed for Glenavon.

[Dalymountrower]

EX-Derry City midfielder Ruaidhrí Higgins is believed to be signing for Dundalk tomorrow (Tuesday).The talented 29-year-old, who wasn’t offered a new contract with City, has thought to have turned down a number of clubs to join the Oriel Park men.

Former Candystripes boss Stephen Kenny held talks with Higgins last week and while the Limavady man also held talks with Linfield, Glentoran and Coleraine, he is believed to have opted to sign for Dundalk.
http://www.londonderrysentinel.co.uk/sport/football/digest/higgins-to-sign-for-dundalk-1-5804150

Meanwhile, Tiernan Mulvena has signed for Glenavon.

Its going to be the usual second season syndrome for Kenny if he is relying on the likes of that waster Higging

[Ezeikial]

Its going to be the usual second season syndrome for Kenny if he is relying on the likes of that waster Higging


If Ruaidhrí Higgins did not set the league on fire with his performances for Bohs in 2010, he was not alone among Fenlon's signings that season, including Mark Quigley, Stephen Gray, Gareth McGlynn, and Chris O'Connor

Higgins has proven his quality consistently over the years with Derry and will need to reproduce his best form to get a place in the Dundalk midfield that is established from last season.

[oriel]

I would agree, think he is a useful player and will have good exp, but I wont expect him get a starting slot with DLK.

He will have to work very hard for that, and this is something we lacked last year, decent options from the bench.

We could start the first league game with Higgins, McMillan, Meenan, Mountney, Gannon, possibly Ward (if he gets a contract) and Sava all on the bench.

[Dillonman]

Pete Mahon has taken over Malahide Utd:

http://thejuniorsoccerportal.info/peter-mahon-takes-malahide-united-reigns/

[dundalkfc10]

I would agree, think he is a useful player and will have good exp, but I wont expect him get a starting slot with DLK.

He will have to work very hard for that, and this is something we lacked last year, decent options from the bench.

We could start the first league game with Higgins, McMillan, Meenan, Mountney, Gannon, possibly Ward (if he gets a contract) and Sava all on the bench.

Ward is signing as has Simon Kelly before Christmas which hasnt been announced (assume he is on amatuer terms as he has a full time job in the town)

Id have a midfield of
O Donnell, Towell, Ward/Mountney
Meenan Byrne
Hoban

Very harsh on Shields but I cant see him getting a regular position in the middle

[Martinho II]

Ward is signing as has Simon Kelly before Christmas which hasnt been announced (assume he is on amatuer terms as he has a full time job in the town)

Id have a midfield of
O Donnell, Towell, Ward/Mountney
Meenan Byrne
Hoban

Very harsh on Shields but I cant see him getting a regular position in the middle

is this the same Simon Kelly that was with you previously and us for a short spell?

[oriel]

Ward is signing as has Simon Kelly before Christmas which hasnt been announced (assume he is on amatuer terms as he has a full time job in the town)

Id have a midfield of
O Donnell, Towell, Ward/Mountney
Meenan Byrne
Hoban

Very harsh on Shields but I cant see him getting a regular position in the middle

Did you forget about Daryl Horgan? He is sure to get the wide spot, leaving probably only one slot left assuming O'Donnell continues with Towell in the centre. Anyone of Shields, Higgins, Mountney & Meenan will be challenging to start. (Ward also if he joins)

Then I'd say McMillan will run Kurtis Byrne close to see who plays behind Hoban, unless he goes with 5 in MF.

[Nesta99]

O'Donnell will have to be careful with backchat this season, if somone loses a spot in the midfield because of suspension it could be tough getting back in again.

[placid casual]

Whats dundalk fans expectation of their team's finishing position next season ?
1st ?
2nd ?
3rd ?
lower

and what will be deemed unacceptable ?
8th?
7th?
6th ?

higher/lower

[Louth4sam]

Whats dundalk fans expectation of their team's finishing position next season ?
1st ?
2nd ?
3rd ?
lower

and what will be deemed unacceptable ?
8th?
7th?
6th ?

higher/lower

Should be achieving minimum top four. Not challenging for top four would be unacceptable.

[oriel]

Going to be very tough to go one better than last season, but I think the squad esp the MF is now a lot stronger than 2013. This was a an area we fell short in last season, outside of Towell and O'Donnell it was just ok in MF, now we have a lot of quality and better options. Retaining the first choice defence will stand to us also. It's going to very challenging that's for sure, but no reason we can't have confidence in having another good season, but for me I think we need to win a trophy.

Top 3 would be my expectation, if we are in a good position by end the summer, we might have a chance of the title, but its too early to predict, need to see the strengths of other clubs first, and need to play each first to judge that.

[White Horse]

Top 3 would be my expectation, if we are in a good position by end the summer, we might have a chance of the title, but its too early to predict, need to see the strengths of other clubs first, and need to play each first to judge that.

Pats must be overwhelming favorites given the amount of money they're spending.

Hopefully, ourselves and Sligo will give them a good race. Hard to know what is happening with Shams, they may be in the mix yet.

[Ezeikial]

Whats dundalk fans expectation of their team's finishing position next season ?


That's a very perceptive question.

In general, there is a hope to do better then last season (i.e. win a major trophy), and an expectation to qualify Europe and a top four finish.

[White Horse]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bd-RxMrCEAEKeT0.jpg:large

Good article in the Democrat on Dundalk's return to training. Kenny is not worried about Pat's decision to sign "Galacticos".

[Charlie Darwin]

I'd be pretty worried if Pats were signing the likes of Ronaldo and Isco.

[Mr A]

Galacticos.

Sometimes I love this league.

[Dodge]

Dundalk the only team dishing out 52 week contracts and paying transfer fees/compensation. Does that make them supergalacticos?

Hilarious stuff by Kenny

[Quayman]

Dundalk the only team dishing out 52 week contracts and paying transfer fees/compensation. Does that make them supergalacticos?

Hilarious stuff by Kenny

I think you will find that there is ONE player on a 52 week contract and our main sponsors are paying him over 3 of the months.

[White Horse]

Dundalk the only team dishing out 52 week contracts and paying transfer fees/compensation. Does that make them supergalacticos?

Hilarious stuff by Kenny

"Galacticos", "52 week contracts", and "transfer fees" are great soundbites.

Which team, Pats or Dundalk, do you reckon have the highest budget?

[prince20]

"Galacticos", "52 week contracts", and "transfer fees" are great soundbites.

Which team, Pats or Dundalk, do you reckon have the highest budget?

Id say it is a case of which is the more sustainable in the long term.

[KBurke]

Id say it is a case of which is the more sustainable in the long term.

Prince this is the League of Ireland, How dare you speak of Long Term Sustainablity haha

[Dodge]

"Galacticos", "52 week contracts", and "transfer fees" are great soundbites.

Which team, Pats or Dundalk, do you reckon have the highest budget?

I'd say Pats. I don't think we'll be the highest though. I expect both Rovers to be above us again.

Dundalk have been quite open about increasing the playing budget so for Kenny to play poor mouth is pretty laughable IMO

[White Horse]

I'd say Pats. I don't think we'll be the highest though. I expect both Rovers to be above us again.

Dundalk have been quite open about increasing the playing budget so for Kenny to play poor mouth is pretty laughable IMO

From interviews I've read, I think Kenny is happy with his budget.

The "Galacticos" comment is a dig at Pats decision to put big money into signing experienced players. In addition, the comment is aimed at a local audience, with a view to talking up his transfer activity during a crucial period of season ticket sales.

It could come back to haunt him if the so called Galacticos propel Pats to an even higher level than last season.

Let the banter and the new season begin.

[Dodge]

Oh I'm fully aware of his aims, I just think they're misplaced.

He can't sign a player like Higgins and think others are going for experience either.

The only signing for Pats that hasn't been run of the mill is Fahey. Everyone else has been released by their club (I say else, of course Fahey was doing nothing either). Same as 95% of all LOI moves

[Louth4sam]

Dundalk would still have the fourth biggest budget in the league but would have caught up a bit with Rovers, Sligo and possibly Pats. I'd say the "Galacticos" tag came from local media rather than Kenny himself.

Higgins, Horgan and McMillan would be signings for upper end of premier league and wont have come cheap so I don't think there are any doubts Dundalk's wage budget has increased. Apparently though, we are still under the wage budget and there will be one more signing.

[poster]

I'd say Pats. I don't think we'll be the highest though. I expect both Rovers to be above us again.


We've cut ours by 20%. I would genuinely expect Pat's budget to be just above ours. Not by much mind you. We'd probably be just on par with Dundalk and way behind Shams.

[nigel-harps1954]

The "Galacticos" comment is a dig at Pats decision to put big money into signing experienced players
.

God forbid a League of Ireland club would actually strengthen their title winning squad rather than sell on their players.

[ATFC-1887]

Mick Cooke today said we are still talking to Marc Griffin, but him signing or not will depend on what money he wants as he was full time last season. Jordan Keegan will be doing pre season with Athlone.

[Sheridan]

The siege mentality is an indispensable component of Kenny's survival mechanism, which is why he tends to thrive outside of Dublin. Pat's have one quality player, one really good player, one or two very promising players, and the rest are above-average LOI journeymen. They wouldn't have been near the top three during the full-time era. Nor would Dundalk, of course.

[Longfordian]

Town have signed Pat Sullivan

[avvenalaf]

Any rumblings over money in Cork?