This Coming Season

[Lim till i die]

Given the resources at our disposal should be a procession. No excuses really acceptable.

But I've been looking at the squad and comparing it to our First Division Winners in 2012:

Ryan
Kelly
Treacy
Purcell
Tracy

Gamble
O'Leary
Bradley

Judge
Behan
O'Brien

2016:

Hall
Kelly
O'Connor
Williams
Tracy

O'Connor
Lynch
Duggan

Rainsford/Mann/McSweeney
O'Flynn
Mulhall

Now from what I can see this First Division is awful. Really, really, awful.

But Cobh will be Cobh, UCD will be UCD and WE WILL LOSE twice in the RSC.

So that squad needs quite a bit of work. And it needs to happen quickly.

I've given Russell an awful lot of slack because of the dog of a job he was landed with. If we're not pi$$ing the division from the first whistle questions will surely need to be asked.

Discuss the issues. :good:

[fieldofmarkets]

Hard to know what the 2016 front 3 will contribute in terms of goals compared to the 2012 version. That's what it'll come down to really.

[gael353]

10 games. If we're not clear by 5/6 points by then he'll be gone. Still waiting for that hidden signing to be announced in the middle of some fan favorites

[NeverFeltBetter]

I don't think Russell should be in charge now, but he's getting the chance to win back PD football instantly, so here we are. The work on signing back players has been great so far - miles ahead of where the club was at this stage over the last few seasons - but lots to be added.

Even with the apparent strength of the team, I don't think Limerick are as well situated as some think. MF isn't a fortress, and I'm worried about crowds, even if it's a breeze of a division. UCD are always tricky, Drogs (as terrible as they were) were better ranked than Limerick for 99% of last season, Waterford are a bogey team (as mentioned, not looking forward to those trips) and Shels won't be pushovers. Limerick will pick up points handy against the likes of Cobh and Cabinteely, but there's a scrap to be had with many others.

[nigel-harps1954]

Don't count your chickens NFB. Cobh will be strong this season. Cabinteely is a very tough place to visit. Tight pitch, not much in the way of support, it's a tough place to get all three points.

In reality, ye should be walking the First Division next season but you just never know. Shels are building a good young side, Waterford could go either way, Drogheda will probably be crap, UCD should be your main challengers, Cobh will be a lot better this year and you can be sure Henderson will have them tough to beat, especially in St Colmans Park. Athlone will likely be rubbish again.

I'd expect Limerick to win the league with three or four games left to play, but anything can happen in the First Division.

[Jofspring]

Athlone assembled a team around 2007 or 08 and were expected to walk thhe division. They didn't end up near promotion in the end.

The quality we have should be too much over the course of a full season but there will be quiet a few blips along the way and how we react when things go bad will tell a lot. We were poor enough when we won the league the last time. A lot of games we just scraped over the line but luckily the other teams in the division all dropped points also.

[thomas72]

With the squad of players we have signed for this season if we don't get promoted blame will be management

[da bishop]

the tools are available and in place...and more to come,....so no excuses ,this league should be won ...comfortably.,,over to you Mr Russell.

[bluewhitearmy]

The fact there were only 14-15 at training on the first day back is worrying our squad should be nearly finished if not completely finished at this stage.

[Jofspring]

I don't think 14-15 is too bad considering we have seen Limerick go back training with 4 and 5 in the past.

3 more signings and I reckon we are set. Possibly another centre half, winger and striker.

[harpin]

The fact there were only 14-15 at training on the first day back is worrying our squad should be nearly finished if not completely finished at this stage.


Probably no 19s there either with it being on in the morning...think todays and tomorrows is in the afternoon because of that

[Martinho II]

wots story with Sean Russell lads? saw piece in mail today about him.

[Jofspring]

wots story with Sean Russell lads? saw piece in mail today about him.

Don't think he is signing back. Heard Martin doesn't want him to because of the abuse last year. Funny thing is I think he played very well against harps in the home game and again when he came on up there. Thought the first division might suit him for another year to progress.

[bluewhitearmy]

Don't think he is signing back. Heard Martin doesn't want him to because of the abuse last year. Funny thing is I think he played very well against harps in the home game and again when he came on up there. Thought the first division might suit him for another year to progress.

Not aiming this at you but dear god if thats the reason the lad may aswell retire now he got a bit of stick that was blown out of all proportion ( is the lie he was booed on to the pitch against Bohs still going?) I remember 2 incidents really worst of which was him being taken off getting cheered.

[bluewhitearmy]

Probably no 19s there either with it being on in the morning...think todays and tomorrows is in the afternoon because of that

4 19s there so 10 senior players one of which wasn't signed with the club.

[bluewhitearmy]

Off top of my head who I remember being there

1 Freddy Hall
2. Shaun Kelly
3. Robbie Williams
4. Paudie O Connor
5. Tony Whitehead
6. Colm Murphy
7. Shane Tracy
8. Chris Mullhall
9. Shane Duggan
10. Paul O Conor
11. Lee J Lynch
12. Ross Mann
13. Unsigned player
14. John O Flynn

[Jofspring]

Not aiming this at you but dear god if thats the reason the lad may aswell retire now he got a bit of stick that was blown out of all proportion ( is the lie he was booed on to the pitch against Bohs still going?) I remember 2 incidents really worst of which was him being taken off getting cheered.

He got a fair amount of abuse over the season. It's more Martin blames himself for not dropping him and he continually got abuse over it. I think it's fair enough, at least at another club if he gets a game it will be considered to be on merit and not because the fans think his daddy is picking him.

[bluewhitearmy]

He got a fair amount of abuse over the season. It's more Martin blames himself for not dropping him and he continually got abuse over it. I think it's fair enough, at least at another club if he gets a game it will be considered to be on merit and not because the fans think his daddy is picking him.

I honestly don't remember it unless it was going on while we were banned or unless it was individuals around the ground like I said I remember 2 incidents one up in Rovers which wasn't even him getting stick as such it was people shouting at Martin "take your son off" then there was the cheering him being taken off which was embarrassing and actually caused arguments up in the stand was there anything else other than the usual "ah f off Russell" kinda stuff that every player gets at some stage from individuals? I know there was the completely made up story of him being booed onto the pitch against Bohs the game he scored and in fairness when one of the lads involved at the club was moaning to me about that I remember 5 of 7 or 8 people he said he saw booing weren't even at the game. Not that any of this really matters at this stage its just been in my head everytime I see it mentioned that I think its being made into way bigger a deal then it actually was.

Fair play to the lad though in fairness to him even if I think it was blown up a bit instead of sulking he got his head down and worked through it and put in a few solid performances after it all and that shows the great attitude he has. I'd take him back as a squad player next season but we already have better than him waiting to come in tbh for starting team. If he isn't coming back because of people thinking his father is treating him differently to be totally honest I think there is no-one to blame but Martin because I do think he treated him differently.

[bluewhitearmy]

Anyway more importantly than any how much was Russell abused or not nonsense what do people reckon attendances will be like this season will the strong end to last season mean a strong start this one crowd wise?

[NeverFeltBetter]

He got a fair amount of abuse over the season. It's more Martin blames himself for not dropping him and he continually got abuse over it. I think it's fair enough, at least at another club if he gets a game it will be considered to be on merit and not because the fans think his daddy is picking him.

I think he should go for this reason over any other. It'd be best for him to not have to deal with it.

In terms of crowds, it'll come down to results as we go along, as per usual, but the FD being what it is, I'm not sure you can expect much. Average in last FD season was under 750 I believe, but in Jackman. MF is worth a few more I'm sure.

[CraftyToePoke]

Anyway more importantly than any how much was Russell abused or not nonsense what do people reckon attendances will be like this season will the strong end to last season mean a strong start this one crowd wise?

I think if we start well, convince and entertain at home attendances will reflect that, people demonstrated last season that if this side is winning they will show interest, being at the top of Div1 Vs bottom of Prem will curtail this sadly, but I still think the will is there to support a winning team in this region.

If after 10 games we are stuttering, playing poorly at home, then the jury will come in quick on MR's time as manager here and he cant argue if that happens. I supported him remaining in the job to begin this campaign, because of how things played out last year, but it's now time his side delivers.

[Acornvilla]

I honestly don't remember it unless it was going on while we were banned or unless it was individuals around the ground like I said I remember 2 incidents one up in Rovers which wasn't even him getting stick as such it was people shouting at Martin "take your son off" then there was the cheering him being taken off which was embarrassing and actually caused arguments up in the stand was there anything else other than the usual "ah f off Russell" kinda stuff that every player gets at some stage from individuals? I know there was the completely made up story of him being booed onto the pitch against Bohs the game he scored and in fairness when one of the lads involved at the club was moaning to me about that I remember 5 of 7 or 8 people he said he saw booing weren't even at the game. Not that any of this really matters at this stage its just been in my head everytime I see it mentioned that I think its being made into way bigger a deal then it actually was.

Fair play to the lad though in fairness to him even if I think it was blown up a bit instead of sulking he got his head down and worked through it and put in a few solid performances after it all and that shows the great attitude he has. I'd take him back as a squad player next season but we already have better than him waiting to come in tbh for starting team. If he isn't coming back because of people thinking his father is treating him differently to be totally honest I think there is no-one to blame but Martin because I do think he treated him differently.
They were saying boo urns..

Seriously thou, there was uproar when he came on and a huge amount of moaning and jeering. Crowds were still small at the time, fairly easy to hear it all :D

[Acornvilla]

In other news, I converted a lad that lives with me, who'd have gone to the odd Cork match, if he ever darkened a LOI grounds door, in to a season ticket holder at MF. You're welcome Pat!

[bluewhitearmy]

They were saying boo urns..

Seriously thou, there was uproar when he came on and a huge amount of moaning and jeering. Crowds were still small at the time, fairly easy to hear it all :D

I'll never forget that Bohs game cos it was the first game I was allowed into the stand in Markets Field and we were only allowed in cos there was only 2 of us from our group at the game ( reason I mention that there was only 2 of us cos everyone knows if anyone was gonna boo him coming on was more than likely gonna be fellas from our group) I remember one lad near us shouting oh ffs when Russell was coming on but noway was it loud enough to be heard too far away. Now unless any uproar and proper jeering was coming from around the pitch outside of the stand but it wasn't happening near me in the stand.

Anyway I think it was blown out of proportion others think it was a big deal no point going on about it I suppose, all that really matters is on the pitch and on the pitch I don't really mind one way or another if he comes back or not he would be a handy squad player in the first division but wouldn't be hard to get better.

[osarusan]

Maybe it takes into account online criticism too.

Sean Russell got a fair amount of criticism on here too, and I was the source of my share of that. I'll stand by what I said too.

Give Russell some time and space, and he's decent enough as a user of the ball.

In a tight spot, in a bit of a dogfight, though, he's not strong enough. And without Lynch in midfield, we never had any time on the ball or space with the ball to use Russell according to his strengths.

Playing him week in, week out when we were not able get the time and space in the middle of the field to use those strengths which he has was a mistake by the manager.

[bluewhitearmy]

Fixtures out Thursday.

[4tothefloor]

Given the resources at our disposal should be a procession. No excuses really acceptable.

2016:

Hall
Kelly
O'Connor
Williams
Tracy

O'Connor
Lynch
Duggan

Rainsford/Mann/McSweeney
O'Flynn
Mulhall



I'm not as confident or excited about that line up as everyone else seems to be. That defence last year was a disaster, we need a starting centre half at the very least. The midfield looks ok, but all three are injury prone, especially Lee J. Paul O'Connor is a very ordinary player imo. We should be looking to sign Dave O'Leary + one more if we can, at least it gives us options. The front three do not impress me at all, is there enough goals and creativity there to win a title and grind out 3 points on **** pitches? Not for me there isn't. Mulhall is ok, will O'Flynn bang them in at his age and for the entire season? Rainsford/Mann/McSweeney are only good enough to be considered squad players at this stage, there's Garbhan now as well who's always very hit/miss. I'd be a lot happier if we had one more decent striker and a decent winger.

Based on the current squad and Limerick being Limerick, there won't be any procession imo. We'll struggle a bit and I'd expect us to have to fight all the way until the end. Hopefully there's a few quality signings on the way :ball:

[NeverFeltBetter]

I'd second the call for another centre-half. Someone like Oji. What was his story again? I remember a vague rumor we might have been trying to get him back, but can't remember if he re-signed for Galway. Foot says his name is "too short" to search for!

[gufc2000]

No Sam Oji hasn't re-signed for us, and I'd imagine he won't be at this stage. He was probably our highest earner or thereabouts last year.

He had a good finish to the season, but erratic form, injury and suspension meant he struggled to make an impact until about August on

[bluewhitearmy]

I'm not as confident or excited about that line up as everyone else seems to be. That defence last year was a disaster, we need a starting centre half at the very least. The midfield looks ok, but all three are injury prone, especially Lee J. Paul O'Connor is a very ordinary player imo. We should be looking to sign Dave O'Leary + one more if we can, at least it gives us options. The front three do not impress me at all, is there enough goals and creativity there to win a title and grind out 3 points on **** pitches? Not for me there isn't. Mulhall is ok, will O'Flynn bang them in at his age and for the entire season? Rainsford/Mann/McSweeney are only good enough to be considered squad players at this stage, there's Garbhan now as well who's always very hit/miss. I'd be a lot happier if we had one more decent striker and a decent winger.

Based on the current squad and Limerick being Limerick, there won't be any procession imo. We'll struggle a bit and I'd expect us to have to fight all the way until the end. Hopefully there's a few quality signings on the way :ball:


O'Conor and Duggan aren't injury prone at all dunno where ya got that from Lee J I can't remember his time before us. Would O'Leary come to be a squad player though cos he isn't as good as any of the 3 lads we currently have but I would love to have him in the squad. Talking to players too they say O'Flynn is very impressive.

Still think there are one or two to come in but when ya look at what we have comapred to others in the league with the exception of maybe UCD we are a lot stronger on paper.

[da bishop]

Most of that squad ,,,especially the defence were a shambles last season but were poorly managed in the premier div.......in what is generally felt as the worst first div in memory that team[squad]properly guided should win it with a bit to spare......but lets just win it.

[NeverFeltBetter]

How is this the worst first division in memory? I would consider the one we topped a few years ago to have been less competitive. That had two significant rivals, this one could have four.

[Jofspring]

The defence was up against much stronger opposition also

Williams and Paudie could form a great partnership. Kelly and Shane Tracey are more than capable for first division. Paul O'Connor impressed me when he slotted in at CB also so that's another option.

Our players will be virtually full time also, only a handful of first division clubs will have a handful of players training full time.

Killian Brouder with the 19's also a great prospect at centre half.

[Lim till i die]

With the budget that's there we should have no rivals. I'd say you could pick any other three teams combine their budgets and they wouldn't have ours.

Finalising the squad has been painful slow as usual but you still have Freddy Hall Shaun Kelly Robbie Williams Shane Tracy Paul O Conor Lee Lynch Shane Duggan Chris Mulhall and John O'Flynn that would all walk on to any other team in the division from what I can see.

In the coming weeks we should be looking to sign a starting centre half a starting winger and a centre mid.

We should be absolutely peerless.

Aside from the odd body I can't see any quality anywhere.

It should be a 28 game long parade.

As a Limerick fan I await the fall and the excuses.

[Lim till i die]

I'm not as confident or excited about that line up as everyone else seems to be. :ball:

For my own part I was saying the squad needs to be quite a bit better.

Money's there, for feck sake spend it!

[bluewhitearmy]

How is this the worst first division in memory? I would consider the one we topped a few years ago to have been less competitive. That had two significant rivals, this one could have four.

Who are these 4 then?

[Jofspring]

We will probably bring in one or two more players but Jesus lads, so far it's by far the strongest squad we could have assembled for the first division. I reckon you would seriously struggle to come up with even 15 different players that would have made us stronger or for that matter even want to come and play for us. The best players are going to play premier. The fact we have signed at least 5 players capable of playing there is great business.

[bluewhitearmy]

We will probably bring in one or two more players but Jesus lads, so far it's by far the strongest squad we could have assembled for the first division. I reckon you would seriously struggle to come up with even 15 different players that would have made us stronger or for that matter even want to come and play for us. The best players are going to play premier. The fact we have signed at least 5 players capable of playing there is great business.

By my most recent viewing of the squads in the league we have

Best Goalkeeper
Best Right Back
Best Midfield ( all 3)
Best Striker

Our midfield are probably the 3 best players in the league with a lad training that if he signs would also be up there. We coudln't be much stronger just wish we were done with squad now but not a big deal really.

[osarusan]

First Division - Series 1

Friday, March 4
Cabinteely v Athlone Town, Stadbrook, KO 7:45pm
Drogheda United v Waterford United, United Park, KO 7:45pm
Shelbourne v Cobh Ramblers, Tolka Park, KO 7:45pm

Saturday, March 5
Limerick v UCD, Markets Field, KO 6:30pm

[NeverFeltBetter]

Who are these 4 then?

UCD of course, Drogheda, Shels not far behind and Roddy, always good for a promotion push when the mood takes him, potentially making Waterford very tricky opposition. It's all possibilities - hence the "could have four" - and maybe Limerick's stadium, full-time squad, training facilities etc will insure a return. But I don't see any kind of cakewalk occurring.

[bluewhitearmy]

UCD of course, Drogheda, Shels not far behind and Roddy, always good for a promotion push when the mood takes him, potentially making Waterford very tricky opposition. It's all possibilities - hence the "could have four" - and maybe Limerick's stadium, full-time squad, training facilities etc will insure a return. But I don't see any kind of cakewalk occurring.

Didn't mean for that to look like I was being cheeky was a genuine question. I think it will be us and UCD fighting it out for top spot but unless they have some hidden gems or people really stepping up from last season I don't see Shels or Waterford having the quality to be in there and Drogs haven't added anyone I would be overly worried about just yet. While it won't be a cakewalk I think if we do not win the league with the budget and squad I think we will end up with then Martin Russell has some serious questions over his quality as a manager.

[NeverFeltBetter]

I think I'm just wary of Drogheda on the overall basis of last season. f they were managed competently and got the squad issues/morale/nonsense in hand, they'd probably be on our level, or just behind.

[NeverFeltBetter]

You know, whenever I think of opponents this coming season Athlone just seem to fall out of my head. How are they shaping up? I know 2015 was a bit of a disappointment, winding up on the wrong side of that big top 4/bottom 4 gap.

[Jofspring]

Athlone fans have said they have heard it will be an extremely young squad. They most likely won't be up to much this season.

[Martinho II]

Athlone Town have lost Philly Gorman to Waterford Utd which is a massive loss to them. Sean Byrne I think was them as well last year and has gone to Waterford also. It will take a few years of hard graft for Athlone to get back up I am afraid!

[Lim till i die]

About this manager.

I've backed him to the hilt cos he wasn't given a fair shake but this pre season has me saying "typical limerick".

Keith Ward told to hit the road according to sauces. I don't know who we have lined up that's better than him but going by the lie of the land I would suggest it's no one.

Is he afraid to spend incase it puts pressure on?

Make no mistake folks, if this season is ****ed up it will be, incredibly, the pinnacle of limerick **** ups.

[Johnnie C]

Any news on venue, ko time v Cobh Wanderers next Saturday ?

[gael353]

Two weeks to bring in players. Our season could be over first two weeks if he fupps up with his signings.

[bluewhitearmy]

Any news on venue, ko time v Cobh Wanderers next Saturday ?

One of the Cobh lads said its on in Pike no time mentioned though.

[bluewhitearmy]

On the squad we still have a lot of time tbf to Russell but I just find it very hard to understand why we wouldn't just sign someone like Keith Ward who would be one of the top players in the division when we so clearly had the chance and this is one of 3 or 4 players I know of that have made contact or had contact made on their behalf about signing for the club. Hearing Ward is talking to another club now in the premier.

Also if people thought Sean Russell was getting special treatment last season how will they feel if he is signed ahead of Ward to play the same position? No offence to the lad I wouldn't mind seeing him back and I definitely wouldn't want him to get any stick but Ward is a far better player.