2021 Season , Arrivals and departures

[Nesta99]

Wishful thinking! I think Cherrie is a confidence player - tough when a keeper. Not being the commanding vocal type he needs players like that in front of him which I think he does. At a stretch without seeing new signings yet but he is well capable of being that last line shot stopper if he isnt roaming about the box. He is as good as Sava as a reserve keeper if Abibi is worth his salt. Cherrie is good in a good team ;)

[sbgawa]

Wishful thinking! I think Cherrie is a confidence player - tough when a keeper. Not being the commanding vocal type he needs players like that in front of him which I think he does. At a stretch without seeing new signings yet but he is well capable of being that last line shot stopper if he isnt roaming about the box. He is as good as Sava as a reserve keeper if Abibi is worth his salt. Cherrie is good in a good team ;)

This i agree with , Rogers was only a very average keeper prone to gaffs when under pressure which considering how good DFC have been for the last 5 years was not often.
Bit like a hatstand could score goals when up front and getting loads of chances in a good team a bang average keeper wont concede many goals in a good team.
I was surprised DFC didnt go for Brendan Clarke , maybe he doesnt want to go full time but i always thought he was incredibly solid.
I realise he has signed elsewhere now but he was available for a while

[nigel-harps1954]

At this stage, I'm almost half surprised Dundalk didn't keep hold of McCarey.

Cherrie has been very poor this last two seasons.

[Sonny]

Wishful thinking! I think Cherrie is a confidence player - tough when a keeper. Not being the commanding vocal type he needs players like that in front of him which I think he does. At a stretch without seeing new signings yet but he is well capable of being that last line shot stopper if he isnt roaming about the box. He is as good as Sava as a reserve keeper if Abibi is worth his salt. Cherrie is good in a good team ;)

There must be something in the water up there because I'd genuinely love to have the levels of optimism the vast majority of Dundalk fans have. If roles were reversed, and Rovers had lost two players to Dundalk, lost out on Towell, and had recruited the same group of players Dundalk have, the pitchforks would be out and the 'Enough is Enough' banner would be making another appearance!

The goalkeeping situation alone would have me throwing a wobbler tbh.

[Kiki Balboa]

There must be something in the water up there because I'd genuinely love to have the levels of optimism the vast majority of Dundalk fans have. If roles were reversed, and Rovers had lost two players to Dundalk, lost out on Towell, and had recruited the same group of players Dundalk have, the pitchforks would be out and the 'Enough is Enough' banner would be making another appearance!

The goalkeeping situation alone would have me throwing a wobbler tbh.

1) Well some are unhappy. For me, the team looked like in needed refreshing (and the players too). Hoare looked to have gone backways, Gannon too (but seemed to injured). Both are replaceable for Dundalk (ableit good gains for Rovers). Keeping Duffy was massive, no replacing him.
2) Towell fills a much bigger gap at Rovers, they must have thrown money and offered a long term deal to beat Dundalk. Gutted we missed out on a near iconic Dundalk player, but that is the way it is.
3) New players are exotic, and who knows what they will deliver. Sonni and the Lativan have good international experience. Stanton has a bit of pedigree... anyways was there much to sign in the league? Not many players that signed for other clubs are obviously better than what Dundalk signed.
4) Rogers retired. McCarey wasnt good enough. Not much Dundalk can do and needed 2 goalkeepers. Cherrie is a good no.2 gk. Lets hope there is no need for him to be a number 1.

Overall, its easy to be optimistic when a ball hasnt been kicked. We will see when the season starts. The Kenny era is over, so there is always going to be changes.

[Nesta99]

Yeah, thats it well summed up by Kiki. I dont think its optimism as much as acknowledging that we just dont know and are being more pragmatic on the changes at the club and with the squad. Signings in seem to be more about suiting tactics and formation thats in mind, maybe even with lads that were let leave easily also (eg Gannon struggling as a wing back). Under VP it seemed more like bringing in players and slotting them in to a rigid system where they had to adapt and where there was little change irrespective of opposition and how a game was panning out or adjusting formation to a squads strengths.

While I wouldnt be surprised if we went toe to toe at the top of the league, I wont be shocked if we are off the pace for the title. I would be shocked if we were out of European contention. We also have a potential 1st 11 of tried and tested players with a lot of ability but didnt shown consistent good form last season, if they do play to their ability then that alone is reason not to hit any panic buttons. Its an evolution or freshening of the squad rather than rebuilding it. We have 3 good strikers that offer somthing different. Midtskogen is a big strong player that you want to supply with crosses from out wide and using wing backs fits (Dummigan and Leahy we know and Jurkovskis in). Playing 3 at the back we've left and right footed centre-backs and Nattestad is again a big lad that should be imposing, i'd worry a bit about pace though as Garts and Boyle we know are not the quickest so Cleary will be and important starter. FG insists on playing it out from the back so you'd expect Abibi to have been signed with that in mind, that he can pass the ball!! Wasnt Rogers strong point often kicking rugby like to touch, and Cherrie wouldnt stand out as a baller keeper either so there is a lot of hope on Abibi having been scouted as up to it. Midfield we know plenty about, form and fitness of the knowns was an issue last season so some lads need to step up and some luck on the injury front would be nice. Murray and McEleney could continues to be brittle and game time is limited Stanton, Junior will be significant signings. Central midfield we need Shields to keep going and Sloggett to continue to progress, we could even see Duffy tried in a more central role. Kelly and Duffy out wide obviously with Junior and Dummigan also likely to slot in there if needed. We dont know what Perez and Dogan are like really. I still hope the Korean lad gets the go ahead as he'd offer further options out wide and centrally. We have the odd young lad too like Ryan O'Kane that Id expect to get game time if possible, with greater focus on player development.

So my long winded assessment of the squad. There could be an amount of players slotting in and out of different positions to provide cover as it isnt like having 2 teams as under Kenny and when some players got stale. Luck and more luck with injuries and suspensions, a signing or two more and were good to go. There isnt enough games planned preseason imo for the various combinations of players to be worked on but FG at face value doesnt seem overly concerned. There could yet be some out of contract signings for cover but in saying that its possibly why Perez and Dogan are in the squad. Perez is some character - you will hear him before you see him!!

[nigel-harps1954]

Harps confirm the loan signing of striker Ryan Shanley from Hibernian.

Made his first team debut for Hibs in October past. Was on loan with Kelty Hearts in Lowland League in December before their season was curtailed. Scored a few goals there too. Could be an interesting signing.

[Sonny]

While I wouldnt be surprised if we went toe to toe at the top of the league, I wont be shocked if we are off the pace for the title. I would be shocked if we were out of European contention.

Well you should be shocked if you're off the pace for the title when your playing budget is almost double that of your nearest rivals, and many multiples that of most teams in the league!! It would be completely ludicrous if you were 'out of European contention.' You have a squad of 30 first team players ffs!

Also, Duffy is out with a "long-term" back injury according to Gerry Malone?

I stand by my original point. If Rovers had done Dundalk's business in the off season there would be serious discontent and concern - rightly or wrongly. Instead, and again whether its justified remains to be seen, Dundalk fans seem very, very optimistic about the recruitment and the season ahead. Interesting season ahead either way!

[DCWA]

2) Towell fills a much bigger gap at Rovers, they must have thrown money and offered a long term deal to beat Dundalk. Gutted we missed out on a near iconic Dundalk player, but that is the way it is.
.

With respect, you are deluded if you think Rovers would have had to throw money at Towell to appeal more than Dundalk.

They are reigning champions and odds on to retain their title. They have a manager who knows the team and league inside out, they have recruited well and are relatively settled.

Dundalk on the other hand...

Every single footballing consideration that comes to mind for a player like Towell deciding between the two comes down with a tick beside Rovers, it is very possible (frankly probable) that their didn’t have to be a contract financially significantly better on offer from them.

[Sonny]

With respect, you are deluded if you think Rovers would have had to throw money at Towell to appeal more than Dundalk.

They are reigning champions and odds on to retain their title. They have a manager who knows the team and league inside out, they have recruited well and are relatively settled.

Dundalk on the other hand...

Every single footballing consideration that comes to mind for a player like Towell deciding between the two comes down with a tick beside Rovers, it is very possible (frankly probable) that their didn’t have to be a contract financially significantly better on offer from them.

From what I've heard Dundalk's offer was better financially, which isn't surprising, but he went for the Rovers deal. Don't know any details but I think the Rovers offer was longer, so obviously would mean more guaranteed money over the course of the deal.

[sbgawa]

With the tax rates for all income of over 2k a week at 55% in this socialist republic the extra money offered if a player wants to go to a particular club would need to be substantial to make you change your club preference.
Not just in towells case , just in general for the better players.
None of the Mangt from his time at DFC are there and with Finn, Hoare and Gannon at Rovers and him being from Dublin it makes sense.
Driving up from Dublin every day would be a pain if you plan on living in Dublin in the end.
Life is no always just about money

[Nesta99]

Well you should be shocked if you're off the pace for the title when your playing budget is almost double that of your nearest rivals, and many multiples that of most teams in the league!! It would be completely ludicrous if you were 'out of European contention.' You have a squad of 30 first team players ffs!

Also, Duffy is out with a "long-term" back injury according to Gerry Malone?

I stand by my original point. If Rovers had done Dundalk's business in the off season there would be serious discontent and concern - rightly or wrongly. Instead, and again whether its justified remains to be seen, Dundalk fans seem very, very optimistic about the recruitment and the season ahead. Interesting season ahead either way!

Its well discussed that there are reservations on Dundalk's recruitment, an inexperienced manager at senior level, madcap involvement of an american based chairman, contract policy, injury prone players (see recruitment issues) so I dont know why you would think it should be a shock if a title challenge goes off the rails. Shock would imply absolute expectation (which no doubt would be considered arrogant) - its been commented on here about Dundalk fans' optimism in relation to a keeper signing as misguided. Its also been suggested that Towell possibly signing for Rovers is an indication of where the respective clubs are at - especially if the cash is being splashed and A player still opts for a lesser deal. Budgets are a big influence on things but its not the only piece for a title chasing club. Again its a pragmatic approach to the possibilities of the season coming, cautiously optimistic if signings work out and the old guard stay mostly injury free. Annoyed would be more appropriate on how Dundalk fans should feel if the club has 'double the playing budget' and not be topping the heap, but shocked - nope. I dont know where you are getting your figures from but Id love to know what Dundalk's wage bill is that is not just throw away speculation!? Double the budget?? Sure everyone knows that we have the 4th highest playing budget in the league (along with everyone else!!).

We dont have a 30 man squad but maybe it was more a flippant comment but what we definitely dont have is 2 senior squads playing in LoI!

If Gerry Malone says it it must be true...

[Nesta99]

With respect, you are deluded if you think Rovers would have had to throw money at Towell to appeal more than Dundalk.

They are reigning champions and odds on to retain their title. They have a manager who knows the team and league inside out, they have recruited well and are relatively settled.

Dundalk on the other hand...

Every single footballing consideration that comes to mind for a player like Towell deciding between the two comes down with a tick beside Rovers, it is very possible (frankly probable) that their didn’t have to be a contract financially significantly better on offer from them.

Well he did opt to play in the lowest tier of the English football league, I doubt it was for the glory of playing for Salford and buttons! But the rest of your post does show why Dundalk fans wouldnt be shocked if not in the title race as Sonny thinks we should.

[ontheotherhand]

Its a well discussed that there are reservations on Dundalk's recruitment, an inexperienced manager at senior level, madcap involvement of an american based chairman, contract policy, injury prone players (see recruitment issues) so I dont know why you would think it should be a shock if a title challenge goes off the rails. Shock would imply absolute expectation (which no doubt would be considered arrogant) - its been commented on here about Dundalk fans' optimism in relation to a keeper signing as misguided. Its also been suggested that Towell possibly signing for Rovers is an indication of where the respective clubs are at - especially if the cash is being splashed and A player still opts for a lesser deal. Budgets are a big influence on things but its not the only piece for a title chasing club. Again its a pragmatic approach to the possibilities of the season coming, cautiously optimistic if signings work out and the old guard stay mostly injury free. Annoyed would be more appropriate on how Dundalk fans should feel if the club has 'double the playing budget' and not be topping the heap, but shocked - nope. I dont know where you are getting your figures from but Id love to know what Dundalk's wage bill is that is not just throw away speculation!? Double the budget?? Sure everyone knows that we have the 4th highest playing budget in the league (along with everyone else!!).

We dont have a 30 man squad but maybe it was more a flippant comment but what we definitely dont have is 2 senior teams playing in LoI!

If Gerry Malone says it it must be true...

How are you feeling now after seeing some of the imports v Bohs? I only watched the highlights but Jurkovskis seemed to stand out a bit? And the young lad O'Kane had a few flashes?

[pineapple stu]

With the tax rates for all income of over 2k a week at 55% in this socialist republic the extra money offered if a player wants to go to a particular club would need to be substantial to make you change your club preference.
There's sizeable tax relief for professional sportspeople (https://www.revenue.ie/en/personal-tax-credits-reliefs-and-exemptions/income-and-employment/sports-person-relief/about-the-relief.aspx), so the income tax rate isn't actually relevant.

Agree with your other points though.

[Burnsie]

There's a bang of Cork City 2020 off some of these randomers signing for Waterford.

Here's a fact for ye: if Waterford were relegated and replaced by (say) Shels or Galway*, the southernmost team in next season's PD would be Shamrock Rovers. (by my reckoning, Tallaght Stadium is south of Eamon Deacy Park by about 120 metres, going by the centre circles)

[nigel-harps1954]

You would have to be worried if you were a Waterford fan alright. Signing lads from the outer reaches of non league football is either a sign of desperation, or Newell and Sheedy underestimating the league greatly.

[Bucket]

The National League in England is non-league, similar level to the LOI imo

[D24Saint]

I watch the national league in England quite a bit and have been to a few games a year for the last few years. It’s a decent standard of football with a lot of players that could play in the LOI & vice versa. The major obstacle in comparing the two leagues would be the different football cultures. The majority of LOI teams want to try and play nice football with passing play etc where the majority of national league clubs have no interest in trying.

[Sonny]

Its well discussed that there are reservations on Dundalk's recruitment, an inexperienced manager at senior level, madcap involvement of an american based chairman, contract policy, injury prone players (see recruitment issues) so I dont know why you would think it should be a shock if a title challenge goes off the rails. Shock would imply absolute expectation (which no doubt would be considered arrogant) - its been commented on here about Dundalk fans' optimism in relation to a keeper signing as misguided. Its also been suggested that Towell possibly signing for Rovers is an indication of where the respective clubs are at - especially if the cash is being splashed and A player still opts for a lesser deal. Budgets are a big influence on things but its not the only piece for a title chasing club. Again its a pragmatic approach to the possibilities of the season coming, cautiously optimistic if signings work out and the old guard stay mostly injury free. Annoyed would be more appropriate on how Dundalk fans should feel if the club has 'double the playing budget' and not be topping the heap, but shocked - nope. I dont know where you are getting your figures from but Id love to know what Dundalk's wage bill is that is not just throw away speculation!? Double the budget?? Sure everyone knows that we have the 4th highest playing budget in the league (along with everyone else!!).

We dont have a 30 man squad but maybe it was more a flippant comment but what we definitely dont have is 2 senior squads playing in LoI!

If Gerry Malone says it it must be true...

Okay there is a lot going on here.

Firstly, my original observation is based on a quick browse of the Dundalk forum, and to a lesser extent posters here, who generally seem less cautious than you do about the coming season, and in particular seem very confident about a lot of the signings. I'm simply saying that this is very surprising to me, and if roles were reversed I am 100% sure Rovers fans would be very unhappy with the recruitment and be far less optimistic about the potential to make up 22 points on last season. We'll find out soon enough whether the optimism is warranted. To me it looks like your recruitment strategy is very risky and haphazard, and comes across as throwing **** at a wall hoping enough of it sticks.

Your owner publicly stated in an interview about 6 months ago that your budget was double that of Rovers', and any public financial information from the last few years seems to support that. Dundalk's staffing costs are astronomical in LOI terms.

And finally, 30 was slightly hyperbolic, but not that far off. You have at least 26 first team players!! Not winning the league is a massive, massive failure for Dundalk given the resources available.

[Nesta99]

How are you feeling now after seeing some of the imports v Bohs? I only watched the highlights but Jurkovskis seemed to stand out a bit? And the young lad O'Kane had a few flashes?

Havent seen much of the game yet tbh. The pregame production looked great and with having Roche in with the LMFM commentator. Jersey growing on me too.

* Just watched the 1st half there and my first impression was that it is a good game, which is a positive for a first outing with a new look side. I'm very impressed with Ryan O'Kane, composure belying his young age, good understanding with Dummigan down that wing and put in some lovely crosses. On corner taking duty which shows managements confidence in him and he didnt put in one wayward one. It was unfortunate that he dragged the ball wide when put through on goal but tbh he read things well to make the run for McMillan to slip the ball through.
Abibi is the total opposite to Cherrie in that he is quick off the line and around the box, a positive but will no doubt give us a few heart attacks.
Jurkovskis looks handy and not in a Oduwa way - has raided down the right and some neat interplay too, one lovely run in the 20th min if anyone wants to jump in for an example on the link below.
Nattestad looks solid so far and a threat at corners but not involved a whole lot - put one attacking header in the box out nearly at the halfway line lol but it was just over running the ball in so shall let him off that one.
The old guard have been generally good, jump in at 15mins for the McMillan effort - super first touch and volley and if it had gone in would have done the social media rounds.
Shields is playing more like O'Donnell, efficient, dictating tempo, breaking up play, recycling the ball well. Less frantic if that makes sense and really is the one pulling the strings.
Bohs goal was sloppy from Sloggett, those sort of errors will expose us in this new system of stretching wide when in possession and there is no chance to compact things -high risk high reward stuff.
Boyle looks more like the player of 2016 in this game that he did at any time last season, fresh rather than laboured.
Midtskogen didnt do a whole lot in his 30mins but looks able to be a real nuisance for defenders.

So yeah, happy with what Ive seen so far though it is still a preseason game so no losing the run of things. Better than I expected as usually a 1st game back is full of wayward passing and imistimed interplay. There is a cohesion that ye would only really expect after a few games so maybe lots of preseason games isnt the be all if work on the training ground is doing that job. For preseason there is more urgency and better tempo than what was seen competitively last season especially in the league. Cant really judge too much on a single opposition but its a lot more positive than negative!

Bohs started slowly but worked in to the half well. Took the chance gifted to them and hit the post so could have been 2 up at HT after seeing little enough of the ball. Even half overall other than that. Keith Long's suntan is impressive too:cool::D

2nd half subs will be interesting now.

https://www.dundalkfc.com/live-stream-dundalk-fc-v-bohemians/

[Nesta99]

Okay there is a lot going on here.

Firstly, my original observation is based on a quick browse of the Dundalk forum, and to a lesser extent posters here, who generally seem less cautious than you do about the coming season, and in particular seem very confident about a lot of the signings. I'm simply saying that this is very surprising to me, and if roles were reversed I am 100% sure Rovers fans would be very unhappy with the recruitment and be far less optimistic about the potential to make up 22 points on last season. We'll find out soon enough whether the optimism is warranted. To me it looks like your recruitment strategy is very risky and haphazard, and comes across as throwing **** at a wall hoping enough of it sticks.

Your owner publicly stated in an interview about 6 months ago that your budget was double that of Rovers', and any public financial information from the last few years seems to support that. Dundalk's staffing costs are astronomical in LOI terms.

And finally, 30 was slightly hyperbolic, but not that far off. You have at least 26 first team players!! Not winning the league is a massive, massive failure for Dundalk given the resources available.

Massive failure not winning the league is a different debate than why id not be shocked at that failure. I wont be super surprised if we are first over the line either - is that being too optimistic. We probably dont differ that much in how things have been done at Oriel recently. I cant speak for other Dundalk fans but im keeping my powder dry on making bold predictions. Come November I will be very happy to be able to say that thngs werent so haphazard at all in the end and that recruitment was spot on. I will still dislike zonal marking but wont be moaning too much if we dont cough up much.

[Sonny]

Massive failure not winning the league is a different debate than why id not shocked at that failure. I wont be super surprised if we are first over the line either - is that being too optimistic. We probably dont differ that much in how things have been done at Oriel recently. I cant speak for other Dundalk fans but im keeping my powder dry on making bold predictions. Come November I will be very happy to be able to say that thngs werent so haphazard at all in the end and that recruitment was spot on. I will still dislike zonal marking but wont be moaning too much if we dont cough much.

That's all fair enough. It's an interesting season with lots of unknowns. From Dundalk's point of view I really feel the most likely scenario is that Filippo gets his p45 in the summer, but the nature of the league is such that if Rovers don't win it, Dundalk probably will.
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filippo_Giovagnoli)

[oriel]

With the tax rates for all income of over 2k a week at 55% in this socialist republic the extra money offered if a player wants to go to a particular club would need to be substantial to make you change your club preference.
Not just in towells case , just in general for the better players.
None of the Mangt from his time at DFC are there and with Finn, Hoare and Gannon at Rovers and him being from Dublin it makes sense.
Driving up from Dublin every day would be a pain if you plan on living in Dublin in the end.
Life is no always just about money

I was thinking of this before, if I was a Dublin player and coming back from UK, last thing I would want to do after settling back in the city, would be to travel up the m1 twice a day 5 times a week.

Seemingly DFC offered a 2 year contract, Rovers 3, again and at his age, I can see why he took the latter offer.

[mcgonigle]

A the classic Rovers not offering big money deflection. Towell's drop to league 2 was not ambition related. He's playing regularly for Salford so isn't surplus to requirements.

If anyone thinks he's taking a big financial hit coming home or there was a big difference in the offers you are deluded. Good player but you're not getting 2015 Towell. He'll do well but won't replace Byrne or McEneff.

No idea if Dundalk's signings will come good, liked what I saw from a few today. Is it good enough to bridge the gap, maybe. The gap to bridge isn't as big now though.

[pineapple stu]

Collie O'Neill appointed Cabo manager

Great to see him back in the league

[ToberonaTornado]

That's all fair enough. It's an interesting season with lots of unknowns. From Dundalk's point of view I really feel the most likely scenario is that Filippo gets his p45 in the summer, but the nature of the league is such that if Rovers don't win it, Dundalk probably will.
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filippo_Giovagnoli)

You're Breaking new ground by saying this now Sonny,be careful you dont repeat yourself lad:confused:
You dont think Dundalk will win it - we fuqing get it!!

[Kiki Balboa]

Collie O'Neill appointed Cabo manager

Great to see him back in the league

Great appointment that. Was impressed at UCD, and thought he was one of the brightest young managers in LOI. Their tweet says though that he joined the first team coaching staff. I dont think he is the manager.

Are Cabo developing any sort of following?

[sbgawa]

There's sizeable tax relief for professional sportspeople (https://www.revenue.ie/en/personal-tax-credits-reliefs-and-exemptions/income-and-employment/sports-person-relief/about-the-relief.aspx), so the income tax rate isn't actually relevant.

Agree with your other points though.


Thanks for that
Wow they basically get ten years tax back , thats some deal.
Kinda makes sense now why a player would come bac from england for a lot less then he was on if they ultimately want to live/bring their kids up in Ireland (not talking about Towell in particular) just general.

[Nesta99]

If a player is living in Northern Ireland but playing/paying taxes here do they qualify for this scheme, any idea?

[sbgawa]

They would if they were tax resident here rather than living.
I was thinking about Derry players. i wonder would they qualify, youd guess not as Derry is as UK as Manchester (we are talking TAX here rather than the bigger picture).
Maybe if they were living in Donegal and being paid gross and paying their own taxes here..
At the end of the day the IRish Revenue aren't going to pay back taxes that were collected in the UK
Youd have to think Derry would find a way around it that would work.
If they are only gettng a few hundred which would be a lot of Derry players then its not that important i suppose but for bigger earners its a def issue.
This tax scheme must have been brought in for the egg chasers

[sundance kid]

And finally, 30 was slightly hyperbolic, but not that far off. You have at least 26 first team players!! Not winning the league is a massive, massive failure for Dundalk given the resources available.

You do realise that Rovers now have a first team squad of at least 30 players on professional contracts don't you ?

[pineapple stu]

This tax scheme must have been brought in for the egg chasers
There's a bit on its introduction (in 2002) here (https://www.irishtimes.com/business/minister-brings-in-tax-break-for-sports-people-1.1049654).

McCreevy said it was all his own idea and definitely wasn't anything to do with lobbying from jockeys.

He notes egg chasers and LoI footballers as the main likely beneficiaries. And there was probably an element of trying to attract back individual sportspeople - like golfers - who had left Ireland for tax reasons.

[Sonny]

You're Breaking new ground by saying this now Sonny,be careful you dont repeat yourself lad:confused:
You dont think Dundalk will win it - we fuqing get it!!

I'm not confident at all that Dundalk won't win it; I'm honestly just baffled there isn't more discontent among Dundalk fans with the approach during the off-season!!!


You do realise that Rovers now have a first team squad of at least 30 players on professional contracts don't you ?

Rovers released the first team squad for the season the other day and there are exactly 21 players in it. There are a lot of kids on pro-deals at Rovers which makes perfect sense given they were planning to field a B team up until last week, and also a number of top academy talents have recently left for compensation.

[Nesta99]

They would if they were tax resident here rather than living.
I was thinking about Derry players. i wonder would they qualify, youd guess not as Derry is as UK as Manchester (we are talking TAX here rather than the bigger picture).
Maybe if they were living in Donegal and being paid gross and paying their own taxes here..
At the end of the day the IRish Revenue aren't going to pay back taxes that were collected in the UK
Youd have to think Derry would find a way around it that would work.
If they are only gettng a few hundred which would be a lot of Derry players then its not that important i suppose but for bigger earners its a def issue.
This tax scheme must have been brought in for the egg chasers

I was wondering about Chris Shields eg who lives up north. It was this scheme that Neale Fenn claimed was his reason for wanting a mutual termination of contract back in the day. There must have been some quirk to the scheme back then where players got a tax rebate for the year if quitting the semi-pro status. It could negatively impact Derry if there isnt a similar scheme or a way around it - putting a club office in Stranrolar maybe;)

[Nesta99]

I'm not confident at all that Dundalk won't win it; I'm honestly just baffled there isn't more discontent among Dundalk fans with the approach during the off-season!!!



Rovers released the first team squad for the season the other day and there are exactly 21 players in it. There are a lot of kids on pro-deals at Rovers which makes perfect sense given they were planning to field a B team up until last week, and also a number of top academy talents have recently left for compensation.

On the first point - Orielweb was a fair auld battleground before Christmas especially when Gannon's exit to Rovers was confirmed. Fans were as polarised as Trumps America! The second point, meh you are splitting hairs. Dundalk I think have 24 in the squad and a couple gone on loan. 1st team squad includes a couple of youngsters that were promoted eg O'Kane. Rovers have what 22 1st team players, loans out too and with Towell to come in and he is worth 3 squad players!!

[sbgawa]

You do realise that Rovers now have a first team squad of at least 30 players on professional contracts don't you ?

Rovers have 19 senior pros and 2 kids from the acdamy that are designated as first team (you can see the squad on shamrockrovers.ie) and have also signed 8 or 9 academy kids on pro contracts who are doing Ashfield college for their leaving certs and playing for the 19's or 17s.

The kids are being secured for the future.

[Bucket]

For this season all u-19's are registered along with the first team so that clubs can't postpone fixtures if there's a covid outbreak at the club.
Classic LOI debate going on here, "no, your club has more money than my club!"

[Nesta99]

For this season all u-19's are registered along with the first team so that clubs can't postpone fixtures if there's a covid outbreak at the club.
Classic LOI debate going on here, "no, your club has more money than my club!"

Yes and I thought it was sorted years age eveyrone has the 4th biggest budget! It is like a slight on clubs or a financial moral highground stance thats taken (up there with worst standard season ever). Understandable when clubs in the past spent money that was never had but I dont think Rovers or Dundalk currently will be left wanting if there is an opportunity to try to sign a known quality player. I doubt Towell would come cheap regardless of who he may end up with in the Summer. If its value for money that fans want and expect neither Dundalk or Rovers would top that league!

[nigel-harps1954]

For this season all u-19's are registered along with the first team so that clubs can't postpone fixtures if there's a covid outbreak at the club.
Classic LOI debate going on here, "no, your club has more money than my club!"

You still have to register the 19's. They're not all automatically registered.

Mark Coyle confirmed back at Harps as our first team squad now sits at a healthy 25 players, including four under-19's signed to the first team.

[ToberonaTornado]

I'm not confident at all that Dundalk won't win it; I'm honestly just baffled there isn't more discontent among Dundalk fans with the approach during the off-season!!!


Why do you imagine there would be discontent among Dundalk fans?:confused: The gaffer has brought in new signings to replace the ones we lost and added a few more.We looked fairly robust v Bohs yesterday.(albeit that was a friendly)
When Dundalk fans get fed up with fillipo you and the re st of the league will know!Right now,we're grand thanks.

[oriel]

Players will always move, its part and parcel of the game. I think we have assembled a decent squad, and as per the point made before, still 9 who took part in the cup final still there.

Rogers was always going, and that's the key area of concern, no idea how Abibi will work out, Cherrie has won a title with DFC in 2014, but that seems a long time ago, some GK's do get better with age, and he might still be good at this level, but reports from Derry last year didn't seem to be good. I`m just not sure why they didn't go for a proven name in GK area, now one or both of them might do very well, but it shouldn't have come to the 'hoping', lets see how they do.

All other areas no concern, defence looks tight, and the new Latvian defender was excellent v Bohs, MF looks decent, and 4 strikers to pick from.

Still the only one to leave in my view that was a nailed on starter was Gannon, and that was a disappointment, but hopefully Jurkovskis can fill that gap, if he is being used on the right side.

[Charlie Darwin]

Yes and I thought it was sorted years age eveyrone has the 4th biggest budget
It was until Dundalk decide to break the mould and tell everyone they had double everyone else's budget.

Although in the wild world of the LOI that might still only be the fourth-highest.

[Nesta99]

It was until Dundalk decide to break the mould and tell everyone they had double everyone else's budget.

Although in the wild world of the LOI that might still only be the fourth-highest.

Conveniently the only thing that Chairman Bill has said that people havent thought was completely bonkers!! So LoI's 4th highest budget rule is still intact!

[sbgawa]

I see Robbie Keene is back volunteering coaching at Rovers.
Must be great in particular for the young strikers in the academy to have him giving feedback

[John83]

I see Robbie Keene is back volunteering coaching at Rovers.
Must be great in particular for the young strikers in the academy to have him giving feedback
He's still making a small fortune from the FAI too, thanks to that f**kwit Delaney. It's easy to volunteer when you're being paid more money than any three players at the club to do nothing.

[sbgawa]

He's still making a small fortune from the FAI too, thanks to that f**kwit Delaney. It's easy to volunteer when you're being paid more money than any three players at the club to do nothing.

In fairness to him he could sit at home and the FAI would still pay him.
Its bizarre they havent found a roll for him, pretty shoddy

[nigel-harps1954]

He's still making a small fortune from the FAI too, thanks to that f**kwit Delaney. It's easy to volunteer when you're being paid more money than any three players at the club to do nothing.

Being paid a First Division clubs weekly budget himself by the FAI.

[Nesta99]

He's still making a small fortune from the FAI too, thanks to that f**kwit Delaney. It's easy to volunteer when you're being paid more money than any three players at the club to do nothing.

He has some amount of luck on things like that (or a very good agent), even after Leeds almost went to the wall he was being paid by them for years while at Spurs and beyond the life of the original contract as they cut the weekly amount but stretched the term of contract, Liverpool basically paid him to leave by honouring bonuses and now the FAI paying him for doing nothing. They should have tried to negotiate a change in job spec to be an ambassador type coach doing coaching sessions nationwide (maybe the did try). Afaik you have to have x number of coaching contact hours as a pro license coach to avoid issues with renewing the license so benefits both parties especially Rovers having a such a distinguished ex international player associated with them (Duff and Keane is reasonable! and would have ambitious parents throwing money at the club to get little Jonny in to the academy) albeit at the moment its only seniors training.

[Yossarian]

He has some amount of luck on things like that (or a very good agent)

Not that it matters really but I believe his agent/advisor is the current Rovers chairman. The situation a mess entirely of John Delaney’s making but really at this stage the FAI should’ve found him a proper role or came to an agreement to pay him off.