Games weekend 18th/21st June

[PartySaint]

Agrreed , Sligo are the best team Bohs have played , by some distance.We'll see what Towell brings to Rovers but good enough anyway for top two..Pat's hanging in there though.One of the current top three will win the cup.
Between Bohs Dundalk and Derry for fourth.

I wouldn't rule Dundalk, Derry or Bohs out of winning the Cup, 4th mightn't be enough for Europe this year.

Nice to win the 18 game title though. Hopefully we take advantage of the 2 Rovers being in Europe and end July a few points ahead on top.

[Northsider]

Bohs can't defend, which is why we will end up mid-table. That Icelandic team will be licking their chops when they study the videos of us before the European game.

Besides that, it's great to see a 3 way tie at the top at this stage of the season. It's wide open.

[ontheotherhand]

Yeah, a feeling of dread and despair washed over me when you tipped Bohs.

If you sorted out your centre halves you'd win the league. Still think Bohs are the more dangerous going forward but Sligo aren't conceding much at all. They were the best defensive unit we've played whereas Bohs have been the most threatening for me. That's only on games against mind you. If Bolger and that back 4 at Sligo stay fit until the end they could do it but equally if Bohs could stop conceding they could do it. Or Pats might just have the right balance.

Great season for the neutral. I'm hating it.

[D24Saint]

I think a crucial period is ahead for us. If we bring in a few players then we have an opportunity to at least compete for the league for a while. The longer we stay in the hunt the more probable it becomes that we can reach our target of getting back into Europe.

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

We’re already without 2 of our back 4 with Buckley and McCourt out. Hopefully Buckley is back soon enough. Blayney had a bad day against Drogheda but isn’t a bad option but Buckley is such a great passer from the back. Donelon is an ok replacement for McCourt.

[Dalymountrower]

If you sorted out your centre halves you'd win the league. Still think Bohs are the more dangerous going forward but Sligo aren't conceding much at all. They were the best defensive unit we've played whereas Bohs have been the most threatening for me. That's only on games against mind you. If Bolger and that back 4 at Sligo stay fit until the end they could do it but equally if Bohs could stop conceding they could do it. Or Pats might just have the right balance.

Great season for the neutral. I'm hating it.
The frustrating thing is that for once Long has depth in the squad other than a CF

His insistence on not playing Levinston as Centre mid and continuing to play two tired under 21 's, Tierney and Devoy with good experienced options on the bench is baffling.
The absence of a defensive mid screen in front of the back 4 killed us against Sligo.
Long wont change so we will collate between 4-0 wins and soft defeats.
Ultimately league winners are boring and predictable, ekeing out narrow wins ruthlessly and managing games .Bohs aren't that team, Sligo aren't that team, Rovers and Pat's are closest to that profile

[ontheotherhand]

The frustrating thing is that for once Long has depth in the squad other than a CF

His insistence on not playing Levinston as Centre mid and continuing to play two tired under 21 's, Tierney and Devoy with good experienced options on the bench is baffling.
The absence of a defensive mid screen in front of the back 4 killed us against Sligo.
Long wont change so we will collate between 4-0 wins and soft defeats.
Ultimately league winners are boring and predictable, ekeing out narrow wins ruthlessly and managing games .Bohs aren't that team, Sligo aren't that team, Rovers and Pat's are closest to that profile

I had a nightmare a few weeks back that Bohs signed Bolger instead of Sligo. Terrifying.

Any idea what's up with Hery?

[Dalymountrower]

I had a nightmare a few weeks back that Bohs signed Bolger instead of Sligo. Terrifying.

Any idea what's up with Hery?
Other than wasnt fit, carrying an injury , no..
Would like to think he will be the number 10 for the second half of the season, and Mallon andevinson will feature more.But Kong is as stubborn as Bradley on player selection.
Interesting about Bolger, his ability as a footballer rather than an enforcer is being highlighted in Sligo, wouldn't have got into our side ahead of Buckley ffs.

[Dalymountrower]

Long not Kong,

[redobit]

Out of curiosity ... with 3 teams on the same points and the same GD. Would the Champions be decided by goals scored if that's how the table finished up at the end of the season??

Its mad how seasons can change in LOI. 18 games last season and there was a runaway leader, with the same games played this year its as tight as a duck's ar$e.

[sbgawa]

Out of curiosity ... with 3 teams on the same points and the same GD. Would the Champions be decided by goals scored if that's how the table finished up at the end of the season??

Its mad how seasons can change in LOI. 18 games last season and there was a runaway leader, with the same games played this year its as tight as a duck's ar$e.

Normally it would be goals scored but if Rovers are involved we may have to let the FAI have another look at the rulebook as Pats currently have 30 and we only have 27 ;)

[NeverFeltBetter]

Yeah, it's GD then GF. After that perhaps a repeat of the 92/93 season!

[ontheotherhand]

Out of curiosity ... with 3 teams on the same points and the same GD. Would the Champions be decided by goals scored if that's how the table finished up at the end of the season??

Its mad how seasons can change in LOI. 18 games last season and there was a runaway leader, with the same games played this year its as tight as a duck's ar$e.

Nuts alright. Really disappointed the Rovers team of last year couldn't stick together this year but even if they had, I think it would be a closer run thing. Would've still fancied us to be well clear by the end but Pats and Sligo have come a long way. Just shows what a bit of consistency and a few good signings can do. Stephen O'Donnell under serious pressure last year and now...would any Pat's fan not want him to be there long term?

Would you put Bolger down as the primary reason for Sligo clicking more this season redobit? Few other signings caught my eye but he seems like the driving force.

[Nesta99]

I think Bradley fancied you to be well clear too. Eye off the ball? Many commented on how quietly but solidly Sligo were going about transfer business (Letting Bolger leave was an error in he wake of losing other influential midfielders) and Pats needed a few key signings and time though could yet suffer from a lack of strength beyond 1st choice. Towell seemed like a late decision to shore up things at Tallaght, yet to see if it works out. Ye get the impression that Rovers fans question team selection.

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

We signed very well this season with Bolger, Gibson, Romeo, Walter, McCourt, Horgan and Blayney all in general making positive impressions. That never happens. Usually have a few duds each year. Then Mahon back from injury and Kenny and Byrne coming through it’s a much stronger squad. Still thought we were beginning to drop off but hopefully Saturdays win kicks us on again.

6 of the starting 11 came through the academy which is great to see. Buckley not afraid to give lads a chance.

[ontheotherhand]

I think Bradley fancied you to be well clear too. Eye off the ball? Many commented on how quietly but solidly Sligo were going about transfer business (Letting Bolger leave was an error in he wake of losing other influential midfielders) and Pats needed a few key signings and time though could yet suffer from a lack of strength beyond 1st choice. Towell seemed like a late decision to shore up things at Tallaght, yet to see if it works out. Ye get the impression that Rovers fans question team selection.

Not sure on the first part. I don't think it's a lack of focus or a belief in the camp that we would stroll the league again. I think that if he's guilty of anything it's in believing he had a better chance of holding on the Byrne and McEneff than he did in reality. Maybe he had happy ears when Jack was saying he might stay. Maybe the McEneff interest heated up quite quickly and caught him off guard.

I thought that when we lost them both, we might just be able to get by by spreading the creative workload of Jack and the box to box workload of McEneff across Finn, Watts, Mandroiu/Burke and O'Neill but that hasn't panned out. Finn and Watts haven't been available enough and O'Neill isn't the same player when McEneff isn't beside him. Add to that the signing of McCann not being up to scratch and we are where we are. If we can get Watts and Finn back in for the rest of the season and Towell is even 75% of the player he was previously we should still win the league I think. But it will be a slog and if I was a Pats or Sligo or Bohs fan I'd smell blood. Throw yourselves in the mix there if you get a result on Friday.

[ontheotherhand]

We signed very well this season with Bolger, Gibson, Romeo, Walter, McCourt, Horgan and Blayney all in general making positive impressions. That never happens. Usually have a few duds each year. Then Mahon back from injury and Kenny and Byrne coming through it’s a much stronger squad. Still thought we were beginning to drop off but hopefully Saturdays win kicks us on again.

6 of the starting 11 came through the academy which is great to see. Buckley not afraid to give lads a chance.

That's quality. How was the Sligo academy set up? Is it a partnership with local schoolboy clubs or it's own thing entirely? Don't know a thing about it.

[Nesta99]

Maybe SRFCII were actually Sligo but letting Shams take the heat lol. Not afraid to play youngsters that didnt have the possibility of a season in senior football prior.

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

That's quality. How was the Sligo academy set up? Is it a partnership with local schoolboy clubs or it's own thing entirely? Don't know a thing about it.

Own thing as far as I’m aware. Trials at the start of the season from what I can see to get a panel at the younger levels. Haven’t heard of too much pushback from local clubs but not as big a business as it is in Dublin etc.

[redobit]

Nuts alright. Really disappointed the Rovers team of last year couldn't stick together this year but even if they had, I think it would be a closer run thing. Would've still fancied us to be well clear by the end but Pats and Sligo have come a long way. Just shows what a bit of consistency and a few good signings can do. Stephen O'Donnell under serious pressure last year and now...would any Pat's fan not want him to be there long term?

Would you put Bolger down as the primary reason for Sligo clicking more this season redobit? Few other signings caught my eye but he seems like the driving force.

Bolger has been immense for us since he came in, his performances and chipping in with the odd goal has made a huge difference. One thing that he has brought that we were missing was leadership on the pitch (something you could argue we havent really had since the Danny Ventre days). I dont know what his role might have been at Shamrock if he had stayed but he came here and was given the armband and is helping to guide the younger players. To answer your question, I think it might be a bit unfair to say he is the primary reason, obviously a huge part. Id agree with what NNNN said that we have signed well with no passengers plus there is a good team spirit. I can't see us winning it if im honest but looking forward to finding out.

[redobit]

That's quality. How was the Sligo academy set up? Is it a partnership with local schoolboy clubs or it's own thing entirely? Don't know a thing about it.

I said it on here already but probably the most pleasing thing so far this season is seeing the amount of academy players coming through and starting games. Having 6 starters and being top of the table is some achievement and they are keeping the likes of Figeura, Parks and DeVries out of the team on merit.

There is no official connection with local teams, there are trials at the start of the season and anybody can come along. When Rovers underage teams used to play in the Sligo/ Leitrim league there would be a bit of resentment from local clubs that 'here are Rovers poaching our players' and they'd be lining out against then soon after. With the national underage leagues that attitude seems to have changed and clubs for most part see it as a good opportunity for a player. Young lads are looked after so well here and see other academy players getting into first team so The Showgrounds is a good option for them. They come from Mayo, Roscommon, Leitrim, South Donegal. Conor O'Grady is head of academy (full time position) and from talking to him he reckons there are a few diamonds coming through too.

Edit: Another academy player just signed back ... Seamus Keogh.

[placid casual]

It's a sign that Bradley is still learning on the managerial job, when you see his decision to let Bolger go, and pick up McCann instead - i can't imagine it was about money. Whatever reason it was it was the wrong decision.

[Dalymountrower]

It's a sign that Bradley is still learning on the managerial job, when you see his decision to let Bolger go, and pick up McCann instead - i can't imagine it was about money. Whatever reason it was it was the wrong decision.
Other than Hoare I am struggling to pick a quality signing by Bradley for this season.
(You will be duty bound to argue that Mandriou is one , but despite flashes here and there, he isnt)..Will be interesting to see whether Towell adapts quickly to the disappointment of not making it cross channel
.Still a strong enough squad to grind out a top two finish,

[dundalkfc10]

Other than Hoare I am struggling to pick a quality signing by Bradley for this season.
(You will be duty bound to argue that Mandriou is one , but despite flashes here and there, he isnt)..Will be interesting to see whether Towell adapts quickly to the disappointment of not making it cross channel
.Still a strong enough squad to grind out a top two finish,

Towell had a very successful time in England, a champ player for a season and then offered massive money to join Salford (nobody would have turned that down), has played and won at Wembley twice aswell.

To say he never made it is just not true

[placid casual]

Other than Hoare I am struggling to pick a quality signing by Bradley for this season.
(You will be duty bound to argue that Mandriou is one , but despite flashes here and there, he isnt)..Will be interesting to see whether Towell adapts quickly to the disappointment of not making it cross channel
.Still a strong enough squad to grind out a top two finish,
I hate to be the bearer of bad news for you DR, but , Danny has been an overwhelming success and his impact has been very positive. He's still a work in progress, and he needs to iron out the inconsistencies he was allowed when playing for boez.
He has had to move back into defensive central midfield due to injuries and mccann dying on his arse back there, and that's bit really where Danny belongs. I'm looking forward to seeing him and Towell in midfield, working together to make us more dangerous in the final third - at the moment we're a bit lacking there.

[2 Year Contract]

Towell had a very successful time in England, a champ player for a season and then offered massive money to join Salford (nobody would have turned that down), has played and won at Wembley twice aswell.

To say he never made it is just not true


'Never made it' is probably harsh but Towell definitely didn’t live up to the expectations on him when he got the move to Brighton. There was genuine and not too unrealistic hopes that he’d get into the Ireland squad and become a championship regular or possibly premier league player. In reality the highest level he played at was 1 loan season in the championship in a poor side that were relegated. I know he had his injury problems early on at Brighton but he was expected to be another Keith Fahey when going over and he got nowhere near that level

[brendy_éire]

There is no official connection with local teams, there are trials at the start of the season and anybody can come along. When Rovers underage teams used to play in the Sligo/ Leitrim league there would be a bit of resentment from local clubs that 'here are Rovers poaching our players' and they'd be lining out against then soon after. With the national underage leagues that attitude seems to have changed and clubs for most part see it as a good opportunity for a player. Young lads are looked after so well here and see other academy players getting into first team so The Showgrounds is a good option for them. They come from Mayo, Roscommon, Leitrim, South Donegal. Conor O'Grady is head of academy (full time position) and from talking to him he reckons there are a few diamonds coming through too.

O'Grady was on the LoICentral podcast this week, saying just that. Quick to praise the local clubs, saying that it's not just to the work that Sligo did with them that made them the players they are.
Having O'Grady in there full time must be a massive help, which is something many clubs probably couldn't afford at present.

[Nesta99]

It's a sign that Bradley is still learning on the managerial job, when you see his decision to let Bolger go, and pick up McCann instead - i can't imagine it was about money. Whatever reason it was it was the wrong decision.

Thats as fair a comment Ive seen PC. In fairness even the most experienced managers dont always get decisions on players right. Its just that Bolger has been one of the most consistent and influential players at any club he has been at for a number of years and it was a miss to let him go when midfield wasnt at all settled at Rovers. I wasnt that fussed on Bolger after his season at Dundalk but ye cant take away his success or that Id have him back at Dundalk right now. Towell should make an impact but still a bit of a roll of the dice than playing it safer with holding on to Bolger even to the Summer window. Maybe he wanted away from Tallaght but cant see it as everyone wants to play for Rovers of course. Maybe terms were agreed before Byrne/McEneff upped sticks? Only reason I can see for Bradley not covering bases even with players to come in.

Be fun this evening, whether that is drinking through a chastening result for Dundalk or for ongoing recovery we shall see...

[WeAreRovers]

The dogs in the LOI street know why Bolger was moved on, not a footballing issue is all I'll say. Up there with Shields as the best/most influential player in the league over the last decade and a serial winner.

While McCann has a been a disappointment, the loss of Watts as a direct McEneff replacement has been a bigger blow for Rovers as they were the midfielders giving us go forward momentum and goals from MF. Hopefully Watts is back very soon, maybe even tonight with a bit of luck.

[2 Year Contract]

The dogs in the LOI street know why Bolger was moved on, not a footballing issue is all I'll say. Up there with Shields as the best/most influential player in the league over the last decade and a serial winner.

Agree with all of this, the League of Ireland's John Terry in every sense ;)

[Nesta99]

The dogs in the LOI street know why Bolger was moved on, not a footballing issue is all I'll say. Up there with Shields as the best/most influential player in the league over the last decade and a serial winner.

While McCann has a been a disappointment, the loss of Watts as a direct McEneff replacement has been a bigger blow for Rovers as they were the midfielders giving us go forward momentum and goals from MF. Hopefully Watts is back very soon, maybe even tonight with a bit of luck.

Not this dog, was there bridges to be built?

[Jack B]

Our bench compared to Bohs' puts it in perspective a bit how well we're doing with the size of squad we have. Few absentees and we're really down to the bare bones.

[Dalymountrower]

[QUOTE=WeAreRovers;2080765]The dogs in the LOI street know why Bolger was moved on, not a footballing issue is all I'll say..


Rumour is completely denied by all concerned..Good move for Bolger

[ontheotherhand]

[QUOTE=WeAreRovers;2080765]The dogs in the LOI street know why Bolger was moved on, not a footballing issue is all I'll say..


Rumour is completely denied by all concerned..Good move for Bolger

That's that settled then! This isnt love island ffs, why would they want to talk about it if it was true?

He is missed. He had to go.

Other than McCann there's been no bad signings and even McCann looked good for the first few games. Would be interested to see how he gets on with the other midfielders now back. Gannon isn't the player he was but ..well he did OK tonight.

We look far better with two proper centre mids in with ONeill who has been lost trying to do jobs he isn't suited to. Back to his best tonight and we looked back to ours for the first time in a long time.

Thanks for taking down Pats.

[Dalymountrower]

[QUOTE=Dalymountrower;2080811]

That's that settled then! This isnt love island ffs, why would they want to talk about it if it was true?

(I know that most of the speculation above is non specific but recent defamation actions re on -line rumours would suggest that denials be given prominence)

Thanks for taking down Pats.

Pat's took themselves down.6 yellows 2 red , they were a disgrace.Enjoyavle game though..

[2 Year Contract]

No Coughlan, Mountney or Lewis as well as a lack of discipline is what killed pats last night. Really are down to the barebones as the bench showed. The 9 subs included 2 keepers, 24 year old McClelland and the remaining 6 being 16, 17 and 18 year olds. Thank god the transfer window is open as bodies are severely needed

[nigel-harps1954]

No Coughlan, Mountney or Lewis as well as a lack of discipline is what killed pats last night. Really are down to the barebones as the bench showed. The 9 subs included 2 keepers, 24 year old McClelland and the remaining 6 being 16, 17 and 18 year olds. Thank god the transfer window is open as bodies are severely needed

Harps been decimated by injuries lately too. Webster, Folan, Connolly, McEleney, Timlin, Doherty and young Pat McGarvey all injured or playing through injury. Johnny Dunleavy playing when he really shouldn't be. Conor Barry just back from long term injury, and we've lost several first team squad members from the start of the season so far.

We've had Nathan Logue, Joel Bradley-Walsh and Luke Rudden from our under-19's on the bench and making appearances the last couple of games. Just had to sign 39 year old Gerard Doherty as second choice goalkeeper because of the same issues after Luke McNicholas loan finished.

Barry McNamee at left back last night, Will Seymore at right back against Pats, we've only three 'fit' senior defenders in the squad, and that includes the crocked Johnny Dunleavy. On top of that, Kosovar Sadiki is due to be suspended next week, so that leaves two fit defenders in the squad.

Any wonder our form has gone down the drain.

[Martinho II]

Harps been decimated by injuries lately too. Webster, Folan, Connolly, McEleney, Timlin, Doherty and young Pat McGarvey all injured or playing through injury. Johnny Dunleavy playing when he really shouldn't be. Conor Barry just back from long term injury, and we've lost several first team squad members from the start of the season so far.

We've had Nathan Logue, Joel Bradley-Walsh and Luke Rudden from our under-19's on the bench and making appearances the last couple of games. Just had to sign 39 year old Gerard Doherty as second choice goalkeeper because of the same issues after Luke McNicholas loan finished.

Barry McNamee at left back last night, Will Seymore at right back against Pats, we've only three 'fit' senior defenders in the squad, and that includes the crocked Johnny Dunleavy. On top of that, Kosovar Sadiki is due to be suspended next week, so that leaves two fit defenders in the squad.

Any wonder our form has gone down the drain.

Was wondering why Ger Doherty rang a bell with me? I am not as clued up as I would like how recently was he a first team player?

[Longfordian]

I assume it's the same Ger Doherty that played LOI for many years with Derry!