2022 Season, Arrivals and Departures

[patsdad]

On Joey B’s question, no falling out or banishment just a football decision by the manager that it’s time to move on from Bermo. Not a decision that Pats fans in general would agree with but it’s the managers call.

On Nesta’s question, I think one breach of contract case is enough for us to be pursuing.

[D24Saint]

On Joey B’s question, no falling out or banishment just a football decision by the manager that it’s time to move on from Bermo. Not a decision that Pats fans in general would agree with but it’s the managers call.

On Nesta’s question, I think one breach of contract case is enough for us to be pursuing.

I certainly wouldn't agree with that. He is a club legend and shouldn't just be tossed aside by a manager who is in the club a wet day. We could have done with Bermo yesterday as Breslin looked knackered half way into the second half.

[Nesta99]

On Joey B’s question, no falling out or banishment just a football decision by the manager that it’s time to move on from Bermo. Not a decision that Pats fans in general would agree with but it’s the managers call.

On Nesta’s question, I think one breach of contract case is enough for us to be pursuing.

Makes sense, there is a case to be answered by West Ham, player and agent for sure!

[Bunny Kelly]

I do laugh the suggestions Pats let Keeley go because they thought they had Anang for the rest of the season, in what world does a league of Ireland team turn down that kind of money for their 3rd or maybe potentially 2nd choice keeper

[Jd2793]

I do laugh the suggestions Pats let Keeley go because they thought they had Anang for the rest of the season, in what world does a league of Ireland team turn down that kind of money for their 3rd or maybe potentially 2nd choice keeper

yeah its laughable. signing odumusu near the start of the season was a sure sign they didnt see any potential in playing keeley this year.

[Nesta99]

St Pats are masters at the old obfuscation!

[total hoofball]

Incorrect. If that was the case then they would’ve just recalled him from the loan and there would’ve been no need for the player to threaten to not fly to Sofia if Pats didn’t agree to cut the loan short. As Clancy mentioned, the clause to allow him return in June wasn’t taken up by West Ham
So then Derby County tapped up a West Ham United player who was on loan at another club and the loan player and player and his agent engineered his loan termination not West Ham United. Yeah sure.

After O'Donnell-gate, Charter-gate and now Anang-gate it always seems to be someone else's fault with Pats. One way or the other with Clancy publicly throwing a young UK loan player under a bus that will be Pats blacklisted for loans by any credible UK club not a smart move

[2 Year Contract]

So then Derby County tapped up a West Ham United player who was on loan at another club and the loan player and player and his agent engineered his loan termination not West Ham United. Yeah sure.

After O'Donnell-gate, Charter-gate and now Anang-gate it always seems to be someone else's fault with Pats. One way or the other with Clancy publicly throwing a young UK loan player under a bus that will be Pats blacklisted for loans by any credible UK club not a smart move

We'll have to wait and see if Pats are put in the big bold boys blacklist due to a comment about a players agent by a manager despite the invaluable development provided to the likes of Jaros, Lewis and Anang (who also got the move to Derby that he wanted at the end of the day). And on the two charters getting cancelled, again, you should be grateful that your club made the news in relation to a European tie for the first time in decades

[D24Saint]

I do laugh the suggestions Pats let Keeley go because they thought they had Anang for the rest of the season, in what world does a league of Ireland team turn down that kind of money for their 3rd or maybe potentially 2nd choice keeper

We could have negotiated a short term loan agreement like in the case of James Abankwah.

[D24Saint]

So then Derby County tapped up a West Ham United player who was on loan at another club and the loan player and player and his agent engineered his loan termination not West Ham United. Yeah sure.

After O'Donnell-gate, Charter-gate and now Anang-gate it always seems to be someone else's fault with Pats. One way or the other with Clancy publicly throwing a young UK loan player under a bus that will be Pats blacklisted for loans by any credible UK club not a smart move

I blame you for all of the above.

[Jack B]

Clancy and Bermo have definitely had a falling out in some shape or form. He's been fit and not even in the squad for a good while. Quite disappointing that such a club legend will be going out in such a way to be honest.


So then Derby County tapped up a West Ham United player who was on loan at another club and the loan player and player and his agent engineered his loan termination not West Ham United. Yeah sure.

After O'Donnell-gate, Charter-gate and now Anang-gate it always seems to be someone else's fault with Pats. One way or the other with Clancy publicly throwing a young UK loan player under a bus that will be Pats blacklisted for loans by any credible UK club not a smart move

You should be thankful we gave Shels the extra rest. Imagine how many more Ryan Brennan would have scored if not.

[Jd2793]

Clancy and Bermo have definitely had a falling out in some shape or form. He's been fit and not even in the squad for a good while. Quite disappointing that such a club legend will be going out in such a way to be honest.



You should be thankful we gave Shels the extra rest. Imagine how many more Ryan Brennan would have scored if not.

anything more on mccormack? i still cant get my head around his lack of gametime this season.

[TonyD]

anything more on mccormack? i still cant get my head around his lack of gametime this season.

When he has got on the pitch he hasn’t really played himself into the team to be honest.

[Jack B]

anything more on mccormack? i still cant get my head around his lack of gametime this season.

Been a strange one with him, his absence has been a bit less of a head-scratcher recently as we haven't been playing a formation with a #10 which is realistically the only position he'll get game time in.

Just seems like they don't fancy him, Clancy alluded to it earlier in the season about him not putting the work in in training (or something to that effect), but he was on the right path and would start playing more. That was around the time he changed the game vs UCD and had a good cameo around that time but it's still largely been quiet since. Wouldn't be surprised if he moved on and we ended up regretting it.

[Nesta99]

Been a strange one with him, his absence has been a bit less of a head-scratcher recently as we haven't been playing a formation with a #10 which is realistically the only position he'll get game time in.

Just seems like they don't fancy him, Clancy alluded to it earlier in the season about him not putting the work in in training (or something to that effect), but he was on the right path and would start playing more. That was around the time he changed the game vs UCD and had a good cameo around that time but it's still largely been quiet since. Wouldn't be surprised if he moved on and we ended up regretting it.

He has a dozen appearances or almost half of league games which isnt too bad for an 18 year old, though he could have been brought on in injury time in each game of course, but he was one to watch unless his development stalled. O'Kane is hghly regarded at Dundalk as a similar comparison, with a manager who is willing to play young lads and he 8 appearances and likely would be a few less if Kelly hadnt got injured. Not great that a manager is publicly suggesting he hasnt been grafting enough, can happen when a player picks up that he isnt fancied by a coach or are not suited to the preferred tactical setup. A coach familiar with him could be interested as a young lad with potential and a point to prove, fits tactically, can play as a 10 and push on when a main striker drops deep, a club that has a remit of developing a squad over time, so obviously Rovers will be watching closely! At least there'd be a solidarity fee involved.

[Jack B]

He has a dozen appearances or almost half of league games which isnt too bad for an 18 year old, though he could have been brought on in injury time in each game of course, but he was one to watch unless his development stalled. O'Kane is hghly regarded at Dundalk as a similar comparison, with a manager who is willing to play young lads and he 8 appearances and likely would be a few less if Kelly hadnt got injured. Not great that a manager is publicly suggesting he hasnt been grafting enough, can happen when a player picks up that he isnt fancied by a coach or are not suited to the preferred tactical setup. A coach familiar with him could be interested as a young lad with potential and a point to prove, fits tactically, can play as a 10 and push on when a main striker drops deep, a club that has a remit of developing a squad over time, so obviously Rovers will be watching closely! At least there'd be a solidarity fee involved.

Yeah at face value his numbers relative to his age probably seem fine, but in context his progression has stalled compared to last season where you'd naturally expect him to kick on more. Especially given that we at times have forced wingers, strikers etc into playing in his natural position and have looked worse for it than when he's gotten a look in.

Not saying he'd be a total game changer or anything mind, just that there's obviously a lot of talent there that we aren't getting much out of whether it's his own fault or otherwise.

[kksaints]

Been a strange one with him, his absence has been a bit less of a head-scratcher recently as we haven't been playing a formation with a #10 which is realistically the only position he'll get game time in.

Just seems like they don't fancy him, Clancy alluded to it earlier in the season about him not putting the work in in training (or something to that effect), but he was on the right path and would start playing more. That was around the time he changed the game vs UCD and had a good cameo around that time but it's still largely been quiet since. Wouldn't be surprised if he moved on and we ended up regretting it.

He wasn't particularly successfully this season even when he did start. That UCD match was very much the exception this year. Reminds me of Markey when he was with us to a certain extent, some great cameos but not as effective starting. Possibly could do with a loan move next season to someone like Drogheda for the 1st half of the season and get some regular game time.

[Jd2793]

He wasn't particularly successfully this season even when he did start. That UCD match was very much the exception this year. Reminds me of Markey when he was with us to a certain extent, some great cameos but not as effective starting. Possibly could do with a loan move next season to someone like Drogheda for the 1st half of the season and get some regular game time.

hopefully we go up but looking ropey after this weekend , id happily take him down in cork

[brendy_éire]

Jordan McEneff signs for Derry.

https://www.derrycityfc.net/2022/08/jordan-mceneff-joins-city/

Looked decent enough when I saw him, but can't imagine he'll play with us this season.

[Kiki Balboa]

With a few games left, I think attention is already turning to next season targets.

If Rovers win the league this year, they are nearly guaranteed group stage football again (or at least will be favourites in enough games to qualify). That gap is going to be too big for any team to close (unless they collapses, which can happen to any LOI team).

If Rovers don't win the league this year, they will still be the richest team, but would need to be a lot more sensible with their money. Them, Dundalk, Derry and Pats will all fancy themselves to really challenge for the league (way more than the previous year). So that would make for a very interesting off-season- it could look like a 4 way race for the league (also depending on who wins the cup for Pats to play in Europe).

What also makes it ia very nteresting (albeit a very difficult window) is that a lot of the u23 players, who would be the main target for each of these clubs, are already gone.

You would think that Devoy, Burns, Kerrigan and McGinty would have been the top targets for each club with their contracts running out.

Now, within the league, the most interesting moves to make would be Liam Burt, Darragh Markey, Colm Whelan (bad injury tho) and Phoenix Patterson. And thats if no English clubs pick them up either.

Going outside the league is always a risk, although Pats and Dundalk seem to be having some success this year... If they can build on those links, that is a big advantage over other LOI cluba.

Dundalk will have a fair bit of work to do as well, maybe the most, as they have to replace the loan players and get new center backs. (Although Alfie Lewis is a great signing). Rovers actually had two great signings this year, Lyons and Cleary- although if they lose Lyons, its a big hole. Pats are going to finish the year as one of the strongest teams as well and should be better in Clancys second year. Derry have a lot of issues, but also seem to have decent resources- not sure anymore on Higgins, but even just Mickey Duffy coming back will be huge.

To me at this stage, it already looks a big ask for Bohs, Sligo and Shels to crack Europe next year, as Dundalk, Pats and maybe Derry, all look on the upswing. Add to that probably two more professional teams will be in the league (and what Drogheda do), it might be a big scrap for those teams to fight for the players left over from the top 4. A bad offseason for one of those clubs might mean relegation next year. There wont be a UCD or Finn Harps to be non-competitive in the transfer market next year. Maybe Bohs forseen that, and signed their team already for next season. So, I wouldnt be surprised if a Sligo or Shels ended up in the playoff next year.

Just thoughts... Would only matter if each team are able to hold onto the majority current squads, unlike last year (which hopefully will be the case for the league as a whole).

[nigel-harps1954]

I wasn't aware that both Harps and UCD were definitely going down. That's a pity the playoff has been scrapped.

[pineapple stu]

In fairness, we've both been saying all season that whichever ends up as the ninth-place team still isn't strong enough to win a playoff. I think it's a reasonable assumption

[joey B]

In fairness, we've both been saying all season that whichever ends up as the ninth-place team still isn't strong enough to win a playoff. I think it's a reasonable assumption

Then you see Galway losing to Bray so who knows!! Bit of positivity Stu come on!

[pineapple stu]

Half the time the pessimist is right, the other half he's pleasantly surprised. It's win-win :)

[nigel-harps1954]

I would have said the same until I watched a few games involving First Division sides recently. For as bad as Harps and UCD both are, I don't think either should fear Galway/Waterford or whoever scrapes their way through. The Cork v Waterford game was dreadful last week.

Nothing is a foregone conclusion. Definitely glass half empty currently, but a one off game in a neutral venue could go either way.

[pineapple stu]

Let's revisit after Friday maybe.

If Galway can't knock us out of the Cup, with our only two good players gone, then I'll start thinking maybe us, or a Harps side that's only gotten one point off us this year, could maybe stay up

[sbgawa]

With UCD and HArps starting to pick up wins and the first division clubs stumbling your prediction that the reward for finishing 9th was to lose the play off is looking pessimistic now. Can Caulfield survive not going up this time??

[Nesta99]

Half the time the pessimist is right, the other half he's pleasantly surprised. It's win-win :)

I like that!

Assuming Cork will get promoted I think they can useful in transfer window, not wildly even with their current crowds and what Premier Division football will bring. They would have enough financial room to add to their squad that should be safe. If Waterford can make it through to a play-off final and get promoted they too will be pretty competitive for players. Whether promoted or not Galway wont progress with Caulfield, my disdain for him is no secret. For the premier side in the play-off I think Galway will be the biggest bottlers as they will be going backwards, anyone else will be in bonus territory and have momentum. Harps have the play-off experience and all the tricks. UCD its hard to know imo but I will bow to the opinion of people that see them regularly and feel that there is enough about them.

It could be the most nerve wracking run in for a while for a bunch of teams including Rovers depending on tomorrow. Its nip and tuck for Europe and that will be the difference between aiming for a top 3 again with a core group of players with young lads and loans, or looking to be title challengers. Derry are the ones it has least importance for as they will just be continuing to build title chasers on the quick. Bohs could well have made a shrewd move by using this season to develop a side, Shels I think will also improve based on this season experience and Duff getting to grips with being head coach and the refereeing. Sligo as is often the way will quietly go about their business and you wont know much about them until the season beds in.

Rovers could be in for some upheaval. I think Bradley will have ticked boxes this season that kept him at the club and if a decent offer comes along could be willing to have a go. Succession plan in place or not a change in coach can work or not, but either way the want to put their own stamp on things, move out of the shadow of their predecessor and not just been seen as inheriting a winning side. Can be subtle eg Perth being willing to make earlier subs, or not so subtle where he went from one of the lads to probably trying too hard to be the gaffer not the pal. They might convince Mannus to go on for longer but he could call time even if has already considered extending things and will be very hard to replace - there are good keepers and then there are those that are the glue of a defence or even a squad, pure leadership. The age profile of a number of players often get mentioned and there are a couple of seasons in most but will have to be minded more and more and so integrate new signings or youths, like Emakhu, Tetteh, with a mix of keeping Gaffney. Big season for Burke and Byrne on the injury front. Green, McCann, Finn ye could see finish just on their age though Finn for example could minded and play on. Towell is unlikely to give u his contract unless wanted elsewhere whether he is wanted or not by Rovers.

Dundalk are further along than most would think on squad development/rebuild. I can see a few loan players being made permanent, also go back for loans that ended eg Williams, and pad the squad with some loans. Garts will probably finish, McMillan also, Cherrie another possibility though as a 2nd keeper and or keepers coach may stay at the club. It would be some coup to get Macari and Bradley back but their clubs will likely want them to step up. Hauge its too early to know whether he is a stand out youngster that Hibs will want back. Animasahun could be a longer term replacement for Garts but havent heard much on his progress. Mountney's ongoing injury needs to clear up, he's a long time out when he looked set for a return, dont know whether he picked up a new injury or was coming back too soon on the existing one but he keeps in good shape and the longer he's out the more concerning his level of recover will be. What we need is cover for leahy who I dont think has performed to levels he can for whatever reason. We are always going to struggle if Hoban isnt available so a number 10 (as Hoban drops deep almost in to that role) with a striker than will just run the line. Defensive cover, one at centre back but will see how McCourt goes. Right full if Macari goes. Bone is a useful utility player thoughat hs age maybe its time to specialise. There are a few positions that the young lads could slot in to but I always think you need sot and out wingers - Kelly has come on great in that regard and has played up front and could be useful there if he is seen as something different if needed in that regard. Obviously we all want greater depth in a squad

[Kiki Balboa]

I wasn't aware that both Harps and UCD were definitely going down. That's a pity the playoff has been scrapped.

Didnt mean to upset anybody....

[sbgawa]

The only player i can see going at the end of the year is McCann tbh hes 35 now
Finn/Greene etc will definitly stay on i reckon
For all the talk about our big squad we had 3 senior pros on a reduced bench on Thursday and its not a one off there were loads injured last year as well
Bad luck? bad training? to many matches? i can see the younger players having a bigger role next year and a few incomings as well but not to many with the plan being IF we win the league we are going for groups again and need plenty of cover
In terms of who id like to see come in...maybe do a burke and see if Danny Mandroiu wants to come back from Lincoln?
Burt looks good at Bohs and 008 has sidelined him which makes ne think he might be on his way
Colm Whelan i assume will be leaving UCD (is he finished his degree Stu?) as it appeared he was off except for his injury
Trevor Clarke has fallen out with Joey Barton at Rotherham ..'I've made a mistake' - Barton dismisses Trevor Clarke's career with Bristol Rovers two months after contract renewal (msn.com) (https://www.msn.com/en-ie/sports/football/ive-made-a-mistake-barton-dismisses-trevor-clarkes-career-with-bristol-rovers-two-months-after-contract-renewal/ar-AA10r5GY) The article says more about Barton then it does about Clarke tbh

[ger121]

The only player i can see going at the end of the year is McCann tbh hes 35 now
Finn/Greene etc will definitly stay on i reckon
For all the talk about our big squad we had 3 senior pros on a reduced bench on Thursday and its not a one off there were loads injured last year as well
Bad luck? bad training? to many matches? i can see the younger players having a bigger role next year and a few incomings as well but not to many with the plan being IF we win the league we are going for groups again and need plenty of cover
In terms of who id like to see come in...maybe do a burke and see if Danny Mandroiu wants to come back from Lincoln?
Burt looks good at Bohs and 008 has sidelined him which makes ne think he might be on his way
Colm Whelan i assume will be leaving UCD (is he finished his degree Stu?) as it appeared he was off except for his injury
Trevor Clarke has fallen out with Joey Barton at Rotherham ..'I've made a mistake' - Barton dismisses Trevor Clarke's career with Bristol Rovers two months after contract renewal (msn.com) (https://www.msn.com/en-ie/sports/football/ive-made-a-mistake-barton-dismisses-trevor-clarkes-career-with-bristol-rovers-two-months-after-contract-renewal/ar-AA10r5GY) The article says more about Barton then it does about Clarke tbh

The word on the street is Long has benched Burt because he knows he is off to Rovers at the end of the season. Has form here as did similar with Mandriou in his last season with us.

Do you think McCann will leave? Been very good this season and with his experience he could easily do another season?

[sbgawa]

I dont understand why Long does that, its not personal its football, it happens and the player might even change his mind between now and the end of the season or get a better offer somewhere else (which i guess he wont if Long wont play him so he is probably making certain he goes to Rovers.
As an example Kerrigan was reputed to be going to Rovers but got a better offer in Como.

I think MCCann will be off tbh he barely played a game up until Europe and while he has been good he wouldn't have been near the team if there weren't so many out. Also we have a couple of young lads coming through who could potentially play there

[Nesta99]

Trevor Clarke has fallen out with Joey Barton at Rotherham ..'I've made a mistake' - Barton dismisses Trevor Clarke's career with Bristol Rovers two months after contract renewal (msn.com) (https://www.msn.com/en-ie/sports/football/ive-made-a-mistake-barton-dismisses-trevor-clarkes-career-with-bristol-rovers-two-months-after-contract-renewal/ar-AA10r5GY) The article says more about Barton then it does about Clarke tbh

Jaysus, what'd Clarke do, not offer Barton his face to stub out a cigar!!?

[Nesta99]

I dont understand why Long does that, its not personal its football, it happens and the player might even change his mind between now and the end of the season or get a better offer somewhere else (which i guess he wont if Long wont play him so he is probably making certain he goes to Rovers.
As an example Kerrigan was reputed to be going to Rovers but got a better offer in Como.

I think MCCann will be off tbh he barely played a game up until Europe and while he has been good he wouldn't have been near the team if there weren't so many out. Also we have a couple of young lads coming through who could potentially play there

Well that explains a lot, Long is a Rovers secret agent, 008 indeed!

[Philosophizer]

I dont understand why Long does that, its not personal its football
I totally agree. I think he did it with others too like Breslin.
He should be playing Burt, he's the best attacker left at Bohs by a mile. Leaving him on the bench is v petty.

[ontheotherhand]

The word on the street is Long has benched Burt because he knows he is off to Rovers at the end of the season. Has form here as did similar with Mandriou in his last season with us.

Do you think McCann will leave? Been very good this season and with his experience he could easily do another season?

McCann is a lovely footballer and might be good for another season of he could stay fit but he doesn't seem to be able to. We need legs in midfield and he just doesn't have them anymore. He's been great when we've needed him most though. A bit like Joey O'Brien, he's playing through stuff and it's probably hurting him.

Do you rate Burt ger? Straight swap for Towell interest you at all?

[El-Pietro]

Assuming Cork will get promoted I think they can useful in transfer window, not wildly even with their current crowds and what Premier Division football will bring. They would have enough financial room to add to their squad that should be safe.

If/when we're promoted we have a really big job on our hands. I think the general consensus among City fans is that this is a good first division team but not a good team overall. There's a few players you could probably rely on in the Premier Division but very few who should be expected to start for a team in the lower mid table area. The only bankers to start next season I think are Harrington (if he doesn't leave) Gilchrist and Bolger.
We don't have a huge amount of financial muscle these days and after the initial buzz dies down we won't have huge crowds if we're not winning. I think a baseline of about 2k is reasonable and that should be augmented by improved away crowds after most fan bases haven't had a chance to visit since 2019.
I have a lot of confidence in Colin Healys ability to build a very good defensive shape with whatever players he has at his disposal but the attack needs a lot of work. Hopefully thats eniugh to keep us out of a relegation battle year one.
One issue is there aren't a lot of Cork players in the league these days who we could reasonably hope to attract home, which has always been how we've built the core of our teams. Hopefully there are some young players looking to come back from the UK.

[sbgawa]

With drogs talking about going full time you could be looking at 9 or 10 full time teams next year depending on how the play off goes. Will be a serious league next year. Competition for players will be tough. Drogs might be better off staying part time though, if rumours of bohs going to morning training are true drogs could end up as the only viable option for players based in dublin who want to play Premier but have jobs carears outside football

[ger121]

McCann is a lovely footballer and might be good for another season of he could stay fit but he doesn't seem to be able to. We need legs in midfield and he just doesn't have them anymore. He's been great when we've needed him most though. A bit like Joey O'Brien, he's playing through stuff and it's probably hurting him.

Do you rate Burt ger? Straight swap for Towell interest you at all?

Burt has been great for us since he joined. Maybe not at the form of last year but still chips in with goals and assists. With others leaving the club he is even more important to have in the side, which is all the more baffling as to why he is not.

Think Towell’s best days are behind him. He has no pace anymore and is not exactly a goal machine. I’m sure he will be happy to finish out his contract at Rovers.

[ger121]

With drogs talking about going full time you could be looking at 9 or 10 full time teams next year depending on how the play off goes. Will be a serious league next year. Competition for players will be tough. Drogs might be better off staying part time though, if rumours of bohs going to morning training are true drogs could end up as the only viable option for players based in dublin who want to play Premier but have jobs carears outside football

More than rumours sbgawa.

The days of the true LOI part-time player do seem to be coming to an end. At least for now…

[placid casual]

At this moment in time I'd swap Ollie Horgan for Towell. Ollie could be an opposition analyst or one those types of jobs for Rovers . Anything to get that expensive, hairband, useless waste of space that is Richard off the Rovers payroll. He's about as useful as tit$ on a fish.

[ger121]

At this moment in time I'd swap Ollie Horgan for Towell. Ollie could be an opposition analyst or one those types of jobs for Rovers . Anything to get that expensive, hairband, useless waste of space that is Richard off the Rovers payroll. He's about as useful as tit$ on a fish.

Who gets the stick for giving him a 3 year contract? Never got up to the heights again of the Dundalk days. Now Ollie would be some signing. Most definitely get you more points than Towell.

[Jd2793]

looking forward to seeing who shells out for towell next. a guy who got to england on his physicality and his brute force. all that has waned with age, shell of a player now.

[sbgawa]

Towell doesnt bother me to the same extent as he seems to bother others, i think the problem is the expectation levels around him and the reputed big wages. If you stand back and look at it i dont think he has been that bad his finishing has been poor but he has got in a lot of good tackles and one massive block saving a goal in Dalymount in the last game there, at this stage i think he is trying to hard tbh.
Will be interesting to see if he can turn it around , if he does we will want to keep him , if he doesn't no one will pay his wages to take him.
He is going to et plenty of game time over the next 11 weeks so he has a chance to do either.

Edit Post tonight's match:
Towell was excellent tonight and hopefully the goal and performance will settle him down and he can go on a good run of games. Felt he was definitely trying to hard lately

[outspoken]

Towell doesnt bother me to the same extent as he seems to bother others, i think the problem is the expectation levels around him and the reputed big wages. If you stand back and look at it i dont think he has been that bad his finishing has been poor but he has got in a lot of good tackles and one massive block saving a goal in Dalymount in the last game there, at this stage i think he is trying to hard tbh.
Will be interesting to see if he can turn it around , if he does we will want to keep him , if he doesn't no one will pay his wages to take him.
He is going to et plenty of game time over the next 11 weeks so he has a chance to do either.

Edit Post tonight's match:
Towell was excellent tonight and hopefully the goal and performance will settle him down and he can go on a good run of games. Felt he was definitely trying to hard lately

Towell rolled back the years last night, making those trademark late runs from deep to join in attacks. In saying that, Dundalk made it very easy for him by playing such an incredibly stupid high line.

[ontheotherhand]

Towell rolled back the years last night, making those trademark late runs from deep to join in attacks. In saying that, Dundalk made it very easy for him by playing such an incredibly stupid high line.

Unfortunately I think that's the game that suits him most. He did similar up in Derry last year.

We don't play like that very often though and he gets a bit lost when he tries to fit into our normal system. I'd agree with sbgawa as well to an extent in that some of it is probably down to him trying too hard to get back to the levels he was at years ago.

Delighted for him though. His attitude has been great.

[SPXcyan]

I'm wondering if perhaps Towell would be considering his post football playing career? perhaps as a fitness instructor? he's clearly fitness oriented and I wonder would he be interested in continuing on as a coach or simply focus on his gym network?

[ger121]

What’s the craic with Mandriou at Lincoln. Is he still injured? Not even in the squad for their LC game.

[sbgawa]

When he went it was said he went at the beginning of the window rather than the end as he wouldnt have been fit for any of the European games so im guessing that was up to group stages.
On that basis he should be back to fitness around now if not Match fitness as such.
Id expect him to start showing up on the bench soon to start.

[SeanDrog]

I see that James Browne has been out on loan from Blackburn u23 out to Stockport county - hope that’s not a bad sign - league 2 level , he’ll no doubt compete there but I hope he doesn’t get stuck there.