Kerry FC

[EatYerGreens]

In a word, not really going at all, outside of the family tickets and possibly the terrace - they certainly can't complain about a lack of local media support, so will have to go all-in for receipts on the day:

https://kerryfc.com/season-tickets/

That's a lot of unsold seats so far. Worrying stuff, and will make it harder to forward-plan financially. Definitely got the pricing wrong

[legendz]

That's a lot of unsold seats so far. Worrying stuff, and will make it harder to forward-plan financially. Definitely got the pricing wrong
Most definitely got the pricing wrong. They'll have to be challenging for the playoffs at those prices at the very least.

[sbgawa]

I still think the perception of value here is wrong.
One trip to an All Ireland final for a family with two kids is probably the season ticket cost for all Kerry FC home games for next season or probably half the cost at best of a trip to Liverpool or Manchester
We chronically under value ourselves here
Hopefully the crowds who are sort of interested ut not interested enough to buy a season ticket turn up for Kerry FC.
In fairness as i said earlier in this thread other than families who have a connection via the existing underage structure it is hard to see many people in Kerry being so committed at this stage as to be buying season tickets.
Taking into account the limited capacity they have i reckon they were looking at the "cost" of lots of cheap season tickets in a limited capacity stadium
Bit like Bohs who exclude kids season tickets from attending Rovers matches (and i'm not having a go its smart)

[Neish]

I still think the perception of value here is wrong.
One trip to an All Ireland final for a family with two kids is probably the season ticket cost for all Kerry FC home games for next season or probably half the cost at best of a trip to Liverpool or Manchester
We chronically under value ourselves here


Whether or not the LOI undervalues itself is irrelevant here, you can only judge value for money against what you competitors are offering with the same or very similar product. An all Ireland Final is a showpiece game and ticket are like gold dust most years its very different for a LOI first division games in Mounthawk park

[legendz]

I would value the East Terrace standing at €10 per game. Seating at €15 per game. €150 season ticket for East Terrace standing and €225 season ticket for seating would have been a fairer price.
Some clubs have membership where members get season tickets at a reduced price. Something that should be given consideration going forward.

[culloty82]

I would value the East Terrace standing at €10 per game. Seating at €15 per game. €150 season ticket for East Terrace standing and €225 season ticket for seating would have been a fairer price.
Some clubs have membership where members get season tickets at a reduced price. Something that should be given consideration going forward.

Particularly when between the Kerry U20s, Dynamos and now Kerry FC, the aspiration of fielding a senior First Division from the county has been discussed on and off for the last 20 years, so all the planning and marketing needed to be meticulous right from the beginning, as there'll be no local grouping waiting to pick up the pieces in a worst-case scenario.

[culloty82]

Looks like they're finally going to make more squad announcements tomorrow morning:

1612147121800581121

[EatYerGreens]

Sean kennedy announced today = (14) Kerry Football Club on Twitter: "WELCOME HOME SEAN KENNEDY! The former Sunderland and @CorkCityFC winger will take to the Mounthawk Park pitch in the green of Kerry for the 2023 @LeagueofIreland First Division season https://t.co/4TaljtpQfp" / Twitter (https://twitter.com/KerryFC/status/1612373745271701504)

Given what he's wearing there, the club still don't seem to have their kit or merchandise back yet. None of the usual 'player in shirt holding club scarf above his head' thing.

[culloty82]

See current status of club shop website:

https://www.kerryfc-shop.com

They did say today's signing would only be the first announcement of the week, so perhaps it'll finally be ready before Friday.

[dansultheman]

That is a great Coup for Kerry FC.

Sean Kennedy - Cork City + Sunderland
Matt Keane - Treaty Utd
Sean Mgrath - Cobh Ramblers


If they can add another 6-7 lads with LOI experience, mixed with their best U19's from last year, you would have to imagine that being competitive is going to become more realistic.

There are more around Kerry with LOI experience - Does anyone know who else they have in their pre season training right now?

[culloty82]

Moving to the less likely end of the spectrum - since his move to Stockport, Daniel Okwute has fallen between the two stools of being too old for the academy team, and too raw to even make the first-team bench, so a loan return until July would benefit all parties. Similarly, Shane McLoughlin has been frozen out at Morecambe this season, though you'd imagine a League Two or National League club would be willing to give him game time.

[EatYerGreens]

See current status of club shop website:

https://www.kerryfc-shop.com

They did say today's signing would only be the first announcement of the week, so perhaps it'll finally be ready before Friday.

I dont know if they have an ongoing/longstanding arangement with New Balance, but Kerry should've gone for speed here to get merchandise out asap. Which would probably suggest O'Neills as the more sensible option, rather than the big overseas brands. O'Neills would also understand the county and be able to do them some interesting designs.

[culloty82]

New Balance have their HQ in Boston, so presumably Ainscough and Conway have connections with the company.

[culloty82]

Looks like the work on the stand will soon be complete:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FmHT62UX0AAeB5f?format=jpg&name=small

[nr637]

Is that stand running the full length of the pitch?

[joey B]

Half the pitch I think.....

[SPXcyan]

Correct, half length stand with 500 seats.

[culloty82]

Nathan Gleeson and Junior Ankomah are the first of last season's U19s to be confirmed for the senior squad, so as effective "re-signings", seem to fit here better than the arrivals thread:

1613460903806083073

[EalingGreen]

Correct, half length stand with 500 seats.Is that a brand new stand? If so, isn't it a bit poor to have stanchions supporting the roof and restricting the view, rather than a cantilver effort?

Or is it an existing terrace which is being converted to seating, in which case the roof/stanchions are more understandable?

[SPXcyan]

It's an existing stand that's simply getting new seats to match the colour of the club.

It'll be a rather poor stadium but it's a start anyway.

[Loifan_76]

Any sort of stand is a step up on Stradbrook and the old Cabinteely ground. It was basically a field with a bar. Kerry look like they're putting the work in, fair play to them.

[culloty82]

Cormac Buckley and Cian Brosnan, both from the U19s, round things off for the week.

[dansultheman]

Cormac Buckley and Cian Brosnan, both from the U19s, round things off for the week.

Great to see the two lads getting signed. Cian scored 18 goals in 14 games last year for the U19’s. These lads can certainly play! Different kettle of fish playing Senior Football but being competitive is what I’m leaning towards

[outspoken]

Moving to the less likely end of the spectrum - since his move to Stockport, Daniel Okwute has fallen between the two stools of being too old for the academy team, and too raw to even make the first-team bench, so a loan return until July would benefit all parties. Similarly, Shane McLoughlin has been frozen out at Morecambe this season, though you'd imagine a League Two or National League club would be willing to give him game time.

Could be wrong but almost certain amateur clubs can't sign players on loan. I remember Tommy Barrett talking about it before at treaty

[culloty82]

The stand is complete at any rate, now they just need to confirm some friendlies!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FmS-1vYXEAUaHY0?format=jpg&name=small

[dansultheman]

The stand is complete at any rate, now they just need to confirm some friendlies!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FmS-1vYXEAUaHY0?format=jpg&name=small

Class! I was there earlier today and seen that the F was fixed. With more announcements on players coming this week (according to a source), excitement is starting to Ramp up.

Any Idea when the Cobh tickets become available?

Surely a few friendlies will be announced soon! Unless playing behind closed doors

[culloty82]

Two more U19s move up to the senior squad:

http://traleetoday.ie/former-park-fc-players-sign-for-kerry-fc/

[culloty82]

And the first annual returns have been duly filed:

https://core.cro.ie/e-commerce/company/4897226

[culloty82]

Sportfile with an early contender for Sports Photo of the Year:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fm7xnL0XEBg-qaF?format=jpg&name=small

[DCWA]

Something almost comical looking about the wee stand tucked in the corner.

[culloty82]

Three more U19s sign today, Aladesanusi was called up to an Irish U19 training squad during the summer, so would seem best prepared for senior level:

http://traleetoday.ie/three-more-players-added-to-kerry-fc-senior-squad/

[legendz]

Something almost comical looking about the wee stand tucked in the corner.Room to improve! The main stand in the Market Field is mainly in one half.


Three more U19s sign today, Aladesanusi was called up to an Irish U19 training squad during the summer, so would seem best prepared for senior level:

http://traleetoday.ie/three-more-players-added-to-kerry-fc-senior-squad/
It's a big step up for all the players progressing from the U19s. They have been a part of the Kerry journey to the First Division over recent years. Only right that the best of them are part of this first season. Hopefully the blend of experience will help them learn fast.

[culloty82]

Wayne Guthrie, who after his A Championship days represented the black and amber of Austin Stacks with distinction, has been announced this morning, and so is poised to fill the No 1 jersey.

[Kingdom]

Wayne Guthrie, who after his A Championship days represented the black and amber of Austin Stacks with distinction, has been announced this morning, and so is poised to fill the No 1 jersey.

His brother Shane was a decent footballer as well. Was it Cork City he played with? I met their Da a few times up in the P&P.

[culloty82]

Seems he played with Rovers, Pats, Dundalk and Galway as well in his time - if they'd been able to join even two years earlier, he could have been a useful addition!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shane_Guthrie

[outspoken]

Would an addition like that Ie a strong GAA character add to the interest locally do you feel?

[culloty82]

He'd certainly have more of a profile than the rest of the squad put together, and because of his longevity with Stacks, their considerable membership should rally behind him.

[dansultheman]

He'd certainly have more of a profile than the rest of the squad put together, and because of his longevity with Stacks, their considerable membership should rally behind him.

Smart signing! He is in his early 30’s with decent experience underage Ireland set up and in the A Championship! Used to playing in big games and with the first division very much route one most times, he will be a great asset blending his gaa fielding to crosses!

Could this persuade his brother Shane to come back for one year?

[culloty82]

At 38, I suspect even one year would be a bridge too far. Have been told they beat Killarney Athletic 3-2 in a friendly, which highlights both that scoring won't be an issue, but relying on 19-20 year olds at the back will leave you brutally exposed.

[dansultheman]

I agree with Shane's age. The man is in great shape as he does all the personal training. Having a defender of his experience in and around the young Kerry players would be a big plus even if he does not play much. I think he won the first division 3-4 times during his career.

[culloty82]

Alex Ainscough (the son of Brian) has joined from Flower City Union, a NISA club (US third tier) based in Rochester, NY. That said, he was a regular starter there last season, which probably immediately elevates him above the rest of the squad in terms of experience:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Flower_City_Union_season

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/kerryman/sport/soccer/alex-ainscough-joins-kerry-fc-in-transatlantic-switch-42312334.html

[nigel-harps1954]

Alex Ainscough (the son of Brian) has joined from Flower City Union, a NISA club (US third tier) based in Rochester, NY. That said, he was a regular starter there last season, which probably immediately elevates him above the rest of the squad in terms of experience:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Flower_City_Union_season

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/kerryman/sport/soccer/alex-ainscough-joins-kerry-fc-in-transatlantic-switch-42312334.html

Signing the CEO son, who has played in glamorous leagues such as the Swedish fourth tier, Iceland third tier, and German fourth tier in recent seasons. It's a recipe for disaster.

[ifk101]

Those Swedish clubs he played for are village teams.

[legendz]

Signing the CEO son, who has played in glamorous leagues such as the Swedish fourth tier, Iceland third tier, and German fourth tier in recent seasons. It's a recipe for disaster.
Marc Bircham claimed a falling out with Waterford FC owner Richard Forrest over refusing to play his son led to his sacking!

[culloty82]

Hard to imagine his dad would pull the plug if he's blatantly unfit, though stranger things have happened in the LoI! Meanwhile, Callan Scilly has been signed as a backup to Guthrie, seems to have spent the last few years at UCC, and playing for various Tipp Gaelic football squads.

[Tribalwarrior19]

I'm going to travel down with a couple of mates when Galway Utd come to town. What pub in Tralee has been the Pre-Threatre spot for previous games in Mounthawk Park?

[culloty82]

Some local updates about pre-season preparations, apparently closed-door friendlies were played against Killarney Athletic and Tralee Dynamos, defeating the former 3-2 and the latter 4-0. Both games were played as three 30-minute periods, running through the whole bench, so aside from getting players up to match speed, little that can be read into form-wise.

[Ducanto]

LOI newbie here with Kerry FC so excuse what might be a stupid question to follow. Few of us going to Bray away in 4 weeks and I’m wondering about tickets? Presume it won’t be segregated so I’m assuming it’s ok to purchase the tickets on the Bray website? Thanks

[EatYerGreens]

LOI newbie here with Kerry FC so excuse what might be a stupid question to follow. Few of us going to Bray away in 4 weeks and I’m wondering about tickets? Presume it won’t be segregated so I’m assuming it’s ok to purchase the tickets on the Bray website? Thanks

Hi Ducanto - Welcome to the rollerciaster of LOI football :D

Most clubs only release tickets a week or two before games, as they usually focus sales and attention on the previous game before looking at the next one. The league technically has segregation, but apart from a few Premier Division clubs it's not all that strictly enforced at many stadiums. Presumably Bray will list tickets for away fans on their site and direct you towards a particular part of the ground with them. You'll find the LOI fan experience generally lacking in hassle or tension/aggro (assuming Bray have sorted oiut the few knobheads they had causing issues last year), and as a new club and new fans I'd imagine you'll be made feel welcome at lots of venues. Good luck !

[Jamesie]

I'm going to travel down with a couple of mates when Galway Utd come to town. What pub in Tralee has been the Pre-Threatre spot for previous games in Mounthawk Park?

This is all virgin territory obviously but I could imagine the Castle Bar on Rock Street might be a good option before a very doable and pleasant walk up the Greenway. You'll save a pox of a job getting out of the stadium carpark after the game.