culloty82
13/06/2023, 8:40 PM
With the mid-season report in full swing, it's time to take stock of the season to date, and assess what has worked so far, and what needs improvement.
Pros:
Commercial Sponsorship - That has undoubtedly been one of the major successes of the club, having landed a notable shirt sponsor, and a good working relationship with Tralee Chamber of Commerce.
Social and Traditional Media: Once pre-season preparations began in earnest, Kerry set out to communicate their expectations as soon as possible, and despite the lack of achievement on the pitch, they have largely avoided much of a backlash as a consequence.
Individual Performances: Even when notable results have been the exception rather than the rule, Kevin Williams probably takes the gong for player of the season for sheer consistency, while the interplay between Ryan Kelliher and Leo Gaxha has offered the greatest attacking threat, even if rather muted over the last month or so.
Cons:
Pre-season Preparations: There can be no doubt that the planning for the inaugural season left much to be desired, from the absence of friendlies (which could have been arranged and played away from home), to the last-minute works on Mounthawk Park, and the late arrival of playing gear, all of which left the squad late off the starting blocks compared to the rest of the division.
Season Tickets: In hindsight, the out-of-kilter pricing implemented should have set alarm bells ringing, but at the time, there was still hope that it was somewhat of an aberration, and that such initial problems could be ironed out over the course of the season. As it stands, failing to benchmark to the rest of the league meant that there was no discernable floor to attendances, and it remains to be seen when/if the levelling off point will be reached.
Recruitment: The intention to largely concentrate on Kerry-based players remains laudable, and the arrival of Matt Keane and Seán McGrath initially suggested there would be an equitable mixture of youth and experience. Currently however, the squad has become too dependent on last season's U19s, when perhaps a greater number of players from the dominant Killarney KDL clubs may have assisted progress this term.
Pros:
Commercial Sponsorship - That has undoubtedly been one of the major successes of the club, having landed a notable shirt sponsor, and a good working relationship with Tralee Chamber of Commerce.
Social and Traditional Media: Once pre-season preparations began in earnest, Kerry set out to communicate their expectations as soon as possible, and despite the lack of achievement on the pitch, they have largely avoided much of a backlash as a consequence.
Individual Performances: Even when notable results have been the exception rather than the rule, Kevin Williams probably takes the gong for player of the season for sheer consistency, while the interplay between Ryan Kelliher and Leo Gaxha has offered the greatest attacking threat, even if rather muted over the last month or so.
Cons:
Pre-season Preparations: There can be no doubt that the planning for the inaugural season left much to be desired, from the absence of friendlies (which could have been arranged and played away from home), to the last-minute works on Mounthawk Park, and the late arrival of playing gear, all of which left the squad late off the starting blocks compared to the rest of the division.
Season Tickets: In hindsight, the out-of-kilter pricing implemented should have set alarm bells ringing, but at the time, there was still hope that it was somewhat of an aberration, and that such initial problems could be ironed out over the course of the season. As it stands, failing to benchmark to the rest of the league meant that there was no discernable floor to attendances, and it remains to be seen when/if the levelling off point will be reached.
Recruitment: The intention to largely concentrate on Kerry-based players remains laudable, and the arrival of Matt Keane and Seán McGrath initially suggested there would be an equitable mixture of youth and experience. Currently however, the squad has become too dependent on last season's U19s, when perhaps a greater number of players from the dominant Killarney KDL clubs may have assisted progress this term.