Games weekend 30th June to 1st July

[Knocklyonhoop]

An enjoyable game of football to watch even if the result and performance were disappointing. Can’t have any arguments about the result. Only positive is that it increase the gap between Bohs and a European spot!

with a massive euro match coming up, really need Farrugia and O’Neill back . I don’t think anyone would have expected Rovers to win by the gap the Icelandics did. Far from an easy draw

[placid casual]

On the bright side, its a lovely city PC, was there once for long w/e in 2017, one of my fav short break jobs.

Have a Super Bock on us !

Nice one Oriel, yeah it's mad being in a city that has nightlife running all night, relatively free of drunken aggressive tw#ts, food and drink are dirt cheap, women are tanned and beautiful, and no blokes have ****ty 80's era taxi driver moustaches. It's like the complete polar opposite of dublin.
The result tonight in OP is the result, I've had my heart broken enough times there in 40 years for it to be like water off a ducks back.

[oriel]

Baxia is a nice district, central, also you probably have been on it but the tourist yellow or red maybe tram is the business, jump on and off job. A Portuguese colleague at work at the time told us the hidden gems, all the best bars / bistros are off the main streets in the almost hidden side streets.

If interested get a taxi out to the now 'athletics' stadium where Celtic won the 1967 EC, I`m told the taxi drivers are well versed, I just said 'Celtic Euro' ..........yes jump in. Nice to see it all the same.

I also did the same in Melbourne in 99 on the then unused stadium where Ronnie Delaney won gold for Ireland in the Olympics.

Bizarre post really, but there you go !

Enjoy

[outspoken]

Clearly and Hoare were absolutely DIRE but what's new. It will be individual mistakes in the back 3 again that haunt Rovers in Europe. They are weak links no matter how much people continue to hype them up. Better opposition will expose them.

[Kiki Balboa]

Nice one Oriel, yeah it's mad being in a city that has nightlife running all night, relatively free of drunken aggressive tw#ts, food and drink are dirt cheap, women are tanned and beautiful, and no blokes have ****ty 80's era taxi driver moustaches. It's like the complete polar opposite of dublin.
The result tonight in OP is the result, I've had my heart broken enough times there in 40 years for it to be like water off a ducks back.

Couldn't agree more. First time I ever got culture shock was wondering why nobody was fighting on a night out in Vienna.

[trevy]

27 goals for Coughlan in the league so far so even better.

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

Supposedly it got moved to Friday cause Bohs are playing Shels in the LSC on Monday

Think it was cause players on loan wouldn’t have been able to play on July 1st. And then they weren’t available.

Good win. Badly needed. Pats showing how bad last weekends result was.

[Louth4sam]

Dundalk fans are getting a bit carried away but they won so I don't blame them.

Realistically both teams were pretty bad. Rovers had more of the ball, more shots, more passes (https://www.google.com/search?q=dundalkv+rovers&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS849US850&sxsrf=AB5stBi8FZc8WOO78fVeBge_apjHn5zxiw%3A1688163 307276&ei=61OfZKy5ENiE0PEPkf6dgA8&ved=0ahUKEwjs2oKyguz_AhVYAjQIHRF_B_AQ4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=dundalkv+rovers&gs_lcp=Cgxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAQAzIHCAAQDRCABDIICAAQHhA NEA8yCAgAEB4QDRAPMgYIABAWEB4yBggAEBYQHjIICAAQCBAeE A0yCAgAEAgQHhANMggIABAIEB4QDTIICAAQCBAeEA0yCAgAEAg QHhANOgcIIxCwAxAnOgoIABBHENYEELADOgoIABCKBRCwAxBDO g0IABDkAhDWBBCwAxgBOg8ILhCKBRDIAxCwAxBDGAI6BwguEIo FECc6BAgjECc6BwgAEIoFEEM6CwgAEIoFELEDEIMBOgUIABCAB DoECAAQAzoTCC4QigUQlwUQ3AQQ3gQQ4AQYAzoLCC4QgwEQsQM QgAQ6EQguEIMBEK8BEMcBELEDEIAEOgcIIxCxAhAnOg0ILhCAB BCxAxCDARAKOhMILhCDARCvARDHARCxAxCABBAKOgYIABADEA0 6DQguEA0QgAQQxwEQrwE6GwguEA0QgAQQxwEQrwEQlwUQ3AQQ3 gQQ4AQYA0oECEEYAFDwBFj-DmCOD2gBcAF4AIABuwKIAZwMkgEHMS43LjEuMZgBAKABAcABAc gBEdoBBggBEAEYCdoBBggCEAEYCNoBBggDEAEYFA&sclient=gws-wiz-serp#sie=m;/g/11tn9t2g95;2;/m/0274c50;dt;fp;1;;;) etc but Dundalk were clinical with their 2 on target and we decided to be offside all night. Felt like it was either gonna be 0-0 or 1-0 via a scrappy goal for either team but I was never feeling like we were under much pressure despite playing poorly. It was an awful game of football either side could have handed the other.

I had to check them stats as thought there was no way that Rovers had more possesion. LiveScore and FlashScore both have Dundalk with more possesion so obviously a mistake with where Google is scraping that data.

[Calcio Jack]

For me last night ( as discussed on a previous thread) was just yet another example of a team raising their game against Rovers , and then subsequently reverting to type.

The Dundalk commentators even mentioned how this was the best they’ve played all year …. Must be strange to follow a team that operates with such an inferiority mindset then again that’s the joy of being a Rovers fan we never feel that way…. So for Dundalk it’s understandable as they are the poster boy for such behaviour literally ( we won it in Talaght) ?

Next up Drogheda who are undefeated against us in last five

[cláirseach]

UCD collapsed in the second half last night, but truthfully they were dire in the first too. Keaney interrupting any run of passes they got going to, and taking over any frees they won, only to hoof balls up to young lads that they couldn't hope to win. Not sure what they've done to Michael Gallagher but he looked lost in central midfield. He's in a different place every time I see them. I'd love an update from The Bowler.

[Jd2793]

Clearly and Hoare were absolutely DIRE but what's new. It will be individual mistakes in the back 3 again that haunt Rovers in Europe. They are weak links no matter how much people continue to hype them up. Better opposition will expose them.

hoare has never ever been a euro level player, even with dundalk. hes been getting exposed for years in the quals. rovers badly need a bit of fresh blood in over the window. still think they are a bit one paced in midfield even with farruiga. defence isnt the quickest either, pico is a good defender but hes not quick. should look into a new cb in the window if they want to make a run at ECL groups again

[redarmyfaction]

Nice one Oriel, yeah it's mad being in a city that has nightlife running all night, relatively free of drunken aggressive tw#ts, food and drink are dirt cheap, women are tanned and beautiful, and no blokes have ****ty 80's era taxi driver moustaches. It's like the complete polar opposite of dublin.
The result tonight in OP is the result, I've had my heart broken enough times there in 40 years for it to be like water off a ducks back.

In fairness, Dublin post covid in has become a vermin infested dystopia, like a Shams away section writ large, that said I got followed around the Alto one night by a squad of Cape Verdians making throat slashing gestures in my direction so it's not all good in Lisbon either.

[Philosophizer]

In fairness, Dublin post covid in has become a vermin infested dystopia, like a Shams away section writ large, that said I got followed around the Alto one night by a squad of Cape Verdians making throat slashing gestures in my direction so it's not all good in Lisbon either.
Barrio Alto has its fair share of drunken ****s too. It’s like a Portuguese temple bar. But generally Lisbon is wonderful. Alfama is particularly lovely.
You’re right about Dublin post covid though - it’s become an even worse hell hole. I had dinner yesterday eve on Capel st and had to endure 4 junkies shouting and screaming at each other on the street just a few feet from my table. Not to mention the groups of menacing teens roaming the north inner city. It’s always been bad but post covid its shockin!

[redarmyfaction]

Barrio Alto has its fair share of drunken ****s too. It’s like a Portuguese temple bar. But generally Lisbon is wonderful. Alfama is particularly lovely.
You’re right about Dublin post covid though - it’s become an even worse hell hole. I had dinner yesterday eve on Capel st and had to endure 4 junkies shouting and screaming at each other on the street just a few feet from my table. Not to mention the groups of menacing teens roaming the north inner city. It’s always been bad but post covid its shockin!

Portugal has taken progressive steps towards harm reduction in relation to hard drug use, when any such moves even towards decriminalization of cannabis are proposed here we have the usual pearl clutchers from the usual drug charities having a conniption on RTE, subtext; how dare you threaten our well paid jobs, meaning the only injection center in Dublin is saving the home support at Itchycore.

Defund the NGOs.

[Jd2793]

pats sign another keeper. odumosu/rodgers leaving?

[Jack B]

pats sign another keeper. odumosu/rodgers leaving?

Talk of Rogers to Cork.

[Shearer]

Talk of Rogers to Cork.
Tiernan Brooks is signing for Cork City.

[Shearer]

Even enough affair between Treaty and Bray. Shane Hallahan with some big saves when called upon.

9 of the matchday squad were from the locality too.

[mcgonigle]

I think you're getting a bit blinded by the scoreline Kiki. Fair enough I suppose but it was far more even than that.

That's the thing though it's not meant to be even, when you compare the squads Rovers are meant to be fair stronger and superior to Dundalk. Yes Rovers are missing key players but so are Dundalk that's why we are so pleased with the result and performance. We shouldn't be competing with Rovers and winning but we did.

[mcgonigle]

For me last night ( as discussed on a previous thread) was just yet another example of a team raising their game against Rovers , and then subsequently reverting to type.

The Dundalk commentators even mentioned how this was the best they’ve played all year …. Must be strange to follow a team that operates with such an inferiority mindset then again that’s the joy of being a Rovers fan we never feel that way…. So for Dundalk it’s understandable as they are the poster boy for such behaviour literally ( we won it in Talaght) ?

Next up Drogheda who are undefeated against us in last five

You're taking the result well I see ?

It's not so long ago the shoe was on the other foot and Rovers fans enthusiastically celebrated the odd result against Dundalk despite it meaning little in the grand scheme of things. Football is a game of boom and bust even more so in the LOI, don't forget it

[TonyD]

Pats really put UCD to the sword last night. Good to see them so ruthless, and still trying to score right to the whistle. Not so pretty if you’re UCD, and hard to take much from it in the overall context of the league. Great night though. Don’t think I’ve seen us score 7 before.

[EalingGreen]

Portugal has taken progressive steps towards harm reduction in relation to hard drug use, when any such moves even towards decriminalization of cannabis are proposed here we have the usual pearl clutchers from the usual drug charities having a conniption on RTE, subtext; how dare you threaten our well paid jobs, meaning the only injection center in Dublin is saving the home support at Itchycore.

Defund the NGOs.I was in Lisbon for a few days last year and it was terrific, for all the reasons quoted in previous posts.

But my g/f was a bit apprehensive, since the only other time we had both been there together was in the mid 80's, and it was very disappointing. From the moment we got off the train at Central Station, it seemed full of junkies, homeless and dodgy street traders etc, with the whole place being very poor and down-at-heel. Though tbf, it wasn't that long since they'd emerged from a military dictatorship (1974), but before EU money started pouring in.

I should say that we found some ok places, but in the end, we were glad to get the train up to Oporto, which then, as now, was a great place.

[placid casual]

In fairness, Dublin post covid in has become a vermin infested dystopia, like a Shams away section writ large, that said I got followed around the Alto one night by a squad of Cape Verdians making throat slashing gestures in my direction so it's not all good in Lisbon either.
With that kind of attitude I'm not in the least surprised there were people making that gesture towards you.
Ar€eholes tend to stand out irrespective of the location.

[oriel]

For me last night ( as discussed on a previous thread) was just yet another example of a team raising their game against Rovers , and then subsequently reverting to type.

The Dundalk commentators even mentioned how this was the best they’ve played all year …. Must be strange to follow a team that operates with such an inferiority mindset then again that’s the joy of being a Rovers fan we never feel that way…. So for Dundalk it’s understandable as they are the poster boy for such behaviour literally ( we won it in Talaght) ?

Next up Drogheda who are undefeated against us in last five


We certainly didnt raise for the last visit of Rovers, 0-4 ! Besides its only to be accepted sides raising their games (in most cases) v the league leaders and champions, a lot of clubs did to Dundalk from 2015-2019 (CorK City also had it in 2017).

That said I would still agree it was the best performance of the season, all of our players played for each other, Daniel Kelly was one, often singled out by the ever critical main stand, he had a great game, gave it 100%, Malley possibly another, not sure we saw him perform so consistently against a top 3 club yet this season, Pats maybe on Monday but he was superb in middle of MF.

Finally, to quote the great John Murphy on Dundalk FM, co-com asked him once why he has so much to say against Rovers 'I just don't like them, never had'

[oriel]

hoare has never ever been a euro level player, even with dundalk. hes been getting exposed for years in the quals. rovers badly need a bit of fresh blood in over the window. still think they are a bit one paced in midfield even with farruiga. defence isnt the quickest either, pico is a good defender but hes not quick. should look into a new cb in the window if they want to make a run at ECL groups again

As a mate said to me last night at the game 'There is always a mistake in Hoare and sometimes a big one' (he almost scored a classic OG first half with mix up on GK).

[Philosophizer]

Portugal has taken progressive steps towards harm reduction in relation to hard drug use, when any such moves even towards decriminalization of cannabis are proposed here we have the usual pearl clutchers from the usual drug charities having a conniption on RTE, subtext; how dare you threaten our well paid jobs, meaning the only injection center in Dublin is saving the home support at Itchycore.

Defund the NGOs.
I heard they decriminalised drugs some years back all right.
Maybe that’s why I was constantly being offered drugs whenever I walked alone in the city centre. It was ridiculous how often it happened.
It’s not perfect tho. I happened to meet a young couple there who said it’s impossible for locals to survive in Lisbon because local wages are so low and foreigners are driving prices up. The poor creatures were thinking of moving to Dublin, god love them. I set them straight tho and advised a properly run city like Vienna, Oslo, Brussels.

[The Bowler]

UCD collapsed in the second half last night, but truthfully they were dire in the first too. Keaney interrupting any run of passes they got going to, and taking over any frees they won, only to hoof balls up to young lads that they couldn't hope to win. Not sure what they've done to Michael Gallagher but he looked lost in central midfield. He's in a different place every time I see them. I'd love an update from The Bowler.

The performance sums up the mood in Belfield. Disinterested players, but also sub standard group, playing for a manager that isn't liked at any level. UCD 19s have been poor now for years, so complete reliance on what they get coming to the college each September. UCD have been a long ball team for 3 years now, make no effort to play, it's just lump it long and hope for the best. Todd single handedly kept us up last year, along with an awful Harps team, and a Waterford team that of course imploded in the play off final. Keaney is about as bad a footballer I've seen wear the armband at UCD, slow, awful touch, immobile and can't defend - he has the lot ? Gallagher is a full back, being asked to do a job elsewhere because of injuries, but he's always had a hit and miss relationship with Myler anyway. Some new players due in, rumours I heard were Clancy from Sligo, Brennan back from Drogs having not kicked a ball and fallen out with the manager, Verdon back from Longford, and a couple more names i didnt immediately recognise. Myler will be gone end of season I expect, and if his sidekick O'Connor takes over, God help us all. His arrival and Ian Ryan's departure saw the end of cultured football at the Bowl. Hopefully we get back to playing football again, will be a few years before we trouble the 1st Division promotion race I expect, but as always, we will accidentally land on a bunch of talent at some stage, and the cycle will repeat.

[da bishop]

Good point for Treaty at the MF as Bray dominated most of the game especially second half, both goals from terrible errors though Currans finish to level it was class and very similar to his goal in Athlone.Very poor conditions didnt help the quality of the game which at times was....muck,small crowd about 300 id say and given what has been served up recently you can see why.

[ontheotherhand]

That's the thing though it's not meant to be even, when you compare the squads Rovers are meant to be fair stronger and superior to Dundalk. Yes Rovers are missing key players but so are Dundalk that's why we are so pleased with the result and performance. We shouldn't be competing with Rovers and winning but we did.

You're a fully professional club competing in the same league with league winners and probably the leagues best striker in your team. You should absolutely be competitive at home on that pitch. But yeah I get why you'd be pleased given how the previous encounters went. Certainly the best you've played against us and you deserved the win for taking your chances.

We are completely switched off right now. Expecting to lose to Drogs again as well to be honest. Europe is going to be rough unless we figure out how to play with zero pace at wingback.

[kksaints]

The performance sums up the mood in Belfield. Disinterested players, but also sub standard group, playing for a manager that isn't liked at any level. UCD 19s have been poor now for years, so complete reliance on what they get coming to the college each September. UCD have been a long ball team for 3 years now, make no effort to play, it's just lump it long and hope for the best. Todd single handedly kept us up last year, along with an awful Harps team, and a Waterford team that of course imploded in the play off final. Keaney is about as bad a footballer I've seen wear the armband at UCD, slow, awful touch, immobile and can't defend - he has the lot ? Gallagher is a full back, being asked to do a job elsewhere because of injuries, but he's always had a hit and miss relationship with Myler anyway. Some new players due in, rumours I heard were Clancy from Sligo, Brennan back from Drogs having not kicked a ball and fallen out with the manager, Verdon back from Longford, and a couple more names i didnt immediately recognise. Myler will be gone end of season I expect, and if his sidekick O'Connor takes over, God help us all. His arrival and Ian Ryan's departure saw the end of cultured football at the Bowl. Hopefully we get back to playing football again, will be a few years before we trouble the 1st Division promotion race I expect, but as always, we will accidentally land on a bunch of talent at some stage, and the cycle will repeat.

One thing that stood out for me about UCD last night is that there was no player playing that I was thinking that I'd want at Pats next season. Normally there would be a few players where you could see the potential to play at one of the top of the table clubs. There wasn't anything like that last night.

[cláirseach]

The performance sums up the mood in Belfield. Disinterested players, but also sub standard group, playing for a manager that isn't liked at any level. UCD 19s have been poor now for years, so complete reliance on what they get coming to the college each September. UCD have been a long ball team for 3 years now, make no effort to play, it's just lump it long and hope for the best. Todd single handedly kept us up last year, along with an awful Harps team, and a Waterford team that of course imploded in the play off final. Keaney is about as bad a footballer I've seen wear the armband at UCD, slow, awful touch, immobile and can't defend - he has the lot ? Gallagher is a full back, being asked to do a job elsewhere because of injuries, but he's always had a hit and miss relationship with Myler anyway. Some new players due in, rumours I heard were Clancy from Sligo, Brennan back from Drogs having not kicked a ball and fallen out with the manager, Verdon back from Longford, and a couple more names i didnt immediately recognise. Myler will be gone end of season I expect, and if his sidekick O'Connor takes over, God help us all. His arrival and Ian Ryan's departure saw the end of cultured football at the Bowl. Hopefully we get back to playing football again, will be a few years before we trouble the 1st Division promotion race I expect, but as always, we will accidentally land on a bunch of talent at some stage, and the cycle will repeat.

Thank you for the update. I actually really enjoy the insights into what is going on at the College.

[joey B]

Longford beat Wexford to keep them interested at least,Wexford forever the enigma probably would be doing better with a different manager .....

[The Bowler]

Thank you for the update. I actually really enjoy the insights into what is going on at the College.

Thanks Clàirseach, I try to tell it as I hear it, got a bit if stick here last year for being a bit OTT on Myler, so sort of stopped with the updates. I have a lot of time for UCD AFC and what we have contributed to the football ecosystem for decades. Its a struggle, and lots of people think we have no place in the league, but you only have to do a quick run through all the top teams to see the impact on the league. Former players galore at Rovers, Derry, Dundalk, Pats, Shels and pretty much every club in the top tier , and plenty more in Div1.

[Kiki Balboa]

Watched the Longford / Wexford game last night. Enjoyable game. Thought Beineon O'Brien Whitmarsh really stood out. I heard there are some doubts about him off the field (second hand gossip), but you could easilys ee him in the Premier next year. Wonder if Shels or Drogheda would take a chance on him soon. The commentator for Longford is also a pretty great asset to the league as well. LOItv really has allowed a lot of talent to get some experience - which will really benefit sport in Ireland in the long run too.


For the post above, myself I kind of have a little bit of a gra for UCD. Think they are a real asset to the league, and picked up a lot of slack of player development over the last two decades. Never really got why people dislike them - feel they set a standard in the league for what a smaller club can achieve. I also just like how football teams can evolve from so many different backgrounds in general, and how each nearly have a unique history and identity. Whatever else, UCD certainly have had an identity - hence why they have been an overall success story in Irish football. I would totally understand why the Bowler would be so vexxed about the current situation.


I do hope they can one-day really grow into the surronding area and gain a solid base of fans. It does kind of feel like it is happening considering there is a fair few UCD fan voices online, and it seems to be growing.

[outspoken]

The commentator for Longford is also a pretty great asset to the league as well. LOItv really has allowed a lot of talent to get some experience - which will really benefit sport in Ireland in the long run too.

Jaysus Kiki, thanks very much, really appreciate that.

[pineapple stu]

I do hope they can one-day really grow into the surronding area and gain a solid base of fans. It does kind of feel like it is happening considering there is a fair few UCD fan voices online, and it seems to be growing.
I think there's been a bit of a boost alright since covid - in line with the league in general. Not so much at the Sligo game as College is finished for the term, but there's definitely been more students than usual the last while. Of course, a season like this really doesn't help in terms of growing crowds. It's very badly timed in that regard. We probably won't break 20 points this year, and wouldn't be the first in recent years to say that, but in a season where crowds are growing everywhere, it's frustrating.

I kind of wonder if the underage academies have hurt us to an extent. There's a lot more focus across the league on underage academies, and there's only so many players to go around - I don't think we get the best of the best like we used to. Other clubs are copying our scholarship model too, with links with Maynooth, DCU, etc. I got the feeling that 20 years ago, UCD was the club to go to for a young player - we'd regularly get the top players from Cherry Orchard and clubs like that. Not sure that happens as much any more; there's more options for young players. Which is good for the league overall, but not so much for us.

[Kiki Balboa]

I think there's been a bit of a boost alright since covid - in line with the league in general. Not so much at the Sligo game as College is finished for the term, but there's definitely been more students than usual the last while. Of course, a season like this really doesn't help in terms of growing crowds. It's very badly timed in that regard. We probably won't break 20 points this year, and wouldn't be the first in recent years to say that, but in a season where crowds are growing everywhere, it's frustrating.

I kind of wonder if the underage academies have hurt us to an extent. There's a lot more focus across the league on underage academies, and there's only so many players to go around - I don't think we get the best of the best like we used to. Other clubs are copying our scholarship model too, with links with Maynooth, DCU, etc. I got the feeling that 20 years ago, UCD was the club to go to for a young player - we'd regularly get the top players from Cherry Orchard and clubs like that. Not sure that happens as much any more; there's more options for young players. Which is good for the league overall, but not so much for us.

There is still a niche there you would think, which UCD seem somewhat successful in getting ex-LOI u19s who are unable to break into senior squads, and giving them a full go at LOI. Maybe issues with short contracts etc etc. But yeah, as Irish football is changing, you would think UCD would have to change as well from your previous model. No harm though.

[pineapple stu]

Yeah, there's a niche, and I think what you describe is what's happening now anyway, with a few guys coming in from Rovers' U19s, or Tommy Lonergan signing from Pat's last year and making such an impact that he's gone back there again this year.

Another problem we have is that the budget has been reduced over the years so we can't keep an experienced core of players. But you need that in the Premier. Pretty much all our top ten appearance holders played for the club at the same time- and got the club to fourth in the league and Europe in that time. (Ciarán Kavanagh, Tony McDonnell, Alan Mahon, Alan McNally, Mick O'Byrne, Éamon McLoughlin, Mick O'Donnell, Rob McAuley). That's not a coincidence. But we can't do that any more.

[Nesta99]

For me last night ( as discussed on a previous thread) was just yet another example of a team raising their game against Rovers , and then subsequently reverting to type.

The Dundalk commentators even mentioned how this was the best they’ve played all year …. Must be strange to follow a team that operates with such an inferiority mindset then again that’s the joy of being a Rovers fan we never feel that way…. So for Dundalk it’s understandable as they are the poster boy for such behaviour literally ( we won it in Talaght) ?

Next up Drogheda who are undefeated against us in last five

It was 'we won it in Talla' ffs CJ get it right!

[Shearer]

Watched the Longford / Wexford game last night. Enjoyable game. Thought Beineon O'Brien Whitmarsh really stood out. I heard there are some doubts about him off the field (second hand gossip), but you could easilys ee him in the Premier next year.
Well he was told by Shane Keegan he wasn't welcome back in Cobh for this season. Stephen Henderson has/had nothing to lose bringing in a talented bad egg in a bad team.

[joey B]

Speaking of Shane Keegan fine job he’s doing down there,10 points ahead of the last place outside the playoffs and he’s got them playing some good football….

[EalingGreen]

I kind of wonder if the underage academies have hurt us to an extent. There's a lot more focus across the league on underage academies, and there's only so many players to go around - I don't think we get the best of the best like we used to. Other clubs are copying our scholarship model too, with links with Maynooth, DCU, etc. I got the feeling that 20 years ago, UCD was the club to go to for a young player - we'd regularly get the top players from Cherry Orchard and clubs like that. Not sure that happens as much any more; there's more options for young players. Which is good for the league overall, but not so much for us.Interesting comment.

Just so happens I was reading an article this morning on Marijn Beuker, Queens Park FC's Dutch Director of Football Operations (responsible inter alia for Academy/Youth Development etc). He remarked that [i]“The Glasgow area has 1.6 million people living around it,” he said. “So there is a big, big pool. A club can only add so many players. There is a lot of exciting talent in Scotland and for us we are in the most exciting city for talent because it is so big."
https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/sport/23627260.marijn-beuker-creating-worlds-best-youth-set-up-queens-park/

Now granted Greater Glasgow is somewhat bigger, population-wise, than Greater Dublin. Otoh, UCD don't have to try to compete with two giant moneybags clubs on their doorstep, either.

Moreover, if you look eg at Brentford FC, they very successfully introduced the concept of a "B" Team, as an alternative to U-21 league football (PL2) for developing players in the very late teens and early twenties and preparing them for "mens" football in Prem/Championship. A large part of their recruitment came from players who had been rejected at 17 or 18 by Academies at big clubs (England and abroad), but who Brentford felt were late developers who needed more time, or who hadn't worked out for reasons other than a lack of basic talent. Do UCD look to prematurely released young castoffs from other LOI clubs?

While the other challenge must be to grow the overall pool of talent for all clubs, by weaning kids away from GAA and Rugby etc, essentially by offering ever better opportunities at football clubs.

[Calcio Jack]

It was 'we won it in Talla' ffs CJ get it right!

As I said you’re obsessed !!

[outspoken]

Well he was told by Shane Keegan he wasn't welcome back in Cobh for this season. Stephen Henderson has/had nothing to lose bringing in a talented bad egg in a bad team.

One thing I will say is he can be a bit wild. 4 yellows already in 4 matches. Can lash out at times

[Jd2793]

obrien whitmarsh is a poor player. wont ever be a premier player.

[cláirseach]

Speaking of Shane Keegan fine job he’s doing down there,10 points ahead of the last place outside the playoffs and he’s got them playing some good football….

They scored some lovely goals this weekend.

[Nesta99]

As I said you’re obsessed !!

I am, with my football club and wanting them to eclipse the dominant team of the period - if Derry or St Pats were to win the league they would be in the cross hairs. Its not such an unusual thing for fans of a football club!?

[kksaints]

One thing that stood out for me about UCD last night is that there was no player playing that I was thinking that I'd want at Pats next season. Normally there would be a few players where you could see the potential to play at one of the top of the table clubs. There wasn't anything like that last night.

And then we sign Alex Nolan from UCD within days of me saying this.

[pineapple stu]

And I wouldn't have disagreed with that post either!

Decent free-kick delivery would be one of his main attributes I guess. Swung in great balls for Lonergan to score the winner against Waterford last November, and for Doyle to score the winner against Sligo two weeks ago.

[JC_GUFC]

And I wouldn't have disagreed with that post either!

Decent free-kick delivery would be one of his main attributes I guess. Swung in great balls for Lonergan to score the winner against Waterford last November, and for Doyle to score the winner against Sligo two weeks ago.

If you're going back to last season it's probably not a great sign...

Funnily enough that was exactly the impression I had of UCD when I saw you against Derry in the 3rd/4th game of the season - most years there would be one or two players who'd stand out as being a good player in a bad team. That day they all looked out of their depth.

Do many UCD players progress up through the LSL team, or is it usually new "signings" who are coming to College for their first year, like Clancy from Sligo.