Season 2025

[oriel]

Didn't see a thread so why not start one off.

Our youngest got a Man U trip in Feb as part of his presents, then I took him back to earth today telling him we are looking to book into Jacksons Hotel, Ballybofey for Finn Harps away on 21-Feb, he's on the ticket, that will put manners on him.

Been before once in 2016, its a great hotel, love Ballybofey, always find it funny, the journey Dundalk to there, about 10k outside of 'the town' you are in the North and for 90% of the journey until you cross the River Finn, always a great trip, really nice town, and a rare benefit of relegation, back to places not been to in years.

Longford will be another, but won't stay over, can drive back. Was going to do stop over in Athlone in May, but hotel prices mental as BH weekend, think our closest away trip is Bray now, then prob Longford !

[Another Bohemia]

It's really hard to know what to expect from Bohs next season.

Positives this off season
1. A lot of dead weight out of the squad, still some left to be trimmed imo but a lot of progress made in the last 2 windows trimming a bloated and overpaid squad. We're also moving on from bad players a lot more quickly which is needed

2. Players signed have a lot of LOI experience and some leadership potential which has been missing from the squad since Detser hung up the boots

3. Whelan is the type of goalscorer we missed all last season, if he can hit the ground running and have an injury free season it could be something that moves us up towards the euro places.

4. I think some of the signings in the July window last year will improve this season with LOI experience under their belt. Kavanagh at CB looks a steal but he did have his couple of moments that were very much "welcome to men's football". The last player I remember who started like that for Bohs was Dan Casey and he was a very good player at this level. Smith was very solid at RB for us until he was injured, I think he'll be one of the better full backs in the league this year and lastly Meekison seemed to find his feet playing wide right for us. There were shades of how Coote played that role for us when he was here, if Meekison can continue to grow in that role it could be a really nice front three of him, Whelan and Rooney (although I do think Rooney is a very limited player).

Negatives

1. What does our defence look like? Kavanagh and Smith will likely be starters but I don't trust Cian Byrne as the 2nd CB and Cornwall may not be fit for the start of the season so need something there and there is currently no LB at the club.

2. How many midfielders is too many? Currently there is Bucko, Morahan, Clarke, Devoy, Tierney and James McManus. I don't know what the situation with Flores and McDonnell is. I had assumed they were out of contract at the end of the season but maybe I was mistaken. If they aren't they are likely some of the higher earners on the squad (especially Flores) and may not even see the bench nevermind the starting 11.

3. Oh Captain my Captain! Bucko will be the club captain by default (I don't think he should be, I don't rate his leadership) he may not start every game because he's returning from a serious injury and had been underperforming before that, next in line was likely Cornwall but again may not be fit for the start of the season. But your point above is a positive about leadership potential! Yes it is a potential positive but as I am currently working in a company with a bit of a power struggle between 3 people of a similar level I can tell you that it leads to confusion and an unwelcome distraction. It's why there's only 1 pope, there needs to be a clear leader. If that doesn't happen organically it could become a problem especially in a tight league like I think this year's will be.

4. Coaching. I'm still not sold on Reynolds and Co as the right coaching team to turn this around but they are building the squad the right way imo.

[sbgawa]

To early to tell for us. Kenny and Farrugia look to be gone and I don't see any ready made replacements. Farrugia was injured as much as he played so while he is a huge loss for big games we are used to being without him. Kenny goals will be hard to replace. Other then that we need a new keeper and some youth in the team.

[legendz]

Dundalk will be the runaway winners. Athlone and Cobh might take top 3. Treaty, Kerry and Longford will want to be in playoff shake up but no sign yet that either will be.

[Neish]

Didn't see a thread so why not start one off.

Our youngest got a Man U trip in Feb as part of his presents, then I took him back to earth today telling him we are looking to book into Jacksons Hotel, Ballybofey for Finn Harps away on 21-Feb, he's on the ticket, that will put manners on him.

Been before once in 2016, its a great hotel, love Ballybofey, always find it funny, the journey Dundalk to there, about 10k outside of 'the town' you are in the North and for 90% of the journey until you cross the River Finn, always a great trip, really nice town, and a rare benefit of relegation, back to places not been to in years.

Longford will be another, but won't stay over, can drive back. Was going to do stop over in Athlone in May, but hotel prices mental as BH weekend, think our closest away trip is Bray now, then prob Longford !

Jackson's has changed ownership since then, now owned by the Gallen family. Who also at the time had (and still have today) the villa rose hotel just a few minutes walk from Jacksons, they also bought Henneys bar on Navenny steest and completely renovated it. Its less than a minute walk from Finn Park great spot for pre-match pints usually has a decent entertainment too if your planning on having a few drinks in town after

[EatYerGreens]

Jackson's has changed ownership since then, now owned by the Gallen family. Who also at the time had (and still have today) the villa rose hotel just a few minutes walk from Jacksons, they also bought Henneys bar on Navenny steest and completely renovated it. Its less than a minute walk from Finn Park great spot for pre-match pints usually has a decent entertainment too if your planning on having a few drinks in town after

So what you're telling us is that Balybofey has been bought up by the one family since Dundalk last visited :D

[oriel]

Jackson's has changed ownership since then, now owned by the Gallen family. Who also at the time had (and still have today) the villa rose hotel just a few minutes walk from Jacksons, they also bought Henneys bar on Navenny steest and completely renovated it. Its less than a minute walk from Finn Park great spot for pre-match pints usually has a decent entertainment too if your planning on having a few drinks in town after

Thanks Neish, good info, been to Ballybofey twice, once DFC trip, another random social thing, always loved it.

[oriel]

Dundalk will be the runaway winners. Athlone and Cobh might take top 3. Treaty, Kerry and Longford will want to be in playoff shake up but no sign yet that either will be.

Really not so sure about that LG, remember this is all new to the club, 9 new grounds, a whole new squad, new Mgt Team, will be thinking club / team should progress in 2025, but this is very much still re-set mode.

Long road ahead, but definitely looking a lot brighter.

[Nesta99]

Jackson's has changed ownership since then, now owned by the Gallen family. Who also at the time had (and still have today) the villa rose hotel just a few minutes walk from Jacksons, they also bought Henneys bar on Navenny steest and completely renovated it. Its less than a minute walk from Finn Park great spot for pre-match pints usually has a decent entertainment too if your planning on having a few drinks in town after


So what you're telling us is that Balybofey has been bought up by the one family since Dundalk last visited :D

Harps should propose a land swap deal for Finn Park to be developed by the Gallens in lieu of a new stadum on a greenfield site still in the traditional catchement, somewhere like Stranrolar!

[Shearer]

Treaty's two trips to Longford are on the same day as Treaty's senior women at home.

Massive bug bear of mine.

[holidaysong]

Didn't see a thread so why not start one off.

Our youngest got a Man U trip in Feb as part of his presents, then I took him back to earth today telling him we are looking to book into Jacksons Hotel, Ballybofey for Finn Harps away on 21-Feb, he's on the ticket, that will put manners on him.

Been before once in 2016, its a great hotel, love Ballybofey, always find it funny, the journey Dundalk to there, about 10k outside of 'the town' you are in the North and for 90% of the journey until you cross the River Finn, always a great trip, really nice town, and a rare benefit of relegation, back to places not been to in years.

Longford will be another, but won't stay over, can drive back. Was going to do stop over in Athlone in May, but hotel prices mental as BH weekend, think our closest away trip is Bray now, then prob Longford !

I stayed in the same hotel 10 years before that in 2006, when our final game of the season was postponed to a 3pm kick off the next day due to a waterlogged pitch. We won 1-0 to finish 2nd to Rovers and go on to beat Waterford in the promotion/relation playoff in that infamous season of the Galway DVD.

[Jack B]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gfzj37SWQAAU1KY?format=png&name=900x900

Saw this posted a few days ago which is a handy indicator of where everyone is at, albeit maybe a few days out of date. Pats and Shels looking the best prepared thus far, if and when Hoare comes in you'd imagine Pats are done and Shels maybe could do with one more at the back? They're quite top-heavy but I can see the logic if the plan is to fully utilise the squad, five subs etc.

Will be interesting to see how the rest of the teams fill out. Looks like there'll be quite a bit hinging on the UK/international marker in January given the dearth of options from within the league. Rovers and Derry certainly have the scope to make big moves, just unclear what they'll be outside of certain re-signings and the odd rumour such as Whyte. Galway and Waterford are particularly light while Bohs seem to have a lot of tidying up still to do despite the basis of a good side. Cork wouldn't fill me with huge confidence currently, especially as Drogs have done a good job thus far of maintaining the squad that finished the season. Sligo as has become the case now are a tough one to call but their incomings don't really jump out at me.

[Kiki Balboa]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gfzj37SWQAAU1KY?format=png&name=900x900

Saw this posted a few days ago which is a handy indicator of where everyone is at, albeit maybe a few days out of date. Pats and Shels looking the best prepared thus far, if and when Hoare comes in you'd imagine Pats are done and Shels maybe could do with one more at the back? They're quite top-heavy but I can see the logic if the plan is to fully utilise the squad, five subs etc.

Will be interesting to see how the rest of the teams fill out. Looks like there'll be quite a bit hinging on the UK/international marker in January given the dearth of options from within the league. Rovers and Derry certainly have the scope to make big moves, just unclear what they'll be outside of certain re-signings and the odd rumour such as Whyte. Galway and Waterford are particularly light while Bohs seem to have a lot of tidying up still to do despite the basis of a good side. Cork wouldn't fill me with huge confidence currently, especially as Drogs have done a good job thus far of maintaining the squad that finished the season. Sligo as has become the case now are a tough one to call but their incomings don't really jump out at me.

So so hard to sign consistently from Britain, as Dundalk have found out. Definitely some gems there for LOI and just a higher quantity of players available compared to the domestic market, but for anyone decent pedigree for this level, they will also have options in the UK. There just so many clubs in League 1,2 and Conference, to compete with for players.

Dundalk found you can get very raw players that still need a hefty wage (Muller and Annesley were apparently among the highest earners at Dundalk last year for example), and are more than likely happy to go back over the water after a year or two, meaning its all development and no pay-off. That is coupled with the greater gamble if they have the bottle to come to a league like this and really 'buy-in' to it all.

[patsdad]

Surely time to roll out the predictions?

I'm of course looking through Pats-tinged glasses, but it's hard not to be optimistic when you consider we've retained everyone involved in the run of beating every other team at the end of last season and improved the quality of the back-ups. It's very hard to know what to make of Shamrock Rovers - obviously Europe has given them a war-chest but so far they don't look to have strengthened when you consider the players they've lost. Duff will have Shels fired-up again but they don't have the quality and the league won't be won by default again this year. Derry continuing to sign sunset players, not sure that'll work. That's probably still the top 4 though. Cork and Drogheda (not helped by distraction of Europe) will struggle, Sligo have been weakened significantly and could be down there too. Waterford, Bohs and Galway will give everyone tough games but won't be in the shake-up at either end.

1 Pats
2 Shams
3 Shels
4 Derry
5 Waterford
6 Bohs
7 Galway
8 Sligo
9 Drogs
10 Cork

[placid casual]

My opinion,others are available.
1:Shels
2 Derry
3 Pats
4 Rovers
5 Bohs
6 Waterford
7 Sligo
8 Galway
9 Drogs
10 Cork.

Hopefully Rovers can win the cup to bookend this Bradley era,which I believe is coming to a conclusion.
Shels are a tough nut to crack imo, and duffer will carry on the siege mentality at tolka which worked so well last year.
derry got rid of their weak link in the off season and could really flourish at home.

Can see cork struggling this season as the gap between premier and 1st division is a bit of a chasm.

[patsdad]

My opinion,others are available.
1:Shels
2 Derry
3 Pats
4 Rovers
5 Bohs
6 Waterford
7 Sligo
8 Galway
9 Drogs
10 Cork.

Hopefully Rovers can win the cup to bookend this Bradley era,which I believe is coming to a conclusion.
Shels are a tough nut to crack imo, and duffer will carry on the siege mentality at tolka which worked so well last year.
derry got rid of their weak link in the off season and could really flourish at home.

Can see cork struggling this season as the gap between premier and 1st division is a bit of a chasm.

Some reverse psychology there? No way can I see Rovers finishing below Shels and Derry.

[ForeForeToo]

PREMIER
1. Pats
2. Derry
3. Rovers
4. Shels
5. Sligo
6. Bohs
7. Cork
8. Waterford
9. Drogheda
10. Galway

FIRST
1. Dundalk
2. Athlone
3. Cobh
4. UCD
5. Wexford
6. Finn Harps
7. Bray
8. Kerry
9. Longford
10. Treaty

[RealJohn91]

Premier
1. Pats
2. Rovers
3. Shels
4. Derry
5. Bohs
6. Galway
7. Sligo
8. Waterford
9. Drogheda
10. Cork

First Division
1. Dundalk
2. Athlone
3. UCD
4. Wexford
5. Cobh
6. Finn Harps
7. Bray
8. Kerry
9. Treaty
10. Longford

[Another Bohemia]

I'm finding it harder this year than ever to really predict who will do well. Every club seems to have pros and cons at the moment.

Bohs lack depth in many key positions and quality starters in a couple.

Rovers seem to be going through a bit of a rebuild and have signed some good players but also lot of good players have left

Shels won the league last year but limped over the line. Their defence worsened after Molloy left and I don't know if they have addressed that and in fairness it's easier said than done losing a player of that quality.

Pats look well set up injuries are the big concern there is injuries as a few of their key defenders have a bit of an injury history.

Sligo again have to replace key players and finding a good keeper may be the biggest challenge.

Galway again will be solid defensively but what options do they have up front that are better than last year?

Waterford are another team who struggled at the end of the season, it was a bit of a trademark of Keith Longs Bohs teams as well. Large squad turnover would be the biggest concern there.

Drogheda Lost their best striker and some other good squad players. The switch to full time will have an impact it should be positive but you really don't know for sure. The added European games may also present a challenge for a squad with limited experience.

Cork defence is suspect but should score goals with their strikers. Be fun to see if they can balance that out.

Derry new manager, same attempt at shortcuts to win the league. I'm not convinced by the age profile of their squad and there's also the concern that it does actually take time to adjust to the league. Better players than what they have signed have come to the league and struggled at the end of their career (Duff being the big example and I think that experience lead him down the road of signings players who are experienced in the league which helped get them Europe and win the league imo).

With all that absolute nonsense said.

1. Pats
2. Shels
3. Rovers
4. Bohs
5. Waterford
6.Derry
7. Drogheda
8. Sligo
9. Galway
10. Cork

[Dermobohs]

The tile should be between pats and shamrocks, shels never replaced molloy, big weakness imo. Third and fourth should be between them and Derry but I think bohs and Waterford might with a couple of new signings each, put it up to them.
I feel Sligo Galway and drogs might struggle over the course it the season, drogs being best equipped to join the four team scrap above them, I think cork will struggle to make a mark, they look like they need to sign a whole defence really.

[oriel]

Tough to predict this year, as always - for me its who finishes last in the PD that is going to be the real eye opener, as said before, obviously someone has to.

I can see a few have gone for Cork City, I just think Maguire's goals will keep them out of 10th, he will be the diff in a host of narrow defeats and a draw or an equally narrow win, but you'd be worried about their defence. Drogs have lost the big man upfront, just not sure on them, and its not for the obvious Louth thing. Thought they were fairly solid last 2 months of the league, and deserved to finish ahead of us, no issues there, but same time they got possibly easiest cup run of all time, 1 relegated club, 1 NL, 2 FD, all but one at home. Sligo are another, lost a host of players, but decent manager and he has done it before. Galway will have enough about them, and JC management of don;t score / but don't concede much, will see them safe for sure.

So for my money its down to any 1 of the trio of Cork C / Drogs / Sligo could see themselves fall into deep trouble if they get off to a bad start.

For PD, I could be way out here, but I think Shels will find it hard to keep the pace going - almost a shade of DFC in 1995 - last day and very unlikely winners under D Keely, we were bang avg that year, still sometimes wonder how we managed to win it that season, but anyway, and more important we struggled badly the year after and went downhill season after. I am not sure Shels can reach the heights of 2024 again but they should be solid in 2025.

I think SK is on a mission and he has already got his fav trick of 2 for every position (wages must be mental, but he never cared about that), I can see Pats pipping Rovers but only just.

Premier

1. Pats
2. Rovers
3. Derry
4. Shels
5. Galway
6. Bohs
7. Waterford
8. Sligo
9. Cork C
10.Drogheda


First Division
1. Dundalk
2. Cobh
3. Athlone
4. UCD
5. Wexford
6. Finn Harps
7. Bray
8. Kerry
9. Treaty
10. Longford

[TonyD]

I think SK is on a mission and he has already got his fav trick of 2 for every position (wages must be mental, but he never cared about that), I can see Pats pipping Rovers but only just.

Premier

1. Pats
2. Rovers
3. Derry
4. Shels
5. Galway
6. Bohs
7. Waterford
8. Sligo
9. Cork C
10.Drogheda



It almost reads like you are criticising Stephen Kenny there for building a strong squad, and I know you can’t have meant that:p. Surely he’s only doing what every manager would do if given the opportunity ? I.e building a strong squad with cover for every position. I’m sure it’s not cheap, but if the owner is willing to support him, then why wouldn’t he. As a supporter I’m almost scarily optimistic ahead of the new season. Quite possibly the strongest all round Pats squad I’ve seen in my thirty years as a regular supporter and season ticket holder. Given that, and the way we finished last season, it’s all very exciting. Of course that’s the que for things to go horribly wrong, so you never know. But, for now, until a ball is kicked, I’m basking in the glow of being champions elect :cool:

[thebronze14]

Premier

1. Pats
2. Rovers
3. Derry
4. Shels
5. Bohs
6. Waterford
7. Drogs
8. Galway
9. Cork C
10. Sligo


First Division
1. Dundalk
2. Athlone
3. Cobh
4. Bray
5. Wexford
6. UCD
7. Treaty
8. Harps
9. Kerry
10. Longford

[Kiki Balboa]

It will be interesting to see how that early European game effects Rovers league form, considering they have been so poor in the early parts of the year for a couple of years now. Saying that, losing Kenny seems like a massive loss right now. McGinty is the signing of the season, but also feel there defensive is getting softer compared to other years. Lopes (and Grace) are turning 33 this year, so any decline there, and it could be a struggle.

Seems like Sligo lost a lot players and didnt bring in too many. Hakiki is an excellent player though. Shels seem very top heavy, although Mipo Odubeko is the most interesting signing of this year.

With the set-up they have, think Galway, Waterford and Bohs will have enough about them to consistently pick up points without getting dragged into a relegation battle.

Drogheda keeping Ahui and DJT is good for them, but they play so little football, you can see them going on some bad runs that keep them close to the play-offs.

Cork feels like they can do a 'Dundalk', and never really start to get going. Unless, Maguire does a Padraig Amond, and they would be fine.

1. Pats
2. Rovers

(Gap)

3. Derry
4. Shels

(Gap)

5. Galway
6. Bohs
7. Waterford
8. Drogheda

(Gap)

9. Sligo Rovers
10. Cork City

[Neish]

Premier
1. Shams
2. Pats
3. Derry
4. Shels
5. Bohs
6. Galway
7. Sligo
8. Cork
9. Waterford
10.Drogheda

Tittle: I see it as a season long battle between Pats and Shams and maybe Shams to just edge it with their recent successes.
Battle for euro spots Can't see Shels doing nearly as good as 2024, Derry may just pip them to 3rd but it should be a good battle between the two of them.
The rest: 5th-9th don't see much difference in their squads so I'm really not sure on how they finish, but think Drogs will struggle to keep in touch with the others


First Division
1. Dundalk
2. Cobh
3. Athlone
4. UCD
5. Wexford
6. Harps
7. Bray
8. Treaty
9. Kerry
10. Longford

Title: Hard to look past Dundalk but maybe cobh will have an outside chance of pushing them
Playoffs: could really be any 4 of the teams I list 2nd-7th above(Maybe Harps in more of hoped than anything else)
Think Treaty, Kerry and Longford (maybe Harps & Bray too) will drift off as me get into in 3rd & 4th quarters, a lot will depend on their home form

[ccity]

Premier Division

1. Shamrock Rovers
2. St. Pats
3. Shels
4. Derry City
5. Waterford
6. Bohs
7. Drogs
8. Galway
9. Cork C
10. Sligo


First Division
1. Cobh
2. Athlone
3. Dundalk
4. Bray
5. Wexford
6. UCD
7. Finn Harps
8. Treaty
9. Kerry
10. Longford

[legendz]

1. Pat's
2. Shamrock Rovers
3. Derry City
4. Shelbourne
5. Galway
6. Sligo
7. Waterford
8. Bohemians
9. Cork City
10. Drogheda

Expecting the same top 4. Following their end of season form I've gone with Pat's. Will be between them and Rovers.
If Derry improve, they might get the better of Shelbourne.
Going with Galway, Sligo and Waterford in mid table. Bohs could very well finish above them but that's what I've called. The challenge for Galway and Waterford is to follow up on last year.
I think Cork City can survive in the Premier Division but they might need to survive a playoff.
Hard to be a calling a 10th placed side unless going with Cork. Saying Drogheda but if they are going well, those listed above them are in real danger.

[sidewayspasser]

Premier:
1. Pats
2. Shamrock Rovers
3. Shelbourne
4. Derry City
5. Galway
6. Bohemians
7. Waterford
8. Cork City
9. Sligo Rovers
10. Drogheda

First
1. Dundalk
2. Cobh Ramblers
3. UCD
4. Athlone
5. Bray Wanderers
6. Wexford
7. Finn Harps
8. Kerry
9. Treaty United
10. Longford

[joey B]

Premier:
1. Pats
2. Rovers
3. Derry
4.Shels
5. Bohs
6. Waterford
7. Galway
8. Drogheda
9. Sligo Rovers
10. Cork City

First
1. Cobh
2. Dundalk
3. Athlone
4. UCD
5. Wexford
6. Bray
7. Kerry
8. Treaty
9. Harps
10. Longford


Find it hard to call both divisions,if Pats pick up where they left off they’ll go close,Rovers have the experience of winning while Derry are going all out and if it all clicks could win the league with the quality of player they’ve brought in,probably underestimating Duff and Shels again but I’m sure they’ll be up there.

At the bottom Cork don’t convince me at all while Sligo have lost a lot of quality from last year and will probably be in more trouble than they were last season…

In the First Division Cobh seem to be putting together a good squad but the manager would be the question but they might go close,Dundalk,Athlone and UCD look to be the other teams in the running.
At the bottom I’d be really worried about us as we’re currently constructed ,Longford the same but there’s still time to add to the squad which is badly needed….

[yurt]

Premier:
1. Rovers
2. Pats
3. Derry
4. Shels
5. Galway
6. Bohs
7. Sligo
8. Drogheda
9. Cork City
10. Waterford

First
1. Athlone
2. Dundalk
3. Cobh
4. UCD
5. Wexford
6. Bray
7. Harps
8. Treaty
9. Kerry
10. Longford

[EatYerGreens]

Surprised by how many are backing Pats to win this year. I can't see past Rovers myself, and think Pats could even end up in 3rd.

No-one bothering to predict who'll win the Cup? :D

[DonegalHoop]

Premier:
1. Rovers
2. Pats
3. Shels
4. Derry
5. Galway
6. Waterford
7. Bohs
8. Sligo
9. Drogheda
10. Cork

First
1. Cobh
2. Dundalk
3. Athlone
4. UCD
5. Wexford
6. Bray
7. Finn Harps
8. Treaty
9. Kerry
10. Longford

[nigel-harps1954]

1. Finn Harps

That'll do. Everyone else with financial difficulties and get liquidated.

[2 Year Contract]

Premier:
1. Rovers
2. Derry
3. Shels
4. Bohs
5. Galway
6. Waterford
7. Sligo
8. Pats
9. Drogheda
10. Cork

First
1. Cobh
2. Dundalk
3. UCD
4. Athlone
5. Wexford
6. Bray
7. Finn Harps
8. Treaty
9. Kerry
10. Longford

FAI Cup: Shels to beat Rovers in the final

Anything above 8th is a bonus for Pats this year. I think with the experience Derry have added it should be enough to prevent a monumental collapse like the second half of last season but I still feel rovers will have too much for them this year.

[DonegalHoop]

Don't see too many predictions around 1st manager sacked this year. Looks like it could be a relatively stable year, especially in the premier league. Reynolds the only obvious one who could be in the hotseat if Bohs get off to a poor start. Outside bets maybe Clancy and Russell if it does goes south but they both should be ok to at least see out the season. Similar story in the 1st divsion also.

[joey B]

Don't see too many predictions around 1st manager sacked this year. Looks like it could be a relatively stable year, especially in the premier league. Reynolds the only obvious one who could be in the hotseat if Bohs get off to a poor start. Outside bets maybe Clancy and Russell if it does goes south but they both should be ok to at least see out the season. Similar story in the 1st divsion also.

Clancy and Long would be the 2 I’d think could be first if there is somebody…

[sbgawa]

1. Rovers
2. Pats
3. Derry
4. Shels
5. Bohs
6. Galway
7. Sligo
8. Waterford
9. Drogs
10. Cork

First
1. Dundalk
2. Athlone
3. Cobh
4. UCD
5. Bray
6. Wexford
7. Harps
8. Treaty
9. Kerry
10. Longford

First Manager to go: Bradley
Cup Winers : Rovers
Top goalscorer: Johney KEnny (hopefully hes back)

[ger121]

1. Pat’s
2. Rovers
3. Derry
4. Bohs
5. Shels
6. Galway
7. Waterford
8. Sligo
9. Drogheda
10. Cork

First
1. Dundalk
2. Cobh
3. UCD
4.Athlone
5. Wexford
6. Bray
7. Harps
8. Treaty
9. Longford
10. Kerry

Cup: Pat’s to do the double

[Calcio Jack]

1.Rovers
2.Pats
3.Derry
4.Shels
5 Galway
6.Bohs
7. Waterford
8. Drogheda
9. Sligo
10. Cork

Rovers to win cup
Rovers to get to Conference q/final

First manager to go Russell



First
1. Dundalk
2. Athlone
3. Cobh
4. UCD
5. Bray
6. Wexford
7. Harps
8. Treaty
9. Kerry
10. Longford

[Jack B]

1. Rovers - Not actually confident in this one at all but no matter who I have 1st it just doesn't seem right, so Rovers feel like the safest bet given past success and their quality on paper. On the flip side loads of their squad are injury prone and they appear to lack goals, so no matter the winner I think it'll be closely run. Of all teams they're surely going to add another body or two also, and they've the budget there to go with safer bets than many others would be able to at this point in time.

2. Pats - Might be the eternal pessimist in me but I think this is a team that's almost there rather than fully ready to win the league, and as brilliantly as we finished last season there's no way that it's suddenly the actual standard of the team moving forward. A well-balanced team with a great manager all the same though so they should be up there.

3. Shels - Their points tally from last season would ordinarily have you finishing 3rd and I don't think they've improved nor regressed enough to fluctuate too much. Excellently coached team but the defence is weaker on quality than last season so I'd expect that to balance things out somewhat.

4. Derry - Hardest team to predict for me. Could be anything from 1st to 5th and I wouldn't be shocked. They've gone very short term with their recruitment and in some cases the pedigree of the players is impressive, but I think when put together there's too many key players on the wrong end of their primes for me to be convinced by them.

5. Bohs - The last couple of weeks of the window will give cause for optimism and I think it's taken them from looking like they'd be in the 5th-8th mix to being the best of the rest and definitely capable of finishing in the top 4. I think their coaching and/or defence isn't at the standard of those I have ahead of them though which will tell over the season.

6. Waterford - Think Long is a good coach and there's some good quality and interesting signings on paper in there like Olayinka and Bakboord, but they're a bit lacking in depth and there's some unknowns to me about how effectively they'll set up.

7. Galway - Toss up with them and Waterford, more individual quality for them whereas Galway are better than the sum of their parts. Not sure the incomings have improved the squad though and certain key players were already aging, so can see them being comfortably safe but not pulling up trees to the extent of last season.

8. Drogs - They were much improved after the summer window last season and I think they've done a good job of maintaining that level, Pierrot notwithstanding.

9. Sligo - They'll probably mug me off as they tend to but as it stands they're extremely light on midfielders and I don't see many goals in the team. Wolfe and Hakiki look like good signings but they've lost some big players that for me seems to outweigh them.

10. Cork - Just don't see it with them the way they've built the squad. Maguire and Keating should be a dangerous pairing, O'Sullivan looks a real talent and Clancy is a solid coach, but outside of that it's all quite underwhelming for me and can see it being a struggle.


FD

1. Cobh
2. Dundalk
3. Athlone
4. UCD
5. Bray
6. Treaty
7. Wexford
8. Harps
9. Kerry
10. Longford

[oriel]

Surprised by how many are backing Pats to win this year. I can't see past Rovers myself, and think Pats could even end up in 3rd.

No-one bothering to predict who'll win the Cup? :D

A lot seem to think Kenny is building up head of steam, and he has his classic 2 for every position, I think its a straight dog fight, Rovers and Pats, kind of changing my mind now, maybe going for Rovers as they have the experience, and maybe a throw back to the great DFC teams, when they missed out once in 2017, won the next 2 leagues. Rovers could do the same. I`m also not sure Pats have the goals to win the league. It will be close though.

Not convinced on Derry, too many new players, also for Shels I get feeling they just won't repeat that 2024 season, but they will make europe. Duff has them very well set up.

Dundalk are favs, but it won't be an easy route to win it, far from it, brand new team, re-set etc.

[sbgawa]

A lot seem to think Kenny is building up head of steam, and he has his classic 2 for every position, I think its a straight dog fights, Rovers and Pats, kind of changing my mind now, maybe going for Rovers, as not sure Pats have the goals to win it. It will be close though. Not convinced on Derry, too many new players, also for Shels get feeling they just won't repeat that season, but they will make europe. Duff has them very well set up.
If u aren't convinced Pats have the goals who is going to score for Rovers? Based on last couple of seasons we can expect half seasons from Jack and Burke....Aaron Greene? . Burns Farrugia and Kenny gone from Rovers....in...danny grant....hmmm

[2 Year Contract]

A lot seem to think Kenny is building up head of steam, and he has his classic 2 for every position, I think its a straight dog fight, Rovers and Pats, kind of changing my mind now, maybe going for Rovers as they have the experience, and maybe a throw back to the great DFC teams, when they missed out once in 2017, won the next 2 leagues. Rovers could do the same. I`m also not sure Pats have the goals to win the league. It will be close though.

Not convinced on Derry, too many new players, also for Shels I get feeling they just won't repeat that 2024 season, but they will make europe. Duff has them very well set up.

Dundalk are favs, but it won't be an easy route to win it, far from it, brand new team, re-set etc.

Top scorers in the league last year and haven’t lost anyone that played a big part in that. I’d still have rovers as favourites but there’s definitely goals in that Pats side

[RealJohn91]

Unless Rovers pull something out of the bag they're relying on a very promising 16 year old but still only a 16 year old and a year older Aaron Greene to replace Kenny's output. Seems like a big ask at the moment. Lost a lot of pace too.

[sbgawa]

The pace is the thing imo. Europe has papered over the cracks. Losing the league with our budget was bad enough but heading into next season with essentially the same old injury prone squad is a recipe for disaster.

[Kiki Balboa]

Anytime I seen Rovers in Europe, Kenny was the one that really seemed to bring the team to another level. From the outside, it seemed it was his form that was really the difference between the first and second half of the season too.

Lopes is a year older as well, will be 33 this year.

[WeAreRovers]

The pace is the thing imo. Europe has papered over the cracks. Losing the league with our budget was bad enough but heading into next season with essentially the same old injury prone squad is a recipe for disaster.

Finished 2nd after a terrible start, only losing the title on the last night, made history in Europe etc etc. Kenny a huge loss undoubtedly but the five new signings include the best keeper in the league, a hugely promising young striker and in Matt Healy a young box-to-boxer who has always impressed me for the U21s.

We are a striker short, no doubt, and IMO it's good that we are not favourites for a change but to characterise last season as 'papering over the cracks' and the squad as 'essentially the same old injury prone squad' is a laughably miserable outlook.

[WeAreRovers]

Anytime I seen Rovers in Europe, Kenny was the one that really seemed to bring the team to another level. From the outside, it seemed it was his form that was really the difference between the first and second half of the season too.

Lopes is a year older as well, will be 33 this year.

Kenny was brilliant but it was Dylan Watts form that was the real difference in the second half of the season.

[culloty82]

Premier Division:
1. St Pats
2. Shamrock Rovers
3. Shelbourne
4. Derry City
5. Sligo
6. Bohemians
7. Galway
8. Waterford
9. Drogheda
10. Cork

First Division:
1. Cobh
2. Dundalk
3. UCD
4. Wexford
5. Bray
6. Athlone
7. Treaty
8. Kerry
9. Finn Harps
10. Longford

Bottom of the First will essentially boil down to a mini-league between the bottom four, so you could just as easily put Longford seventh as last.

[pineapple stu]

I wonder does Another Bohemia want to revise the predictions from December? (Nothing in them particularly - just it's a brave call predicting things that far in advance!)

I'll go -

Premier
1) Pat's - hard to argue against 13 straight wins in all competitions (ended by Athlone of all teams...)
2) Rovers - still don't trust Bradley, though the signings seem better than last year (McGinty > Steacy for example) and there'll be less of a European distraction. But some key players have gone, the academy still isn't contributing and I think there'll be a reasonable gap at the top.
3) Shels - tempting to dismiss them as a one-off and put them mid-table, but Duff clearly knows what he's doing. More European games probably won't help domestically - and had Kenny been at Pat's a couple of weeks longer Shels wouldn't have won the league, so I can't see them finishing ahead of Pat's if nothing else
4) Galway - feck it, why not? It's what I predicted last season and it nearly came off.
5) Bohs - seem to have signed well. If Whelan can get his career back on track (and if Mousset is any good after two years without a game) then goals won't be an issue, and that's always a good start.
6) Derry - seem weaker than last season?
7) Waterford - more likely to be caught up in the turmoil at the bottom than going for Europe I think
8) Cork - Maguire/Keating to do enough to keep them up
9) Sligo - pre-season as unimpressive as last year, without the late late signings of Mata/McGinley to lift them to last year's mid-table spot
10) Drogheda - maybe a bit harsh based on their run-in form to be honest. Really hard to call the automatic relegation spot though. A key injury or two for any of the bottom four could swing things.

First
1) Cobh - seem to have signed well
2) UCD - home-team bias obviously
3) Dundalk - on paper should be strong, but equally have potential for a financial crisis to destroy things. Actually in that case, third is about the least likely place they'll finish - it's just an average of the two outcomes
4) Bray - three plastic pitches in the top four? But they seem more stable than recent years, and made the play-off semis last year
5) Wexford
6) Treaty
7) Athlone
8) Kerry
9) Longford
10) Harps - I know pretty much nothing about the rest tbh.