Angus
03/11/2007, 9:38 PM
Yep I know it is a bit premature but I always try and view a season or somebody's performances outside of pure results. This season could end in 2 cup semis and safety by a few points. It could end up 2 cup semis, a relegation playoff and safety or all of the above and relegation.
It all boils down to next week but next week while it will dictate facts and figures on our season it will not define it. Therefore, I respectfully suggest that we begin the season analysis before we know our final destiny.
Summary:
I view it positively - out of 10 I am looking at 6.5 - 7.5 bearing everything in mind.
Positives:
Remarkable squad development of young talent
Kenna the first half of the season
McNally all season
Sammo's ability to make space and hold the ball up
The emergence of McFaul and Finn (who was absolutely majestic last night)
The emergence of King, Bermingham and Fran.
The potential shown by the under 21's - Deccie, Totsie, Evan, Fran, Timmy
Positive attitude shown by vast majority of players vast majority of time
Negatives
Lack of potency up front
Injuries at key times to McNally, and Paul Byrne, particularly
Inability to replace Paul Byrne as Sammo's strike partner
Last minute suckers in Sligo, Longford, at home to Drogs
Lack of goals in the last month (see Paul Byrne issue)
First signs of Tony not dominating games
Mitigating factors
Key injuries to Byrne, Fitzy, McFaul hit us at disastrous times
Bad luck in cup draws the travel for which definitely took its toll
Down to bare bones in squad terms for some games notwithstanding youth situation above
Podge only in last 2 - 3 games coming back to his best after horrific injury
Doylers injury
Highlights
Win in Drogheda
Kenna's one on one tackle in the league in Richmond Park
Win in Waterford
The cry of "hurry up" in the penalty shoot out in Kildare
Win in derry in the cup and league
Our resilience against better sides in the first 2/3 of the season
The football we played in Tolka and Dalymount
Lowlights
Some of the resilience beginning to fade as guys get tired
The cup semi - battered longford for 60 minutes but couldn't score
Losing in Tolka and Dalymount depsite playing magnificient football - see Paul Byrne issue as above
All in all, I believe the guys deserve to stay up and if they do, we will not be in this position next season. I fancy us to be in the much desired mid table obscurity next year with no relegation issues.
It all boils down to next week but next week while it will dictate facts and figures on our season it will not define it. Therefore, I respectfully suggest that we begin the season analysis before we know our final destiny.
Summary:
I view it positively - out of 10 I am looking at 6.5 - 7.5 bearing everything in mind.
Positives:
Remarkable squad development of young talent
Kenna the first half of the season
McNally all season
Sammo's ability to make space and hold the ball up
The emergence of McFaul and Finn (who was absolutely majestic last night)
The emergence of King, Bermingham and Fran.
The potential shown by the under 21's - Deccie, Totsie, Evan, Fran, Timmy
Positive attitude shown by vast majority of players vast majority of time
Negatives
Lack of potency up front
Injuries at key times to McNally, and Paul Byrne, particularly
Inability to replace Paul Byrne as Sammo's strike partner
Last minute suckers in Sligo, Longford, at home to Drogs
Lack of goals in the last month (see Paul Byrne issue)
First signs of Tony not dominating games
Mitigating factors
Key injuries to Byrne, Fitzy, McFaul hit us at disastrous times
Bad luck in cup draws the travel for which definitely took its toll
Down to bare bones in squad terms for some games notwithstanding youth situation above
Podge only in last 2 - 3 games coming back to his best after horrific injury
Doylers injury
Highlights
Win in Drogheda
Kenna's one on one tackle in the league in Richmond Park
Win in Waterford
The cry of "hurry up" in the penalty shoot out in Kildare
Win in derry in the cup and league
Our resilience against better sides in the first 2/3 of the season
The football we played in Tolka and Dalymount
Lowlights
Some of the resilience beginning to fade as guys get tired
The cup semi - battered longford for 60 minutes but couldn't score
Losing in Tolka and Dalymount depsite playing magnificient football - see Paul Byrne issue as above
All in all, I believe the guys deserve to stay up and if they do, we will not be in this position next season. I fancy us to be in the much desired mid table obscurity next year with no relegation issues.