Monaghan United commence the new season with an away match to Longford Town at Flancare Park on Saturday evening next, kick off at 7.30.p.m.
In the corresponding game last season Longford won 3-0 but in the remaining three outings United were the victors and indeed Longfords then manager resigned after one of the defeats. It was nip and tuck between the sides in the league last year but with a good finish to the season Monaghan eventually left them behind.
Longford’s manager Alan Gough made a number of interesting signings during the pre- season, joining the club are former underage Republic of Ireland and Wimbledon keeper-Brendan Murphy, Derek Glynn formerly of Galway United, Tom King formerly of Plymouth Argile and Gary Curran ex- Sligo Rovers.
In their pre-season preparation, United had a number of friendly matches over the past six weeks. On Friday evening last they took on newly promoted premier side Dundalk at Kingspan Century Park in what was a very entertaining game that had everything apart from goals and the reason for such absence can be put down to a number of brilliant saves by both keepers and to two dominant defences.
This was a great chance for their followers to get a first look at the new squad. Some of the new signings to catch the eye were Karl Bermingham, Shane Grimes, Aidan Lynch, Alan Byrne, David Freeman, and Keith Pringle and when introduced in the second half last seasons player Darragh Hanaphy was very impressive.
Both managers made approximately six substitutions in the second half and if anything Monaghan finished stronger in this period which goes to show that a lot of players are fighting for their positions.
On Sunday United travelled to Drogheda United and once again manager Mick Cooke was more interested in the performance than the result but he had the added satisfaction of coming away with a one 1-0 victory.
The last three outings against St. Pats, Dundalk and Drogheda have demonstrated that Monaghan United should be one of the form sides of the 1st. Division this year and indeed if they could get off to a good start should be strong contenders for the first division title, but without a ball being kicked it is too early to be counting chickens. The new signings are gelling very well into the team.
The squad to pick from are :- Brendan Kennedy, Ronan Mc. Gann, Charlie Treacy, Paul Whelan, Shane Grimes, Aidan Lynch, Aaron Mooney, Alan Byrne, Cathal O’ Connor, Stephen Mc.Crossan, David Freeman, Barry Clancy, Karl Bermingham, Sean Brennan, Ross Moran, Darragh Hanaphy, Keith Pringle, Niall Flynn
The Management Team
In Mick Cooke, Monaghan United have the longest serving manager in the League. Mick is highly regarded in the football scene in Ireland. One of the reasons that United was one of the few clubs who were solvent at the end of the season was Mick worked within the tight budget that United presented him with at the end of the season.
Last season Mick’s side ended up in the top half of the 1st. Division and were it not for a few bad results earlier on there is no doubt but United would have been promotion contenders. However on the positive side the team finished the season very strongly and Mick hopes to start in the same good vein next week.
Joining United as coach to Mick for the new season is ex- Manchester United player, Pat McGibbon. Pat brings a vast experience to the club having the benefit of training and being trained by some of the best managers and coaches in the English Premier division, the name of Alex Ferguson comes to mind. In the pre-season friendlies it was evident even at this early stage there is a very good working relationship between Mick and Pat. Both will bring a wide range of experience to the club.
Monaghan United v Shelbourne
Monaghan United’s first home game at Kingspan Century Park will be against Shelbourne FC on Friday 13th March kick off 8.p.m.. In this same fixture last year United had a home win against the Dublin side when they defeated them 1-0,and indeed were one of the few sides who did defeat them during the season. Shelbourne were just pipped for promotion at the end of the season. It is a tie that should attract a good support.
Development
The contractors hope to move onto site this week to commence the Astro Development and weather permitting the should have completed the work in approximately 12 weeks
Mini Leagues
Mini Leagues continue this weekend. As usual under 8’s are from 11.a.m. to noon and under 11’s are 12-1.p.m.
Ladies Football
Monaghan United continue their Pre Season training this Friday night at Monaghan Leisure Centre at 6:45 sharp and again on Sunday morning at Kingspan Century Park at 12 o clock sharp.
Every one welcome, no soccer experience necessary just come along and give it a go.
Contact Pauric at the Clubhouse 047 84798
HALF SEASON TICKET NOW AVAILABLE
In order to make season tickets more financially accessible to the Monaghan United Fans, the Mons are offering a half season ticket for €70. This ticket gets you entry to all Monaghan United FAI League of Ireland home games at Kingspan Century Park until July 3rd 2009 when it will be possible to purchase a further half season ticket.
For families there is the option to buy a family ticket on the same basis at the cost of €90. This gives families and individuals the opportunity to sample a half of the season and when they find they are truly addicted to live football, the option to purchase for the rest of the year.
To purchase season tickets or half season tickets, contact Julie-Ann on 086 0417009 or email cpo@monaghanunited.ie
UNDER 13’S GIRLS FOOTBALL
Monaghan United are starting coaching sessions for Under 13 girls at Kingspan Century Park at Mini Leagues on Sundays at 11 to 12 o’clock from Sunday 8th March.
All girls aged from 6 to 13 are welcome.
SCHOOLS COACHING ONGOING
As part of Monaghan United’s Community Programme, Schools in County Monaghan are currently benefitting from free coaching sessions courtesy of United. Coach Claire Byrne attends St Mary’s Boys School, St Louis Girls School, The Model School, all in Monaghan town, St Tiernach’s, Clones and Gransha on a weekly basis.
In the coming months, Claire will be attending St Dympna’s in Tydavnet and Scoile Mhuire, Rockcorry where she will also be giving weekly coaching sessions.
This programme is offering the children of these schools a chance to sample and improve their soccer skills as part of the schools P.E. programme.
All the schools participating in the programme will be issued with a free ticket to the Monaghan United home games and there is an open invitation to the schools to attend the FAI League of Ireland games on a regular basis. With the first home game of the season almost upon us, this is the perfect opportunity for the young football fans to get a sample of live football.
Any other schools wishing to avail of this coaching can contact Julie-Ann Sherlock on 086 0417009.
FAI AGM UPDATE
A further meeting of the FAI AGM Monaghan 2009 Steering Committee was held in the Bagster Lounge at Kingspan Century Park on Monday 2nd March. The committee were very happy with the progression of plans for the week long “Festival of Football”.
Major events are being planned for all the clubs in the county and in the main towns and villages. The fun will be put into football during that week and some of Ireland’s most important names in football will be touring the county.
The next meeting is due to be held on March 23rd at 8pm in the Bagster Lounge.
