Given budgetary constraints and our current position as a midtable first division outfit ...
1. Who would you like to see coming to United ?
2. Who do you actually think will be coming to the club ?
Eric Lavine would be a great addition. He seems to be surplus to requirements at Longford. An entertainer, goalscorer and very popular in Galway. Pushing on a bit, but to be honest, its not that difficult to score 10-15 goals in the First Division. Longford also have Adrian Murphy on their books, he is a proven striker at this level. Basically, any Longford leftovers will suit us fine, as opposed to Athlone/Limerick/Sligo leftovers.
We need a reserve 'keeper with EL experience. Ciaran Kelly and David Forde are two good Western lads presently with Derry. At least one will be available as they also have Pat Jennings jnr. on their books.
I don't think McTiernan will be coming anyway as he is under contract. Cretaro could be an good option, but to be honest, United are no longer seen
as a "big club" and the move might not be that attractive for him, especially for the sake of just a few pounds. But then one of our "stars" made the move for E20 per week. John Jordan is another good ex-Sligo player currently plying his trade at junior level in Mayo. A striker.
Defenders ? Athlone and Limerick have appalling defensive records, no point bringing in a few plodders from there, although Tom Silke has done a good job for us in the past. Long shot : there is a solid Irish pro available across the water at the moment Paul McCarthy (ex Wycombe and Brighton). He has signed for Conference outfit Hornchurch for big money. They are "progressive", but like many progressive clubs, they have gone burst. This lad (man !) would have to be full-time, but would be a great signing. Played U-21 at international level with Roy Keane and Goughie, so there is a possible link. You are better to have one solid full-time pro in the squad than Cabsy, McCarthy and Goldbey, whose wages combined would pay for a full-time player or manager. Almost.
Stephen O'Donnell at Arsenal for a few months on loan ? Again a very long shot, but he will probably be going on loan to someone like Barnet or Dagenham anyway. Hope to be proven incorrect.
Loan deals for Premier players ? Cork have a brilliant U-21 team, with some of them from Limerick, Kerry and Tipperary. Tony could talk to Pat, for it will be Tony who will be doing the talking, methinks.
The best local players are former United lads, Mervue stalwarts, or are complete nutters, not many options there.
What do you think ?