United look good for new season's start

This season is a critical one for Galway United, and Sunday's opening encounter of the Eircom League first division campaign against Monaghan should provide a barometer of the team's prospects this season.

New manager Stephen Lally has overseen a highly impressive pre-season period in which the team has played with real passion and a touch of panache. While a physically imposing Monaghan team may quietly fancy its chances of springing an upset, Galwegians will travel to Century Homes Park (kick off 3pm) carrying equal measures of hope and expectation.

United’s off-field restructuring is encouraging, but the players must now accept responsibility by firing the club back into the higher echelons of the domestic game. A good start is a necessity, and after such a promising off season, Sunday’s game assumes added significance.

Lally has bolstered his squad with a string of interesting signings. The return of Billy Clery will inject some menace into a United team that has been far too accomodating to opponents in the past number of seasons. Clery also offers real versatility, and can operate effectively in a range of different positions.

With Mixie Harty unavilable through suspension for this fixture, new skipper Nigel Keady, or youngster Nicky Curran, will probably operate at right full.

Ryan Casey's unfortunate injury set-back is a blow, but Lally does now possess a wealth of left-sided options. Phil O'Reilly, Marvin Syzmanski, and the polished Kevin Williamson all seem to be capable footballers and they will be pushing for inclusion in Lally's first competitive starting XI.

In midfield, the ultra-skilled John Russell may be the player with the talent to carve opportunities for on an attack that is certainly not short of penetration. Davie O'Dowd's steady improvement continues, while Barry Moran's desire for the Galwegian shirt is unquestionable. Both strikers are renowned for their industry, and United followers will hope the goals flow for the busy front-runners this term. Unfortunately, O'Dowd is ruled out through suspension on Sunday.

Monaghan, still under the stewardship of renowned coach Mick Cooke, will be intent on achieving a positive start to the season also. Much travelled goalkeeper Robbie Horgan is an astute stopper, but Galwegians making the trek to Gortakeegan will hope the Monaghan keeper is beaten by Moran. A competitive debut victory for Lally would ensure next week's derby joust with Athlone Town will be of added significance as United seek to open its account with a string of morale boosting wins.