now that we're top of the league what of our main challengers?
Shels - Prime candidates for 'post europe syndrome' that afflicted Shamrock Rovers, a miserable run of results following their limp wristed euro exit shels also have dressing room bust ups to contend with as Fenlon has verbally lashed Rogers and Ger McCarthy following inept displays against Sligo and Olimipia. The signing of second string pats player Jamie Harris and inability to tempt clive delaney to tolka when in clear need of a decent defender to replace rogers points to a cash problem at tolka probably due to high wages and low gates. Points on the board is better than games in hand as Shamrocks have proven so their fixture backlog will hardly be a bonus if fenlon is under pressure to get results. They are there for the taking and their rivals know it, morale is on the floor and if the sligo yellow card appeal drags out like the registration saga against their managers wishes than club and players will be at loggerheads once again. Favourites tag will wear thin. Prediction: Immediate collapse but capabale of recovery at some stage.
Bohs: early season miserable run means bohs have all the work to do. As with shels points on the board are always safer than games in hand and a fixture backlog. They can play all the football they like but lack of firepower up front will damage their chances as Crowe is not half the player he was last season and their small professional squad has no real strength in depth. Prediction: a real danger with a quality side but have they left it too late and was the pats win in dalymount a fatal blow to their belated challenge?
Waterford: Unknown package, spirited performances so far but can they make that count for an entire season? Unconvinced but still a tough nut to crack.
Longford: good footballing side, a top striker away from being a title challenger
Cork and Shamrock rovers are capable of knicking points to disrupt the main contenders but are not genuine contenders. Cork cause they have to sign players to be in with a real chance and shamrocks cause of financial and post europe defeats both will be happy with holding their own. Shamrocks are capable of doing us a favour or two in derbies where form counts for nothing.
They all have problems in my opinion so we've as good a chance as any of them. If Birdy keeps scoring and new boy McPhee doubles up like he did v Cork on friday we will be the team to beat no question.
Game on. The real title race starts here!
