Weekend games (30 April)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SkStu

i didnt say the budgets had become more even. I said the quality had become more evenly distributed due to the demise of Cork and Derry. Can you not acknowledge that? And im not sure how it reflects that badly on O'Neill or Fenlon or any other manager. There are only so many players any club can sign.

---

Especially with about 90% of players out of contract at the end of last season, budget should equal quality in the hands of a decent manager.

The demise of Cork and Derry gave Bohs and Shamrock Rovers further opportunities to stretch the gap - Bohs Higgins, McGlynn, Gray were signed by Bohs, while Murphy, Murray, and Dennehy were signed by Shamrocks.

Bohs signing of Aaron Greene to compete with Byrne, Madden, Quigley and Cretaro, at nearly €1k a week illustrates the Bohs' board determination to spend to another title, and the Bohs performances to date brings Fenlons signing abilities into question

With Shelley, Heary, McGuinness, Oman, Rossiter, Powell, Cronin, Keegan, Brennan, Murphy, Byrne, Madden retained from last years squad, compared with just about 4 each at Dundalk (Cherrie, Kelly, Burns, Mulvenna) or St Pat (Rogers, Lynch, Guy, Byrne) it must reflect poorly on Fenlons inability to integrate a smaller number of high quality/high earning players into an established league winning squad.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SkStu

You both seemed to pick up on one point i made about new players and isolated it. I thought 2 intelligent posters like yourselves would understand the points i was making.

---

I don't know whether to be offended or flattered!

I understood all your points - I just thought that they made no sense, other then questioning Fenlons performance to date

The 4 Fingal fans broke into a crazy round of applause at the final whistle. Fair play to them for travelling, must be hard to leave Dublin.

We had at least 384 chances to score too, deserved a point at least but it's not to be.

Its unfair to expect Fans of Dublin clubs to travel so far away. Sligo should be relocated in Meath to make it fair for them ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sligoman

The 4 Fingal fans

---

There was 4? Where'd the fourth come out of??!! :eek:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sligoman

The 4 Fingal fans broke into a crazy round of applause at the final whistle. Fair play to them for travelling, must be hard to leave Dublin.

We had at least 384 chances to score too, deserved a point at least but it's not to be.

---

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EOdPxkPqlQ...400/grapes.jpg

;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by poster

There was 4? Where'd the fourth come out of??!! :eek:

---

Fingal :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lamper.sffc

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EOdPxkPqlQ...400/grapes.jpg

;)

---

that looks like somthing i'd draw :)

Looks like a good wine to me!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rocketman

Looks like a good wine to me!

---

bitter

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ezeikial

Especially with about 90% of players out of contract at the end of last season, budget should equal quality in the hands of a decent manager.

The demise of Cork and Derry gave Bohs and Shamrock Rovers further opportunities to stretch the gap - Bohs Higgins, McGlynn, Gray were signed by Bohs, while Murphy, Murray, and Dennehy were signed by Shamrocks.

Bohs signing of Aaron Greene to compete with Byrne, Madden, Quigley and Cretaro, at nearly €1k a week illustrates the Bohs' board determination to spend to another title, and the Bohs performances to date brings Fenlons signing abilities into question

With Shelley, Heary, McGuinness, Oman, Rossiter, Powell, Cronin, Keegan, Brennan, Murphy, Byrne, Madden retained from last years squad, compared with just about 4 each at Dundalk (Cherrie, Kelly, Burns, Mulvenna) or St Pat (Rogers, Lynch, Guy, Byrne) it must reflect poorly on Fenlons inability to integrate a smaller number of high quality/high earning players into an established league winning squad.

---

I think it is unquestionable that budget does equals quality in the case of Bohs. It just hasnt clicked yet and Fenlon hasnt found the right blend from the old and the new. Is that his fault? Absolutely. But im confident he will and the good thing is that it so far no other team or manager is any better at meeting the same challenge any more consistently. And certainly not enough to make it count so far. I certainly dont think it brings Fenlons "signing abilities" into doubt, moreso his tactical/managerial ability. And even then, any questioning is temporary. The man has done more than enough in his career with Bohs to be given time to find his team this season. You should be asking yourself why your team and manager havent been able to take advantage of our averageness.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ezeikial

I don't know whether to be offended or flattered!

I understood all your points - I just thought that they made no sense, other then questioning Fenlons performance to date

---

Be flattered, im not here to offend. Apologies that my original post made no sense to you, it did to me but maybe i wasnt clear enough for you.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Acornvilla

bitter

---

If it gets you drunk, is good lol

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lamper.sffc

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EOdPxkPqlQ...400/grapes.jpg

;)

---

everyone knows the green ones are more sour...

http://www.4marks.com/galleries/articles/s225/2982.jpg

I know we all have games where we say "it could have been ten" but tonight it really could have.

Scored 7, missed a penalty, two cleared off the lines and missed three one on ones. Rampant stuff.

How many goals has McDaid scored for derry this season ?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MariborKev

I know we all have games where we say "it could have been ten" but tonight it really could have.

Scored 7, missed a penalty, two cleared off the lines and missed three one on ones. Rampant stuff.

---

Sounds like the forwards had a stinker Kev lol

5 goals i reckon.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Acornvilla

Ireland is where ambition and incompetence meets creating bankers, politicians and Loi Chairmen

---

brilliant

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SkStu

I think it is unquestionable that budget does equals quality in the case of Bohs. It just hasnt clicked yet and Fenlon hasnt found the right blend from the old and the new. Is that his fault? Absolutely.

---

Agreed - budget should equal quality and quality should equal points. Bohs and Fenlon have dramatically underperformed.

To put it into context - for Bohs the cost per point won to date (based on estimated budget) is about €5,500 - €6,000, whereas for Pats and Dundalk its in the region of €1,500 per point.

You can argue whether Fenlon has made the wrong signings or focus on his tactical and man-management limitations. Either way, the buck stops with Fenlon and his players.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SkStu

You should be asking yourself why your team and manager havent been able to take advantage of our averageness.

---

I imagine that the vast majority of Pats and Dundalk supporters are very content with the performances of the respective teams and managers.

Six points ahead of the leagues Viv Nicholson, and a new form of entertainment reading the Bohs forum!

Of course it can hardly last, even the above Viv Nicholson should be able to win the league with the squad at Bohs. But its fun while it lasts!

Sligo fans still going for that 3rd place finish ? Its a club I like, but the amount of cocky posts on here in Feb/Mar about such a high table finish was just incredible. Even if we beat Rovers tomorow, I would still say 3rd for us would be a massive ask.

Maybe its time for everyone (myself included) to recognise what a quality side Fingal are. If they can build up their home support, they would be a good addition to the PD.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ezeikial

You can argue whether Fenlon has made the wrong signings or focus on his tactical and man-management limitations. Either way, the buck stops with Fenlon

---

Interesting to see how he deals with the differences of opinion between certain players after the game the other night.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by oriel

Sligo fans still going for that 3rd place finish ? Its a club I like, but the amount of cocky posts on here in Feb/Mar about such a high table finish was just incredible.

---

I wasn't part of this forum back then, but if I had been I definetly wouldn't have predicted a 3rd place finish. We're too weak at the back. Paul Whelan and Iarfliath Davoren are First Division players, Danny Ventre's a liability and Alan Keane is guarenteed to gift the opposition at least three chances a game. We're missing Almeida now for what looks like forever and he's a big loss. We have quality in attack with Ryan, Ndo, McCabe, Blinks, Amond and Dillon though. I see us finishing sixth at highest unless we sign a decent centre half.

Although I don't like to say it I really can't see Dundalk consistently holding a top 2/3 position.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by poster

Although I don't like to say it I really can't see Dundalk consistently holding a top 2/3 position.

---

To be fair most Dundalk fans (including Oriel in the post you replied to) see it as being a tall task to retain a top 2/3 position to the end of the season. This is directly due to the absense of depth in the squad. The regular starting eleven can take on any team in the league, but with only Cawley, Mulvenna (both injured for most of the season to date) and Gregg the only ones with any real premier experience beyond that, it will be hard to overcome injuries and suspensions as they arise.

Foster and Hatswell have done a tremendous job to date and Dundalk have been playing great "on-the-ground" football . If we get some luck with injuries, suspensions and individual form a top three finish is a real possibility. The obvious alternative of adding two or three players to the squad would be great, but finances are unlikely to allow this.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SkStu

There are a lot of new players in the squad and, as is often the case, it doesnt always work out as you want or as quickly as you'd like.

---

In fairness, Bohs are a full-time club two months into the season. I don't think the "They're still getting to know each other" excuse has any validity at this stage.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by oriel

Maybe its time for everyone (myself included) to recognise what a quality side Fingal are. If they can build up their home support, they would be a good addition to the PD.

---

Didnt think they were impressive last Monday against us although we are the only team to have beaten them this season

Weren't that impressive against us either. Excellent on paper, but don't play up to that at all.

Any team that has Glen Crowe still starting aren't quality...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by oriel

Maybe its time for everyone (myself included) to recognise what a quality side Fingal are. If they can build up their home support, they would be a good addition to the PD.

---

At least you included yoursef there. most people in this thread had them finishing in top 3.

Except you ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by oriel

I`d do with

1. Bohs
2. Rovers (- 3 pts)

4. Dundalk

Hard to call the rest, def agree with Sligo/Pats all same standard as us, I just have a feeling Fingal will not deliver.

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sligoman

Any team that has Glen Crowe still starting aren't quality...

---

Did he start against ye? I think when we played them a couple of weeks ago, he had yet to start. Was coming on as a sub mostentimes.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sligoman

Any team that has Glen Crowe still starting aren't quality...

---

He's only started three this season. He'd have at least that and more if he was with any club bar Bohs this season

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by pineapple stu

Weren't that impressive against us either. Excellent on paper, but don't play up to that at all.

---

One of our worst displays this season tbh.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sligoman

Any team that has Glen Crowe still starting aren't quality...

---

So then, what would say about the team who got beat by the team who started Glen Crowe :)

Has only started two games bdw ;)

Tbh its been very up and down so far this season. Some good displays and some bad. There are glimpses of what the team are capable of but I somtimes feel Buckley can be a little too negative. Needs to start playing with 2 up imo.

Yep - spot on Dodge, I`ll give you that one. Lamper decent article in Irish Mail today re SFFC.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lamper.sffc

So then, what would say about the team who got beat by the team who started Glen Crowe :)

---

You weren't at the game...if you were, you'd have seen ye didn't deserve to win.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lamper.sffc

Needs to start playing with 2 up imo

---

He did last night anyway...that's if Crowe counts as being a striker;).

They scored and kept a clean sheet. Of course they deserved to win. Posession and chances count for nothing

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sligoman

You weren't at the game...if you were, you'd have seen ye didn't deserve to win.He did last night anyway...that's if Crowe counts as being a striker;).

---

Not really a reply to what i was getting at but anyway.

I wasnt at the game, your right. First game iv missed so far this season.
So from what your telling me we had two up front? Suprised if that was the case. Have nt gone with a 4-4-2 in god knows how long. Are you sure it wasnt just Crowe up front supported by conan on the right and Zayed on the left. That would be more in keeping with how we play and have been playing for well over a year now. Where did Mc Faul play out of interest.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by oriel

Yep - spot on Dodge, I`ll give you that one. Lamper decent article in Irish Mail today re SFFC.

---

Not a paper I tend to buy. Good article I hope.:o

Well on the dance off scale: Mons 3-0 Mervue

OOOooooh yeah.

Lamps - The article paints a very progressive picture of the club.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CSFShels

Poor oul Salthill ain't gonna finish this season. Wouldn't be surprised if Mervue folded too.

---

why would probably the 2 richest clubs in the LOI not make the end of season?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lamper.sffc

Not really a reply to what i was getting at but anyway.

I wasnt at the game, your right. First game iv missed so far this season.
So from what your telling me we had two up front? Suprised if that was the case. Have nt gone with a 4-4-2 in god knows how long. Are you sure it wasnt just Crowe up front supported by conan on the right and Zayed on the left. That would be more in keeping with how we play and have been playing for well over a year now. Where did Mc Faul play out of interest.

---

McFaul played in the middle of the park, Zayed did a lot of defending for a forward, practically played left back.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ezeikial

To be fair most Dundalk fans (including Oriel in the post you replied to) see it as being a tall task to retain a top 2/3 position to the end of the season. This is directly due to the absense of depth in the squad. If we get some luck with injuries, suspensions and individual form a top three finish is a real possibility. The obvious alternative of adding two or three players to the squad would be great, but finances are unlikely to allow this.

---

LOI finances are a mystery to me. Dundalk have no real debt and have the second best attendances in the League.

Why is the budget so restricted? Is Dundalk the only team at the top of the league balancing their finances?