Season previews

Said I'd get a thread just for various season previews in the newspapers as the new season approaches...Of course, we've been inundated by the quality Irish media, but still...

Sunday Times had one today (Premier only). Basic summary is -

1 - Shels. Finished well last season and made good signings since.
2 - Derry. Kenny's a quality manager; Oman and McHugh are good signings.
3 - Cork. No signings of note.
4 - Drogheda. Signings "underwhelm". Setanta Cup form unimpressive so far.
5 - Bohs. Re-building going OK, but a title challenge beyond them.
6 - UCD. Pete Mahon's a quality manager, U-21 champions two years in a row; "could surprise a few this term".
7 - Sligo. "Good footballing side and capable of surprising a few people".
8 - Bray. Good signings by Devlin; should keep them mid-table.
9 - Longford. Players "love" Mathews, but key players gone with Doherty the only arrival of note.
10 - Pat's. Signings are "shopsoiled"; too many over-old or over-young players.
11 - Waterford. Pat Dolan saved them last year; Kerley did well with financial constraints at Limerick.
12 - Dublin City. "With neither a ground nor a fanbase, Keely will need all his experience to keep them from the foot of the table."

Would agree with that. Drogheda fans are living on false hope if they think their signings will bridge the huge points gap that existed last season. Simply not going to happen and they lost Sandveliet who was class. Ourselves $hels and Cork at the top.

I'm afriad we've gone from vastly underrated last season to vastly overrated. I'm expecting 9th or 10th this season.

drogs are definetly much stronger than last year.We are expecting alot from kieth fahey and jason Gavin .Also the signing of barret will be a good one.we have a good squad that should be able to bridge the big points gap from last season.Reckon derry and shels will be the strongest though.

Wouldn't write bohs off for setanta cup if we can hold on to Wardy

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Originally Posted by Speranza

Would agree with that. Drogheda fans are living on false hope if they think their signings will bridge the huge points gap that existed last season.

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We'll see, I tend to remember everyone writing off derry last season and look what happened there :eek:

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Originally Posted by Cosmo

We'll see, I tend to remember everyone writing off derry last season and look what happened there :eek:

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Rico is doing it again!!!:D

Aertel Premier Division previews (doesn't predict anything, unfortunately...) Can't link in obviously as it'll change

DIV PREVIEW
BOHEMIANS
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2005 was a major disappointment for The Gypsies who never really got into their stride. The pluses, of which there were not that many, included the continuing fine form of Stephen Ward, Stephen Rice and the excellent JP Kelly.

Dessie Byrne arrived from St Pat's and brought some much needed steel to the rearguard but the wonderful Dominic Foley left for Gent.

Vinny Arkins is the major new addition to the side as they strive once again to claim the title of best team in Dublin and the country. Off the field, the possible ground share with Shelbourne is the major talking point.



BRAY WANDERERS
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The club retained their Premier Division status despite the temporary loss of Eamon Zayed and Wesley Charles to loan deals abroad. Both are back now and Bray should do alright this year.

The nucleus of the spirited Bray sides of recent seasons is still there - Gifford, Tresson, Fox, O'Brien - while they have been rejoined by the super talent that is Robbie Doyle, back at the Carlisle after stints at UCD, St Pat's and Bohs.

The U-21s took the Enda McGuil Cup last season and many of that side will be in contention for a first team berth this year.



CORK CITY
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Cork City fought a real hammer and tongs affair all season with Derry City but finally took the title on a fantastic final night of the season.

In a sport-mad county, the soccer players can hold their heads up high. John O'Flynn has bravely opted to stay in the People's Republic but Liam Kearney and Greg O'Halloran have left the banks of the Lee.

City supplemented their league exploits with a fantastic Euro campaign that allowed them show their talent and potential to a nationwide television audience. The club with the country's best fans and best facilities can only get better and better.



DERRY CITY
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The Candystripes looked odds on for a treble last season but had to settle for the League Cup.

The title was lost in that final night decider in Cork but Setanta Sports Cup soccer was secured, so all in all, not a bad year when you look back on it.

Stephen Kenny's policy of having a Derry based playing staff has clearly worked and the turnaround from this time just two years ago is dramatic and deserves bigger and better prizes than were secured last season.

Ken Oman from Bohs and Kevin McHugh from Finn Harps are the big arrivals at The Brandywell for 2006.



DROGHEDA UTD
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As FAI Carlsberg Cup holders, a Setanta Sports Cup place secured and plans for a new stadium well advanced, it's a great time to be a Drogs fan these days.

With bitter rivals Dundalk in the dumps, what Louth man or woman would have foreseen this, say, five years ago?

With the likes of Glen Fitzpatrick and Brian Shelley signed up and Keith Fahey, Declan O'Brien and Mark Leech already there, Paul Doolin can look forward to more good times.



DUBLIN CITY
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The Vikings deservedly took their place in the Premier Division following their play-off win over Shamrock Rovers. They could have taken the automatic promotion spot from Sligo Rovers but lost their way on the run-in.

It's a totally new look Vikings this season, but isn't it always? Gary Rogers has arrived to keep goal, having not got a look-in at Drogheda, while quality players like Mick O'Donnell and Ger McCarthy have also signed up.

The signs are good and their momentum from last season should ensure they enjoy a good start. However, maintaining that momentum will be key to their fortunes.



LONGFORD TOWN
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Town had a poor 2005 league campaign by their recent high standards. They relinquished control of their two cup titles and exited the UEFA Cup in embarrassing fashion to, quite honestly, Welsh opposition that they should have disposed of with ease.

Boss Alan Mathews was disgusted with the performances of several players and voiced his opinion publicly. Sean Dillon, arguably one of the best of last season's bunch, has left for Shelbourne, while Paul Keegan is gone to St Pat's.

Robbie Martin, Kevin Doherty and Alan Murphy are the new arrivals.



ST PAT'S ATH
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The Saints were at the lower end of the table for most of 2005 and their current plight looks set to continue for the time being.

The glory days under Brian Kerr seem an age away now. Manager Johnny McDonnell had a small transfer kitty but bought wisely last season and has brought in some good prospects for 2006.

Chief among them are David Mulcahy and Trevor Molloy, who could slot into the place vacated by Robbie Doyle, though Paul Keegan will have something to say about that.



SHELBOURNE
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Pat Fenlon brought in many big names but things didn't click for Shels and they lost their crown, but a fine run-in secured third spot and an Intertoto Cup place that is a serious step down for a club like Shels.

There was a degree of satisfaction with the Setanta Sports Cup final place but they missed out on the big money prize at the last hurdle to Linfield.

Cork City duo Greg O'Halloran and Liam Kearney are the main big-name signings for 2006.



SLIGO ROVERS
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Rovers deservedly won the First Division after crowning one of their most successful seasons of recent years by pipping nearest challengers Dublin City and Cobh to the title.

Manager Sean Connor has had a big clear-out with several popular names moving on, including Raffael Cretaro, Kupono Low and Jim Sheridan.

In their place, the club have high hopes for newcomers Gavin Peers and Chris Turner, while league fans will know all about Keith Foy who has arrived at The Showgrounds after spells at St Pat's, Dublin City and Monaghan United.



UCD
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College came up last season and retained their Premier Division status, despite the odd scare here and there, mainly thanks to some gutsy home performances at Belfield Park.

A League Cup final berth was also claimed but Derry City were too strong for the Students in the decider at Belfield.

The popular Mick O'Donnell has left for Dublin City but former Leeds United youth Alan Cawley has returned after his hit and miss spells at Shels and Longford Town.



WATERFORD UTD
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Yet again, Waterford United start a new season with a new manager. This time it's Mike Kerley, who learned the trade at home town club Limerick and led them to the play-offs in 2003.

He'll work with a mostly new look side - Pat Purcell and Kevin Waters have gone to Limerick, while Dave Mulcahy has joined John Frost in Dublin at St Pat's.

Goalkeeper Jimmy Fyffe, who also played up front for Kerley during the really dark days at Limerick, has signed having originally linked up with the club last summer. The club also have high hopes for new signing Chris Deans.

First Division previews -


ATHLONE TOWN
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Michael O'Connor is back in the hot seat following in the footsteps of Stephen Kelly and John Gill, who both led Town last season.

He's made some good signings so far in the shape of Colin Fortune, Ian Rossiter and Jim Sheridan, but Gill has taken Austin Skelly and Fiachra McArdle to Dundalk.

The new ground is coming along nicely and could be open in the summer.



COBH RAMBLERS
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Ramblers went very close to securing a play-off place last season but threw it all away with some shocking performances on the run in, particularly at home to Dublin City.

Colin P O'Brien, Willie Bruton, David Breen and Kevin Murray have all joined the club and they will add much needed quality all over the park.

Manager Stephen Henderson will take no messing this time around.



DUNDALK
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Dundalk were in the news a lot last year due to the ongoing hassle with their new artificial pitch. It went in midway through the season but the club have since lost key men off the field as well as boss Jim Gannon.

John Gill, a winner of this division with Dublin City, has taken over and has brought in Sean Finn, Aidan Lynch Conor McMahon, Alan McDermott, Derek Griffin, Christy Doran and Trevor Vaughan.

The pick of the bunch may be goalkeeper Neil Gallagher, who has joined from UCD on loan.



FINN HARPS
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Finn Harps battled relegation for the duration of 2005 and it was no surprise when they made a swift return to the First Division.

Things will be tougher this year with the prolific Kevin McHugh gone to Derry City. New permanent boss Anthony Gorman has called on the services of many new players and one to watch is David Bell who, despite limited opportunity, has had a good spell at St Pat's.

Barry Curran and Ryan McGavigan are two more to watch, while former player Pascal Vaudequin returns to Finn Park to assist Gorman.



GALWAY UNITED
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Although never in the final promotion places shake up, United claimed column inches last year with the signing of Nick Leeson as the club's general manager.

The club also impressed Genesis with their plans for the club.

Eric Lavine has returned from Longford and has been joined in the close season by Ciaran Foley and Ryan O'Donnell, while prodigal son Fran Carter is also back after a spell in Canada.

Off the field, several new major sponsorship deals are complete and new members are on the board.



KILDARE COUNTY
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Now four years in the league and again The Thoroughbreds missed out on promotion.

And it could be a long hard slog again in 2006 with the likes of Alan McNevin, Gareth Cooney, Robbie Clarke and Robbie Shields all departed.

Brendan Kennedy and Alan Mulcahy are among the new faces, while Gary Lawless and Ian Malone are two to look out for.



KILKENNY CITY
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Another year, another manager for Kilkenny City along with a new look side.

Last season, under Pat Scully, they had a poor start but then went on a long unbeaten run that saw them finish fourth.

Adrian Fitzpatrick has taken over the reins but had lost several decent players to Scully and Shamrock Rovers, including David Cassidy & Aidan Price.

New faces inlude Aaron Shanahan, the UCD pair of Stephen Cashen and Liam Tiernan and ex-Shels man Hussain Yazdani.



LIMERICK FC
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Hopes were high for the Blues in 2005 following the return of manager Noel O'Connor but it turned out to be a season of consolidation rather than serious title aspirations.

A 21-year lease has been secured for Hogan Park and much needed grant aid can now be drawn down.

O'Connor has brought Pat Purcell back from Waterford with Colm Heffernan, while Kevin Waters has also swapped Suirside for Shannonside.



MONAGHAN UTD
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Yet again, 2005 was another disappointing year at Century Homes Park.

Boss Mick Cooke has brought in excellent quality in the form of Alan McNevin, Brian Gannon, and ex-St Pat's pair Darren Sargeant and Robbie Smyth.

One to watch is another ex-Pat's man, Eoghan O'Shea.

Meanwhile, Philly Hughes, Keith Foy and Sean Kelly are among those who have left.



SHAMROCK RVRS
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Lost the play-off to Dublin City and find themselves in the First Division for the first time in the club's history.

It will be eerie to watch them play the likes of Dundalk and Limerick, both former greats, in the lower league.

New manager Pat Scully has taken Aidan Price and David Cassidy with him from Kilkenny, but crowd favourites Mark Rutherford and Trevor Molloy have gone to St Pat's.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pineapple stu

1 - Shels. Finished well last season and made good signings since.
2 - Derry. Kenny's a quality manager; Oman and McHugh are good signings.
3 - Cork. No signings of note.
4 - Drogheda. Signings "underwhelm". Setanta Cup form unimpressive so far.
5 - Bohs. Re-building going OK, but a title challenge beyond them.
6 - UCD. Pete Mahon's a quality manager, U-21 champions two years in a row; "could surprise a few this term".
7 - Sligo. "Good footballing side and capable of surprising a few people".
8 - Bray. Good signings by Devlin; should keep them mid-table.
9 - Longford. Players "love" Mathews, but key players gone with Doherty the only arrival of note.
10 - Pat's. Signings are "shopsoiled"; too many over-old or over-young players.
11 - Waterford. Pat Dolan saved them last year; Kerley did well with financial constraints at Limerick.
12 - Dublin City. "With neither a ground nor a fanbase, Keely will need all his experience to keep them from the foot of the table."

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I'd agree with the top and bottom of that. I think numbers 6 to 10 could be in any order though.

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The wonderful Dominic Foley

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:rolleyes:

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The club with the country's
best fans and best facilities can only
get better and better.

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Jeez, who writes this stuff?

Mark O'Neill Cummins

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Originally Posted by Risteard

Mark O'Neill Cummins

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The same man has a top three prediction of Shels, Derry, and Drogs in that order.

Ya, Rovers fan, isn't he?
I seem to remember differences of opinion on whether he was a ****-talker or not.
Haven't my mind made up personally.

Best fans. Superb. I get entertained every single day by reading the whinging coming from the Cork forum. Cork may get the biggest crowds but they are without any doubt the most fickle fans I have encountered in any league.

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Originally Posted by pineapple stu

... while quality players like ... Ger McCarthy have also signed up.

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I hate it when people abuse the English language like that.

:D

Glad to see you deliberately cut Micko out of that!

Indo

They don't have the predictions online but they went for

1. Drogheda
2. Shels
3. Derry City
4. Cork City

I think the Indo are trying sports comedy writing. :eek;

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Originally Posted by pineapple stu

Aertel Premier Division previews (doesn't predict anything, unfortunately...)

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Yes it does: (well the same one on rte.ie/sport does anyway)

PREDICTIONS:
1 - Cork City
2 - Derry City
3 - Drogheda United

AT THE BOTTOM:
Although there will be no automatic promotion or relegation, final placings will play a part in the set-up for 2007. Expect St Pat's, UCD and Longford to battle it out at the wrong end of the table.



I'd be very happy if their prediction for the bottom is right, but it's complete tosh to be honest.

Soccerscene.ie's First Division preview up -

1 - Rovers. Scully's brought in some good players but may need time to gel.
2 - Dundalk. Good signings and manager has experience of winning promotion.
3 - Galway. Going to push Dundalk and Rovers all the way.
4 - Harps. Hard to beat, but McHugh's loss is too much.
5 - Cobh. Lacking that bit of extra quality for promotion.
6 - Limerick. Future looks bright, but not this season.
7 - Kildare. Lack of goals to be their Achilles' Heel.
8 - Monaghan. Too much squad turnover.
9 - Kilkenny. Could be a long season.
10 - Athlone. Precious little to be excited about on the field.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pineapple stu

1 - Rovers. Scully's brought in some good players but may need time to gel....
10 - Athlone. Precious little to be excited about on the field.

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What does it say that we drew 0-0 against both?

That that preview is a bit off?

Anyway we'd have beaten Athlone were it not for a 30-yarder getting disallowed for offside... :mad:

Indo's predictions -

1 - Drogheda. Won the Cup last year and have gone fully-pro.
2 - Shels. Bolstered squad and found form at the end of last season.
3 - Derry. Kenny's superb job to continue.
4 - Cork. Lost two key players and brought in no-one.
5 - Bohs. Strong first XI; lack strength in depth.
6 - Pat's. Look stronger than last year, but best of the rest is the most they can hope for.
7 - Bray. Successful U-21 team last year to augment good first-team showing last season.
8 - Longford. Lost too many good players, and any injuries will hurt.
9 - UCD. Frustrating end to last season shouldn't overshadow the fact that there are some vrey good players in the ranks.
10 - Sligo. 14 full-time pros shold be enough to consolidate.
11 - Dublin City. A lot of new players, and part-time won't help them knitting together.
12 - Waterford. New squad of mostly unproven players; hard to see them finishing anywhere other than bottom.

First Division - Galway to win from Rovers, Dundalk, Harps, Cobh and Limerick.

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Originally Posted by pineapple stu

Indo's predictions -

1 - Drogheda. Won the Cup last year and have gone fully-pro.

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I laughed at that. Jesus, what are the Indo on? Look how far back they were last season....

Hard to see anything other than a Shels/Derry/Cork top 3 to be honest, although the drogs could push Cork for that third spot.

It's really encouraging that we're not getting rave reviews.
I don't think we'll be taking over the mantle of Shels where every club view us as their big rivals and are extra-motivated to to stop us . . . . . well maybe on the internet forums.

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Originally Posted by pól-dcfc

Hard to see anything other than a Shels/Derry/Cork top 3 to be honest, although the drogs could push Cork for that third spot.

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Drogs can improve if others slip up but hard to believe Cork City, Shels & Derry City would all slip up. Indo article seemed to be surely based on the amount of money Drogs spent. Buying players is fine but how maybe Drogs players would get in rival teams? Drogs need at least 1 forward to hit double figures to have half a chance.