(Very early) Transfer gossip/squad retention

**White Horse** · 14/01/2014, 8:17 PM

Originally Posted by oriel

Top 3 would be my expectation, if we are in a good position by end the summer, we might have a chance of the title, but its too early to predict, need to see the strengths of other clubs first, and need to play each first to judge that.

Pats must be overwhelming favorites given the amount of money they're spending.

Hopefully, ourselves and Sligo will give them a good race. Hard to know what is happening with Shams, they may be in the mix yet.

**Ezeikial** · 14/01/2014, 8:34 PM

Originally Posted by placid casual

Whats dundalk fans expectation of their team's finishing position next season ?

That's a very perceptive question.

In general, there is a hope to do better then last season (i.e. win a major trophy), and an expectation to qualify Europe and a top four finish.

**White Horse** · 14/01/2014, 9:53 PM

Good article in the Democrat on Dundalk's return to training. Kenny is not worried about Pat's decision to sign "Galacticos".

**Charlie Darwin** · 14/01/2014, 10:02 PM

I'd be pretty worried if Pats were signing the likes of Ronaldo and Isco.

**Mr A** · 14/01/2014, 10:14 PM

Galacticos.

Sometimes I love this league.

**Dodge** · 15/01/2014, 12:22 AM

Dundalk the only team dishing out 52 week contracts and paying transfer fees/compensation. Does that make them supergalacticos?

Hilarious stuff by Kenny

**Quayman** · 15/01/2014, 7:55 AM

Originally Posted by Dodge

Dundalk the only team dishing out 52 week contracts and paying transfer fees/compensation. Does that make them supergalacticos?

Hilarious stuff by Kenny

I think you will find that there is ONE player on a 52 week contract and our main sponsors are paying him over 3 of the months.

**White Horse** · 15/01/2014, 8:11 AM

Originally Posted by Dodge

Dundalk the only team dishing out 52 week contracts and paying transfer fees/compensation. Does that make them supergalacticos?

Hilarious stuff by Kenny

"Galacticos", "52 week contracts", and "transfer fees" are great soundbites.

Which team, Pats or Dundalk, do you reckon have the highest budget?

**prince20** · 15/01/2014, 8:14 AM

Originally Posted by White Horse

"Galacticos", "52 week contracts", and "transfer fees" are great soundbites.

Which team, Pats or Dundalk, do you reckon have the highest budget?

Id say it is a case of which is the more sustainable in the long term.

**KBurke** · 15/01/2014, 8:51 AM

Originally Posted by prince20

Id say it is a case of which is the more sustainable in the long term.

Prince this is the League of Ireland, How dare you speak of Long Term Sustainablity haha

**Dodge** · 15/01/2014, 9:23 AM

Originally Posted by White Horse

"Galacticos", "52 week contracts", and "transfer fees" are great soundbites.

Which team, Pats or Dundalk, do you reckon have the highest budget?

I'd say Pats. I don't think we'll be the highest though. I expect both Rovers to be above us again.

Dundalk have been quite open about increasing the playing budget so for Kenny to play poor mouth is pretty laughable IMO

**White Horse** · 15/01/2014, 9:32 AM

Originally Posted by Dodge

I'd say Pats. I don't think we'll be the highest though. I expect both Rovers to be above us again.

Dundalk have been quite open about increasing the playing budget so for Kenny to play poor mouth is pretty laughable IMO

From interviews I've read, I think Kenny is happy with his budget.

The "Galacticos" comment is a dig at Pats decision to put big money into signing experienced players. In addition, the comment is aimed at a local audience, with a view to talking up his transfer activity during a crucial period of season ticket sales.

It could come back to haunt him if the so called Galacticos propel Pats to an even higher level than last season.

Let the banter and the new season begin.

**Dodge** · 15/01/2014, 9:43 AM

Oh I'm fully aware of his aims, I just think they're misplaced.

He can't sign a player like Higgins and think others are going for experience either.

The only signing for Pats that hasn't been run of the mill is Fahey. Everyone else has been released by their club (I say else, of course Fahey was doing nothing either). Same as 95% of all LOI moves

**Louth4sam** · 15/01/2014, 10:39 AM

Dundalk would still have the fourth biggest budget in the league but would have caught up a bit with Rovers, Sligo and possibly Pats. I'd say the "Galacticos" tag came from local media rather than Kenny himself.

Higgins, Horgan and McMillan would be signings for upper end of premier league and wont have come cheap so I don't think there are any doubts Dundalk's wage budget has increased. Apparently though, we are still under the wage budget and there will be one more signing.

**poster** · 15/01/2014, 11:03 AM

Originally Posted by Dodge

I'd say Pats. I don't think we'll be the highest though. I expect both Rovers to be above us again.

We've cut ours by 20%. I would genuinely expect Pat's budget to be just above ours. Not by much mind you. We'd probably be just on par with Dundalk and way behind Shams.

**nigel-harps1954** · 15/01/2014, 11:25 AM

Originally Posted by White Horse

The "Galacticos" comment is a dig at Pats decision to put big money into signing experienced players
.

God forbid a League of Ireland club would actually strengthen their title winning squad rather than sell on their players.

**ATFC-1887** · 15/01/2014, 2:12 PM

Mick Cooke today said we are still talking to Marc Griffin, but him signing or not will depend on what money he wants as he was full time last season. Jordan Keegan will be doing pre season with Athlone.

**Sheridan** · 15/01/2014, 2:27 PM

The siege mentality is an indispensable component of Kenny's survival mechanism, which is why he tends to thrive outside of Dublin. Pat's have one quality player, one really good player, one or two very promising players, and the rest are above-average LOI journeymen. They wouldn't have been near the top three during the full-time era. Nor would Dundalk, of course.