Series 1 of 3 complete

**legendz** · 16/05/2012, 10:39 AM

Been some start by Sligo, unlike recent seasons. Will anyone catch them? Longway to go yet as we approach the second series of games.

**marinobohs** · 16/05/2012, 10:58 AM

Originally Posted by legendz

Been some start by Sligo, unlike recent seasons. Will anyone catch them? Longway to go yet as we approach the second series of games.

true, in recent years Sligo have been playing catch up after poorish starts. Still too early to break out the bubbly but looking very positive for them (especially if they can keep Danny North scoring). Shams taking a time to 'bed in' new defencive set up and expet them to improve as the season goes on (although goalkeeping options very limited). Pats still look work in progress and while a big improvement on last season may not have enough to really push on this season.

Cant see anyone else in the shake up for the title.

Mons look in serious trouble with Dundalk and Bohs also looking poor (in terms of survival) in my opinion. Very close at the bottom so any run of 3/4 defeats could plunge any team in the bottom half into the 'danger zone'

**Dunny** · 16/05/2012, 12:06 PM

We are f**ked unless McCaffrey gets the boot.

**Spudulika** · 16/05/2012, 12:11 PM

More than just him Dunny, top to bottom clear out a must.

How much longer will Rod hang on? Will he retain his claim that he's St. Pats in disguise? (never relegated).

**El-Pietro** · 16/05/2012, 2:45 PM

Originally Posted by Dunny

We are f**ked unless McCaffrey gets the boot.

id be more concerned about the level of quality in your squad than your managers ability - though obviously he is at fault for building the squad he has. My point is replacing him doesn't improve the level of players you have available

**Acornvilla** · 16/05/2012, 2:51 PM

I speak for all of Longford when I say I'm pretty happy so far, more of the same please!

**Guinney** · 16/05/2012, 3:07 PM

edit double post

**Guinney** · 16/05/2012, 3:14 PM

Sligo look a much stronger outfit than Shamrock Rovers at the moment. The Sham's look unsettled and are struggling defensively, despite having some good defenders. Without doubt they will improve as they have the players, but from what I saw so far the two keepers they have used are struggling. Even though it is usually good to have a large squad maybe some players feel unsettled due to lack of games and so on, plus the team could be feeling the pressure after last seasons success. I don't think Kenny is the problem as he has been such a successful manager in the league. A player I also think Shamrock missed out on is Simon Madden, he is is from Tallaght and in my opinion the best right back in the league, and I've no idea why they didn't try harder (at all?) to sign him.

Sligo at the back look strong with a settle back four. Sligo's squad is quite small though and I think they will need to get in some cover especially when the European games come around. What cover have they got at centre back? If McGuinness or Peers got injured I think it would disrupt the team. I think Shamrock Rovers will close the gap especially if Sligo get injuries to key players (eg. North, Quigley, either centre back), but at the moment Sligo have a strong lead and are in great form so without doubt at this moment in time they are favourites.

Pats like Sligo have a good defence and actually have a stronger squad but not a starting XI especially with the two strikers Sligo have. I don't think Pats will last the pace but are a strong bet for third place.

At the bottom ourselves, UCD and the Mons will be battling it out. Bohs will be near the bottom as well, but they are actually slightly stronger than I thought they would be. I'm surprised Bray have got so many points but they have a good manager and when they played us in Oriel they fully deserved their win.

With regards to Dundalk, we have been very poor in nearly every game this season. So far McCaffrey looks out of his depth and he totally underestimated the league with some of the players he signed. I actually think he got lucky in the way we have a good few youth players to come on and play ahead of some of the poor players he signed. Things need to turn around quickly and so far he has used nearly every excuse (the pitch, small budget, injuries, he has even started pointing the finger at the fans for not encouraging the team enough).

**Nah Nah Nah Nah** · 16/05/2012, 8:02 PM

Centre back is a big worry for us alright and I would expect us to bring in cover in July. When McGuinness was injured earlier on in the season Ventre went in there but didn't look as solid at all.

Our squad isn't as small as it's made out to be with Brush, Dillon, Lynch, Ndo, Millien, Raf all not starting last weekend. The likes of Owens and Martin are decent young players as well.

**Dave_SRFC** · 17/05/2012, 6:11 AM

So far so good for Sligo, Quigley and North having been great so far.

**nigel-harps1954** · 17/05/2012, 11:37 AM

Originally Posted by Acornvilla

I speak for all of Longford when I say I'm pretty happy so far, more of the same please!

Nonsense man, get out of this thread, the first division is not included.

**dong** · 17/05/2012, 12:31 PM

Originally Posted by Dave_SRFC

So far so good for Sligo, Quigley and North having been great so far.

Quigley? He played well against yourselves but that was about it so far due to his suspension and subsequent lack of match fitness.
He has a couple of gears to go up yet imo. Hopefully we will see that soon.

**wonder88** · 17/05/2012, 12:32 PM

Sligo fans must be delighted by the start of their team, and they are in a really strong position to claim the title; odd-on for me.
Shamrocks must be disappointed but are not out of it yet, surprised they don't play Stephen O Donnell as he is a better players than that Rice fellow.
Pats play the best soccer so far and I hope they have the confidence to stick with it. Can win title as Shamrocks can do as well if Sligo falters.
Drogheda and Bray fans must be delighted, and Cork/Bohs happy enough.
Shels as expected, same UCD, but Derry fans must be a little disappointed (expect them to improve a bit).
Dundalk fans must have expected better, while in Monaghan's case they need to see Roddy start to work his magic again which may well happen.

The two Galway teams along with Harps are the biggest let downs in the First Divison. Will the fans of these teams start demanding a change in management as we head to the halfway point (I see Healy gone from Harps already). Pat Scully in Limerick could also be in danger, but he really can't be that bad and mess up promotion with the budget available to him.

**micls** · 17/05/2012, 12:39 PM

Happy with how we're doing at the moment after a shocking start. If we can manage 5th it's be fantastic, but 6th is all good too. Mid table security!

**redobit** · 17/05/2012, 1:14 PM

Originally Posted by dong

Quigley? He played well against yourselves but that was about it so far due to his suspension and subsequent lack of match fitness.
He has a couple of gears to go up yet imo. Hopefully we will see that soon.

Exactly, sure he hasnet played a handful of games in the league. Needs to start chipping in with a few more goals. More to come from him hopefully.

**poster** · 17/05/2012, 1:29 PM

Originally Posted by dong

Quigley? He played well against yourselves but that was about it so far due to his suspension and subsequent lack of match fitness.
He has a couple of gears to go up yet imo. Hopefully we will see that soon.

Have you been at our last five games?

**sadloserkid** · 17/05/2012, 2:36 PM

Originally Posted by wonder88

Pat Scully in Limerick could also be in danger, but he really can't be that bad and mess up promotion with the budget available to him.

I'm starting to think he can and will.

**bluewhitearmy** · 17/05/2012, 2:53 PM

Originally Posted by wonder88

Sligo fans must be delighted by the start of their team, and they are in a really strong position to claim the title; odd-on for me.
Shamrocks must be disappointed but are not out of it yet, surprised they don't play Stephen O Donnell as he is a better players than that Rice fellow.
Pats play the best soccer so far and I hope they have the confidence to stick with it. Can win title as Shamrocks can do as well if Sligo falters.
Drogheda and Bray fans must be delighted, and Cork/Bohs happy enough.
Shels as expected, same UCD, but Derry fans must be a little disappointed (expect them to improve a bit).
Dundalk fans must have expected better, while in Monaghan's case they need to see Roddy start to work his magic again which may well happen.

The two Galway teams along with Harps are the biggest let downs in the First Divison. Will the fans of these teams start demanding a change in management as we head to the halfway point (I see Healy gone from Harps already). Pat Scully in Limerick could also be in danger, but he really can't be that bad and mess up promotion with the budget available to him.

Ah no we are going to wait til there is no hope at all of catching Longford then just maybe he might be gone.

**Acornvilla** · 17/05/2012, 4:56 PM

Originally Posted by nigel-harps1954

Nonsense man, get out of this thread, the first division is not included.

Were taking over this hizzle, I've heard rumours from a semi reliable source that if were still in contention come transfer window time funds will be made available to strengthen the squad further.