Longford Town

**Acornvilla** · 07/10/2014, 1:28 PM

Originally Posted by Town Legend

I wonder will Tom Morris be hanging around or will he be looking for a move back to England. We need a couple of wingers, keeper, centre back and a striker.

His dad told me that, Tom would love to stay, if we want to keep him. He's apparently pretty happy living in Longford, must have lived in Gaza before moving here so!

He's a big lad for 19, looks like he has the makings of a top class player, by LOI standards at least.

**seand** · 07/10/2014, 2:42 PM

Congrats to Longford, good to see them back, and only an hour-ish down the road for me. Could we be in for our first Premier Division El Classicos next season? We could be looking at 4-figure crowds!

Good old Chris Bennion... is he still punting goal kicks straight out for throws? Decent keeper and foundly remembered in Dundalk.

**nigel-harps1954** · 07/10/2014, 2:42 PM

Originally Posted by Town Legend

I wonder will Tom Morris be hanging around or will he be looking for a move back to England. We need a couple of wingers, keeper, centre back and a striker.

Far as I can see, Town only need around 3 or 4 big players to at least stay up. Centre half is a must and a goalkeeper is a must. A couple of midfielders wouldn't go amiss, but there'll be plenty of goals from O'Sullivan that should help matters.

I don't see ye being too far away from a safe mid-table finish, but while Tony Cousins remains in charge, anything is possible. That's the first change I'd make.

**De Town** · 07/10/2014, 3:24 PM

Obviously no guarantees of keeping a settled squad in this league but just assuming they all want to stay/Tony wants to keep them. Think we're ok for midfielders if we keep Rice, Salmon, O'Connor and Gorman. Maybe add another with Prem experience if there's a decent one available but I think we'd be ok with the 4 above. Both wings need major improvement as well as the full-back positions (assuming Mulhall doesn't stay around). Centre half or 2, new goalkeeper and another decent striker or 2 and we'll be grand.

**Charlie Darwin** · 07/10/2014, 3:47 PM

Longford will have next season what Athlone didn't when they came up - a core of really experienced Premier Division players (assuming they don't all leave).

**De Town** · 07/10/2014, 4:03 PM

We're much more prepared for PD football both on and off the pitch than what Athlone were last year. Obviously doesn't guarantee anything but I would hope we'd be ok next season survival wise.

**Martinho II** · 07/10/2014, 10:32 PM

Originally Posted by Charlie Darwin

Longford will have next season what Athlone didn't when they came up - a core of really experienced Premier Division players (assuming they don't all leave).

what we also offer is a passionate fan base which Athlone were lacking this season sadly. btw Chris Bennion told me himself that he is retirin at the end of the season he wasnt supposed to stay at the start of the season his wife didnt want him to stay. btw is Chris Deans a coach with us now?

**Neish** · 07/10/2014, 10:33 PM

Well done lads, see you in Finn Park on Sunday

**BonnieShels** · 12/10/2014, 10:48 PM

Originally Posted by Charlie Darwin

Longford will have next season what Athlone didn't when they came up - a core of really experienced Premier Division players (assuming they don't all leave).

Essentially Longford will have what Athlone didn't have once they have it.

**oriel** · 12/10/2014, 11:26 PM

Originally Posted by De Town

We're much more prepared for PD football both on and off the pitch than what Athlone were last year. Obviously doesn't guarantee anything but I would hope we'd be ok next season survival wise.

I think FD sides can seriously under estimate the gap between going up and what it takes to consolidate in the PD.

something that sticks out straight away is the pace of the game between both divisions. Trust me on this, I saw 7 straight seasons and most of the football on offer was pedestrian pace v the PD.

In saying that I think Longford will be a decent addition, but even with a good few experienced players, they will know this is a huge step up. It is every year.

**outspoken** · 13/10/2014, 4:45 PM

Originally Posted by oriel

I think FD sides can seriously under estimate the gap between going up and what it takes to consolidate in the PD.

something that sticks out straight away is the pace of the game between both divisions. Trust me on this, I saw 7 straight seasons and most of the football on offer was pedestrian pace v the PD.

In saying that I think Longford will be a decent addition, but even with a good few experienced players, they will know this is a huge step up. It is every year.

As someone who attends quite a lot of other teams matches in the premier the pace and tempo difference between the leagues is the very first thing you notice. Every town fan will tell you we need 2 new pacey wingers with an end product to their game and with rice, salmon, Rhys and KOC all excellent ball players we would be very confidence that the midfileld is up to scratch, we lack a bit of pace at the back but in terms of experience Sullivan and Flynn will be tight up there while we have some great defenders in Tyrell and Morris with Mulhall offering real threat going forward. Up to Sully has pace to burn and Shaw offers us a different approach if required so I really do think this team is capable of surviving with a bit to spare.