WATERFORD FC
PREDICTED FINISH: KEY PLAYER:
ONE TO WATCH: MANAGER: STADIUM:
SLIGO ROVERS
It has to be better than last season, right? I don’t think anybody is under any illusions, it is going to be an intensely difficult season for Rovers in a battle where the expected bottom half teams could finish in any position between fifth and 10th. Rovers will have to work for every point they can get, but John Russell has assembled a squad full of players with something to prove and with better luck on the injury front, maybe they can perform beyond expectations.
PREDICTED FINISH:
KEY PLAYER:
ONE TO WATCH:
MANAGER:
STADIUM:
ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC
St Pat’s finish to the season (third place and Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup winners) was undeniably impressive given the way 2023 started for them. Jon Daly managed to get St Pat’s performing to the level they should have been at all along and few will argue that they haven’t had the most encouraging window of any side. St Pat’s also must prove they do not fear Shams as they often struggle against the champions.
PREDICTED FINISH: 2nd.
KEY PLAYER: Joe Redmond.
ONE TO WATCH: Marcelo Pitaluga.
MANAGER: Jon Daly.
STADIUM: Richmond Park.
Initially I was worried for Waterford making the step up from last year’s Men’s First Division, with their return coming via the promotion/relegation play-offs, but I believe they could have a reasonable campaign if all goes to plan for them. Waterford’s recruitment has been smart and although he is at the tail end of his career, proven goalscorer Padraig Amond could be a good replacement for the prolific Ronan Coughlan. They won’t be top four material, but they might stay well clear of relegation trouble.
PREDICTED FINISH: 6th.
KEY PLAYER: Padraig Amond.
ONE TO WATCH: Connor Parsons.
MANAGER: Keith Long.
STADIUM: Waterford Regional Sports Centre.