We must give young players time to shine
THIS week I’m going to give my predictions on the positions I see the relevant teams finishing in. I took a lot of stick last year when I predicted us mid table and how we would have taken that come the last few nervous weeks of last season. I see a similar position but really with two leagues within a league it wouldn’t be a bad season as we have had wholesale changes throughout the club. 1 Dundalk I think it will be a much tougher year for them retaining the crown and they have lost some obvious quality players. Stephen has brought in talented players like Mceleny from Derry, the big thing for me has the team the hunger to go again. I think he and the players have the hunger to create more history. 2 Shamrock Rovers They have experienced the greatest pre- season any Irish team has ever had and the three weeks in India will have been a great asset to the team. Killian Brennan is a major signing for them and young Shaw from Longford is someone who could prosper in a better environment. They should have enough quality to be near the top and the fans will demand that. 3 Cork City Cork have really disappointed me over the last few years and with the resources and players they have had should have pushed Dundalk a lot closer. The biggest problem is the negativity of the manager he has to allow these players go and play and if he restricts a player of Bolger’s ability another trophyless season beckons. The presidents cup game should be a good indicator of how they will be set up to play. 4 St Pats They have lost a lot of crucial players in key positions and haven’t replaced them with the same quality. They are another hit and miss team and the start will be vital for them. The midfield area the fulcrum of the team has taken a battering with Chambers, Bolgers and Brennan gone out of it arguably the best midfield in the country for this reason I see them finishing here or even lower. 5 Bohemians Keith Long in my eyes was the manager of the year last year in what he did with a side on a shoe string budget. He not only made them competitive but they also played an attractive brand of football over the course of the season. The pressure for them is last year the Bohs supporters had no expectation and knowing supporters they will be looking for a similar outcome. 6 Bray Wanderers A club that was struggling to survive last year and for many a year has got a massive cash injection. They have recruited Ryan Brennan and Conor Kenna, two vastly experienced league players. They will pick up the majority of their points at the windy Carlisle grounds but will also be well organised under Mick Cooke away from home. 7 Galway United I was fairly adamant of my first six but the next six could finish anywhere in the bottom half. I gave Galway the nod ahead of us for the simple reason of continuity at the club. They have recruited modestly obviously due to resources but I thought they were a very brave team last year and were not easily turned over. I like Tommy Dunne as a manager and I am looking forward to the Connacht derby, one of many for us this season. 8 Sligo Rovers I feel we are going to be a complete unknown identity in many ways. We have seen a host of players come and go this year. I believe we are in major transition as a club and like ‘ 08 and ‘ 09 it may take a few seasons for us to get back near European football. I believe the fans’ expectations have to be realistic and as we have a team who are for the majority young and inexperienced we must give them time. I think at times we will surprise people and I also would be worried for us in a physically charged game. I’m hoping for a good Cup run and some positive football with a eleven lads doing their utmost for the jersey.
9 Derry City Another side who have seen a lot of turnover in players and managers in recent years. Kenny Shields should have plenty of contacts and has made some interesting signings to say the least. Barry Molly has hung up his boots and Gareth Mcglynn a stalwart of Kenny’s time has returned. I will be looking for young Mcnamee to step up to the plate and rediscover his form from two seasons ago. 10 Longford Town They will be a mixed bag another club that struggles from season to season. It’s a ground I love going to but I find it hard to have any feeling for a club that is based in Dublin. I know it would probably struggle to survive otherwise but it must be very disheartening for locals who support the club to see them be Longford only in name. I hope they survive cause it’s a handy journey for our supporters and a lovely ground. 11 Finn Harps Harps will surprise plenty of teams and anyone who comes away from 1970’ s Finn Park will have certainly earned the three points. Ollie Horgan has brought a few from the Showgrounds and they will benefit the group greatly. I have a sneaking feeling I may be wrong on this one but the step up is huge and may take them time to find there feet. 12 Wexford Youths I suppose it’s great for the Wexford area that they were promoted as champions but I’m sure players from this side of the country groaned at the thought of going down to a ground similar to the old Belfield. I genuinely don’t know enough about this team and they may also surprise a few. They will need Danny Furlong to be in the same goalscoring form he was in last year to keep them save.
That’s my predictions whatever happens I am looking forward to the start of the season against the enemy Shams and I wish the management and team all the best for the season.