Transfer market merry go round to make for a competitive and compelling Airtricity League Campaign

As the new season is almost upon us, there are more “known unknowns” than a Donald Rumsfeld speech.

The 2021 Airtricity League Season could be summed up as a tornado landing on the form book and tearing it to shreds. If you had told anyone before the season that a team would score the most goals of any team but only finish in 5^th place, they’d have replied with something like “remind me to never ask you to give me Lotto numbers”.

Alas, this is the crazy situation that befell Bohemian FC, as they and - recently departed to Rotherham – top scorer Georgie Kelly, missed out on a European place, despite having a high quality smorgasbord of talent at their disposal.

While Shamrock Rovers - with their financial dig outs from Dermot Desmond - managed to meet most commentators predictions and once more claim top spot with their star studded line up, most (us included) did not see Saint Patrick’s Athletic and Sligo doing as well as they did.

We had predicted that the Inchicore side would struggle due to the number of loan signings in their squad, who likely had never set foot in Dublin before being signed. It turned out these temporary squad members were pivotal in the team who play in Richmond Park finishing in a very impressive 2^nd place. Sligo Rovers also confounded the critics by managed a fantastic 3^rd placed finish, manager Liam Buckley managing to truly get the best out of the local youngsters who took the field for the bit o’ red. 

Like a wounded animal who has just lost out in battle to a love rival, Dundalk and Bohemian FC fans are still dazed and in disbelief at the fact they will not be witnessing their respective clubs in European action this season. The saga of Stephen McDonnell, who departed the Saint Patrick’s Athletic hot seat and took over as manager of Dundalk, had more plot twists than an Agatha Christie novel. The meeting of the Louthmen and the team from Dublin 8 will be keenly anticipated by neutral fans of the Irish game for sure.

So without further ado, sit back and get ready to read our predictions for the upcoming 2022 Airtricity League Season.
 

PLAYERS IN:
MATTY SMITH (ST. PATRICK’S ATHLETIC)
BRIAN MAHER (BRAY WANDERERS)
SHANE MCELENEY (FINN HARPS)
PATRICK MCELENEY (DUNDALK)
MICHAEL DUFFY (DUNDALK)
WILL PATCHING (DUNDALK)
BRANDON KAVANAGH (SHAMROCK ROVERS)

PLAYERS OUT:
DARREN COLE
MARC WALSH

Last Season was a case of “job well done” for the Candystripes as their fans celebrated just beating highly fancied Bohemian FC to the final European spot. Some investment by local backers has enabled manager Ruaidhri Higgins to add some 5* talent to his squad.

The crazy turmoil at Dundalk saw a trio of their stars, Will Patching, Michael Duffy and Patrick McEleney head up the N2 to the walled city. Whilst this singing of the trio is quite a catch, the biggest coup of all, in most people eyes, was the surprise capture of Matty Smith from Saint Patrick’s Athletic.The former Dunne United striker was a key element of the Pat’s side that took second place in the league and won the FAI Cup and many were surprised, to see the least that he had left Inchicore.

The added signing of quality Republic of Ireland U-21 Goalkeeper Brian Maher from Bray Wanderers, makes it a distinct possibility that the Brandywell will become quite the Fortress this season. They are one of only two teams (UCD being the other) - who start the season, having managed to keep their best talent from last season.

PREDICTION: DARK HORSE FOR THE TITLE BUT 2^ND PLACE FINISH MORE LIKELY.
 

PLAYERS IN:
ANDREW QUINN (DUNDALK)
KEITH COWAN (DUNGANNON)
DARRAGH NUGENT (SHAMROCK ROVERS - LOAN)
DEAN WILLIAMS (SHAMROCK ROVERS)
RYAN BRENNAN  (SHELBOURNE
GEORGIE POYNTON (SHELBOURNE)
DYLAN GRIMES (LONGFORD)
SAM LONG (LINCOLN CITY – LOAN)
SEÁN ROUGHAN (LINCOLN CITY – LOAN)

PLAYERS OUT:
KILLIAN PHILLIPS (CRYSTAL PALACE)
JAKE HYLAND
JAMES BROWN (BLACKBURN ROVERS)
MARK DOYLE (SAINT PATRICK’S ATHLETIC)
DAN O’ REILLY (HAMILTON ACADEMICALS)

Last year as the season drew to a close, Drogheda United fans were quite the happy bunch. They defied many pundits predictions by avoiding the drop; wins against Bohemians and local rivals Dundalk the memorable highlight.

They managed this feat with the nucleus of a side that, with a few more additions, would make a side that could genuinely be European contenders the following season. Oh how their dreams have been smashed to smithereens since then.

High regarded manager Tim Clancy departed for Saint Patricks Athletic and brought talented striker Mark Doyle with him. As if that was not bad enough, they also lost significant talents in James Brown, who moved to Blackburn Rovers, Killian Phillips who is now with Crystal Palace and Dan O’ Reilly who signed for Hamilton Academicals.

Much travelled journeyman Georgie Poynton is now at United Park and it will be vital that he finds the net on a regular basis, if they are to have any chance of avoiding relegation. Many feel the players they have brought in as replacements, simply will not cut the mustard.

PREDICTION: DROGHEDA WILL BE TOYING WITH SHELBOURNE FC AND UCD AS THEY TRY TO AVOID FINISHING LAST.
 

PLAYERS IN:
JAMES MOUNTNEY (SAINT PATRICK’S ATHLETIC)
SAM BONE (SAINT PATRICK’S ATHLETIC)
DAN WILLIAMS (SWANSEA)
JOE ADAMS (BRENTFORD)
NATHAN SHEPPARD (BRENTFORD - LOAN)
KEITH WARD (BOHEMIANS)
GREG SLOGGETT (DERRY CITY)
PAUL DOYLE (UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN)
ROBBIE BENSON (SAINT PATRICKS ATHLETIC)
MARK CONNOLLY (DUNDEE UNITED – LOAN)

PLAYERS OUT:
DANIEL CLEARY (SAINT JOHNSTONE)
WILL MATCHING (DERRY CITY)
MICHAEL DUFFY (DERRY CITY)
PATRICK MCELENEY (DERRY CITY)
RAIVIS JURKPVSKIS (FC RIGA)
JEONG WOO-HAN (GIMPO FC)
SAM STANTON (RAITH ROVERS)

If a week is deemed a long time in politics, then Dundalk fans must feel like they have lived through centuries, these past two seasons. The simple fact that such a star studded squad only managed to finish 6 points off the relegation playoff place, had the Liliywhite fans shuddering, to put it mildly.

While there have been no reports of Charter Flights to Lourdes (yet), Dundalk’s fans will be hoping that the exit of the crazy U.S. investors of Park Six – who sold the club to a local consortium – and the hiring of proven managerial talent in Stephen O’ Donnell, will see the team back challenging for honours.

The revolving door at Oriel Park was moving so much, there was sparks and steam coming out of it, as a number of key players left - but some top notch talent arrived in their place. And what impressive signings (on paper at least) they are.

Former Saint Patrick’s Athletic star Sam Bone, who can play in defence or midfielder loanee Dan Williams, the Swansea Reserve Midfielder and Welsh Under-21 International, are the most notable additions that will some level of steel to the side. The return of Sam Mountney and Robbie Benson, who know the Orial Park surface all too well has understandably been greeted with joy by the home fans.

Another welcome signing is another Welsh underage International and former Brentford Reservist Goalkeeper Nathan Shephard, to replace the departed Allessio Abibi (AKA Butterfingers).  As anyone who has played football manager on their PC knows; signing so many new players in such a short timeframe can very often be a recipe for disaster. How long will it take for the team to gel?

While we accept that pre-season friendlies can never truly be seen as any kind of a marker, losing 5-1 to Bohemians in their recent friendly, is sure to have added a wrinkle or two to the average Dundalk fans brow. When a new manager joins a club they like to put their own stamp on things; Will the players adapt quickly to O’Donnell’s tactical changes, or might their performances on the pitch resemble a confused bunch on a training exercise in the sitcom Dad’s Army?

The Lilywhite supporters may well find their hands are on their heads a lot more times than they would like; as yet again, a perfectly weighted cross bobbles alone in the box, with no one there to  slam the gilt edged chance home.

PREDICTION: DUNDALK WILL BE VERY MUCH IN THE HUNT FOR A EUROPEAN PLACE, BUT WE WON’T BE SURPRISED IF MID-TABLE IS WHERE THEY YET AGAIN END UP.
 

PLAYERS IN:
FILIP MIHALJEVIC (NK KUSTOSIJA ZAGREB)
ERAL ALKAN (USAP SPOR)
YOYO MAHDY (SHELBOURNE)
REGAN DONELAN (SLIGO ROVERS)
BASTIEN HERY (BOHEMIANS)
JOE CARRILLO
CONOR TOURISH (LETTERKENNY FC)
ROB SLEVIN (CORK CITY)
JESSE DEVERS (BALLINA TOWN)

PLAYERS OUT:
SHANE MCELENEY (DERRY CITY)
TUNDE OWALABI (SAINT PATRICK’S ATHLETIC)
KOSOVAR SADIKI (VIRTUS ENTELLA)
WILL SEYMOUR  (NEW MEXICO UNITED)
KARL O’ SULLIVAN (SLIGO ROVERS)
ADAM FOLEY (DROGHEDA UNITED)
DARAGH ELISON (SLIGO ROVERS)
MARK COYLE (SHELBOURNE)
SEÁN BOYD (SHELBOURNE)
DANIEL HAWKINS (SHELBOURNE)
CONOR BARRY (WEXFORD FC)

Astute wheeling and dealing over the past few seasons have ensured the underdog of Ballybofey continues to sup at the top table. The managerial alchemist that is Ollie Horgan, has been busy making some intriguing signings. Amongst them is former Turkey U-21 International Eral Alkan and ex Dinamo Zagreb Youths player Filip Mihaljevic.

Another regular facet of a Finn Harps fans’ pre-season, is watching a cohort of players who excelled last season, depart for pastures new. The trio of Mark Coyle, Daniel Hawkins and Seán Boyd have moved to Shelbourne with Belgian Centre Forward Tunde Owolabi moving to Saint Patrick’s Athletic.

Kosovar Sadiki was a rock at the back and may be keenly missed as the season draws to a close. The signing of speedy winger Bastien Héry is a bit of a coup. While the player has blown hot and cold at times in his career (the manner of his departure from Bohemians a case in point), Horgan is a master of truly getting the very best out of players and opposing defenders will have to be fully on their guard when the Madagascan International is running towards them with the ball.

PREDICTION: HARPS TO FINISH 7^TH OR 8^TH AND ONCE AGAIN AVOID RELEGATION.
 

PLAYERS IN:
ANDY LYONS (BOHEMIANS)
JACK BYRNE
GRAHAM BURKE (PRESTON NORTH END)
RICHIE TOWELL (SALFORD)

PLAYERS OUT:
LIAM SCALES (CELTIC)
BRANDON KAVANAGH (DERRY CITY)
ALEX DUNNE (UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN)
MAX MURPHY (BOHEMIANS)

Another year, another League title for Ireland’s most successful top level football club, Shamrock Rovers. Dermot Desmond’s investment in the club was once again well spent as the Tallaght side finished top, a full 16 points ahead of second placed Saint Patrick’s Athletic.

While Liam Scales was an impenetrable rock at the back, Stephen Bradley has enough defenders at the back to make up for his loss, big as it is, with the Ireland underage International’s move to Glasgow Celtic.

The signing of ex Bohemian FC dynamo and Irish underage international, Andy Lyons, has predictably been met by a furious reaction of volcanic-hot proportions, by Bohs fans. The capture of ex-Dundalk stalwart Richie Towell from Salford, will add a further attacking thrust to a team that could well better their 31 goal difference tally of last season. The fans of the Hoops will have breathed a sigh of relief that pre-seasons rumours did not prove true and that Danny Mandriou and others will be present then they kick-off against University College Dublin on Friday February 19^th.

While some players have left, besides Max Murphy, who has moved to cross city rivals Bohemians, the others were largely out of the first team squad when resident at Tallaght Community Stadium, so barely an eye will have been lifted as a result of their departure. Many neutral observers are of the opinion that, with the addition of the likes of Graham Burke and Richie Towell, Stephen Bradley’s charges will steamroll it’s way to a third title in a row.

However, as fans of Chelsea or The Netherlands National team will tell, having so many talented players in each position, each feeling they should be playing every week – it can sometimes lead to dressing room acrimony and disharmony. 

Will the team once more purr at full speed like a well maintained engine, or could the result of too many competing ego’s lead to the vehicle enduring numerous tailspins throughout the season?

PREDICTION: TITLE FAVOURITES.
 

PLAYERS IN:
SHANE GRIFFIN (SAINT PATRICK’S ATHLETIC)
CONOR KANE (DROGHEDA UNITED)
AODH DERVAN (LONGFORD TOWN)
MARK COYLE (FINN HARPS)
SEÁN BOYD (FINN HARPS)
DANIEL HAWKINS (FINN HARPS)
SEÁN MCSWEENEY (TREATY UNITED)
STANLEY ANAEBONAM
LEWIS WEBB (SWANSEA – LOAN)
DAN CARR
JACK MOYLAN (BOHEMIANS)

PLAYERS OUT:
ERIC MOLLOY (LONGFORD)
MICHAEL O’ CONNOR (GLENTORAN)
KEVIN O’ CONNOR (CORK CITY)
RYAN BRENNAN  (DROGHEDA UNITED)
GEORGIE POYNTON (DOREGHEDA UNITED)
ALLY GILCHRIST (CORK CITY)
MAXIM KOUGON (YORK CITY)

There is a fair amount of a buzz surrounding Shelbourne Football club, but it is truly from the outside looking in. While the wider football public has been enthralled by former Irish senior team stalwart and Cheslea FC player Damien Duff taking the managerial reins, Shels fans are expecting a long hard season ahead.

The signing of striker Dan Carr, who scored 11 goals for Shamrock Rovers in the 2018 season is a definite positive, but as the saying goes – to score a goal you have to have the ball at your feet.
We would not be surprised if the Londoner found himself watching for afar as the opposition lay siege to the Shelbourne goal, for large periods of matches in the 2022 season.

The fact that many Bohemian FC fans expressed reservations and surprise that Jack Moylan had left to sign for their rivals based just 2.3KM away, gives an insight as to the talent the attacking midfielder from Kilbarrack possesses. If Shels are to stay up, his crisp pin pointed through balls may well play a key role in that happening.

The defence has undoubtedly been weakened somewhat with the departures of two players with a wealth of experience in Ally Gilchrist and Georgie Poynton. While the signing for Cameron Ledwidge, Republic of Ireland underage left back, is notable, and will plug the gap somewhat; it still seems rather akin to sticking a plaster on a leak.

Yes, Damien Duff, with his mountains of experience is now pulling the strings, but there is only a certain amount extra you can get out of a player. If they haven’t the optimum skills, it won’t get the team far.

PREDICTION: RELEGATION PLAYOFFS AT BEST.
 

PLAYERS IN:
MELVYN LORENZEN  (PERSELA)
PADDY KIRK (LONGFORD TOWN)
WILL FITZGERALD (DERRY CITY)
KARL O’ SULLIVAN (FINN HARPS)
AIDAN KEENA (FALKIRK)
ADAM MCDONNELL (BOREHAM WOOD)
DARAGH ELISON (FINN HARPS)

PLAYERS OUT:
JOHNNY KENNY  (CELTIC)
JOHN MAHON (SAINT JOHNSTONE)
ROMEO PARKES (MIAMI FC)
WALTER FIGUEIRA (KINGSTONIAN FC)
REGAN DONELAN (FINN HARPS)
JORDAN GIBSON (CARLISLE UNITED)
ANDRE WRIGHT (TELFORD UNITED)

At the start of last season, we don’t remember any of the Pundits having Sligo Rovers down as a potential top four finisher, but still managed to finish in third place.

Manager Liam Buckley’s willingness to change his tactics depending in the opposition has once again paid dividends, as his side that was largely devoid of any household names clinched an impressive third place in the Premier Division.

Any concerns over striker Andre Wright’s departure to Telford United seem to have been dissipated by the impressive capture of Aidan Keena from Falkirk in Scotland. It’s players of the skill and experience of the Mullingar man that can prove decisive in tightly contested games, whether they are in the League or against European opposition.

While Walter Figueira, who has left for Kingstonian FC will undoubtedly be a hard act to follow, if Buckley once again has the players singing from the same hymn sheet, they should be able to cope without him. The signing of Will Fitzgerald from Derry City should add more oomph to the midfield, as the North Westerners once more go on to grind out another 3 point win at home in The Showgrounds,

PREDICTION: POSSIBLY A EUROPAN PLACE, BUT MORE LIKELY TO FINISH MID TABLE
 

PLAYERS IN: 
TUNDE OWALABI (FINN HARPS)
ANTO BRESLIN (BOHEMIANS)
MARK DOYLE (DROGHEDA UNITED)
JOE REDMOND (DROGHEDA UNITED)
EOIN DOYLE (ST. PATRICK’S ATHLETIC
TOM GRIVOSTI (ROSS COUNTY)
JOSEPH ANANG (WEST HAM – LOAN)
ADAM O’ REILLY (PRESTON NORTH END  - LOAN)
 
PLAYERS OUT:
JAMES ABANKWAH (UNDINESE)
MATTY SMITH  (DERRY CITY)
ROBBIE BENSON  (DUNDALK)
JOHN MOUNTNEY (DUNDALK)
SAM BONE (DUNDALK)
SHANE GRIFFIN (SHELBOURNE)
LEE DESMOND (SACRAMENTO FC)
TOM LONERGAN (UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN)

You know that picture in a newspaper of a building that’s been bombed, it’s still standing but it is a mere shell as inside was ripped out by the blast – That is what Saint Patrick’s Athletic look like.

Supporters of the Saints were rightly on Cloud 9 after beating Bohemians in the FAI Cup Final, but only a few days later, their mood switched like a stock market crash when manager Stephen O’ Donnell departed to become manager of Dundalk.

Immediately the fans of the Richmond Park side were expressing grave fears as to the number of players that were out of contract; Could they be heading up the M50 and the M1 to the stadium on Carrickmacross Road in Dundalk?

It turned out their fears were very much justified as the indispensable James Mountney, Robbie Benson and Sam Bone opted to move with Stephen O’ Donnell and Matty Smith went to Derry City. It is akin to taking out a Ferrari engine and replacing it with one from an Opel Insignia. The shock from all that has been dissipated somewhat by the signing of the sharp shooting Eoin Doyle from Bolton Wanderers – the kind of signing that left fans of rival clubs with quite the dropped jaw and an envy as green as the hulk.

Big things will be expected of the former Crumlin United man, who is likely on a salary that rivals the expectations placed on his shoulders. When Georgie Kelly left Pats to join Bohemians many Saints fans were on social media saying if he had been given more service and had the ball to his feet more than he did, he would have scored far more than the 3 league goals he had for the whole of the 2019-20 season. He went on to score 22 goals with Bohs last season.

Make no doubt about it, if Doyle gets plenty of ball played to him around the opposition box, he will definitely be at the top end of the scoring charts – but given the teammates around him, some would class that as a fairly big if.

PREDICTION: EOIN DOYLE TO ENSURE ENOUGH WINS ARE GROUND OUT TO SECURE SAINT PATRICK’S ATHLETIC ANOTHER EUROPEAN SPOT.
 

PLAYERS IN:
ALEX DUNNE (SHAMROCK ROVERS)
TOM LONERGAN (SAINT PATRICK’S ATHLETIC)
KIAN MOORE (BOHEMIANS)
DYLAN DUFFY (SHAMROCK ROVERS)
ALEX NOLAN (SHELBOURNE)
BEN HANRAHAN (CABINTEELY)

PLAYERS OUT:
PAUL DOYLE (DUNDALK)
EVAN WEIR (MAYNOOTH)

UCD finished 5 points behind Galway United in the First Division table, but despite finishing only third, they managed to gain promotion after firstly winning the First Division Playoff Final against Bray Wanderers and then beating Waterford United in a relegation/promotion playoff to return to the top flight. (Galway United should have been in the playoff final after finishing second in the league, but we are where we are).

Fans of “The Students” will be relieved that they managed to hold onto practically all of last seasons squad, though losing Captain Paul Doyle to Dundalk was an undoubted blow. The capture of Alex Dunne from Shamrock Rovers will further shore up the defence as the tight pitch in Belfield once more proves a difficult obstacle for opposing teams to surmount.

The attack was bolstered by the singing of Thomas Lonergan from Saint Patrick’s Athletic, but his lack of experience at the top level might show, as promising chances go a begging,

PREDICTION: WILL BE LUCKY TO AVOID RELEGATION.
 

PLAYERS IN:
JORDAN DOHERTY (TAMPA BAY ROWDIES)
KRIS TWARDECK (FK SENICA)
JUNIOR OGEDI-UZOKWE (DUNDALK)
JORDAN FLORES (NORTHAMPTON)
MAX MURPHY (SHAMROCK ROVERS)
TADGH RYAN (TREATY UNITED)
RYAN CASSIDY (WATFORD – LOAN)
GRANT HORTON (CHELTENHAM TOWN  -LOAN)

PLAYERS OUT:
ANDY LYONS (SHAMROCK ROVERS)
GEORGIE KELLY (ROTHERHAM)
ROSS TIERNEY (MOTHERWELL)
ANTO BRESLIN (SAINT PATRICK’S ATHLETIC)
ROB CORNWALL (HAILSTORM FC)
KEITH WARD (DUNDALK FC)
KIAN MOORE (UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN)
BASTIAN HERY (FINN HARPS)
JACK MOYLAN (SHELBOURNE)

A question that may well appear on a question of sport in the future: “What club finished top scorers in Ireland but, only managed to finish 5^th that same Season?” Unbelievably this is the fate that befell Bohemians as they missed out on a European spot, despite finding the back of the net 60 times last season.

Heartbreak was further witnessed as the Phibsborough side lost out to south Dublin rivals Saint Patrick’s Athletic in the FAI Cup Final (the debate as to whether the ball crossed the line in Extra Time or not, still rumbles on for some.)

The loss of Georgie Kelly was a devastating blow; make no doubt about it, he was the leagues’ top scorer last season and his boots will be very hard to fill. Supporters of the Gypsies will be tightly crossing their fingers that their new attacking signings, Junior Ogedi Uzokew from Dundalk and Ryan Cassidy on loan from Watford will plug the gap, but this very much remains to be seen. 

The decision of (formerly) firm favourite Andy Lyons to cross The Liffey and take arch rivals Shamrock Rovers 12 Pieces of Silver was greeted with Hulk Hogan like rage from the Dalymount Park faithful. Derby clashes between the two sides are electric - to say the least - and the cauldron has just had another notable ingredient added which will heat things up to fever pitch, when both sides meet in Tallaght on March 11^th.

The departures of Ross Tierney to Motherwell along with Rob Cornwall and Keith Buckley will hurt too. The return of prolific Canadian International Kris Twardek, was greeted like the prodigal son had come home, the wing wizard was a key component in the Dubliners finishing second two seasons ago.

News that Republic of Ireland Under-21 International Dawson Devoy was staying, despite an approach from MK Dons lead to huge sighs of relief too. Jordan Flores’ capture was also greeted with unbridled joy, as Bohs fans watched his swashbuckling performances for Dundalk from 2019-2021.

If Flores can rekindle his form at Dundalk and with the likes of Devoy, Twardek and Liam Burt alongside him, the Gypsies midfield could well be laying siege to opposition defences, like a viking raid on a monastery.

PREDICTION: IF THE NEW AND EXISTING PLAYERS MANAGE TO QUICKLY GEL TOGETHER, THEY MIGHT CHALLENGE SHAMROCK ROVERS FOR THE TITLE; BUT IT COULD JUST AS EASILY BE ANOTHER SEASON OF MID-TABLE ANGST.

The top sides in the country have seen quite a change in their squads, which makes for an intriguing campaign ahead. The Stephen O’ Donnell and Andy Lyons sagas has raised the temperature up no end and with increasing numbers of season tickets being sold, interest in the league is it at its highest.

So if you live in Bray, Phibsborough, Sligo or Cobh; Why not experience the atmosphere in the stands and high octane action on the pitch by supporting your local Airtricity League side?