With the Airtricity Premier Division kicking off on Friday, JOE gives you the lowdown on what teams to look out for this season, their star players, and how they will fare in the upcoming domestic campaign, starting with a look at the teams that finished in the top half of the league last season.
By Frank McCann
Shamrock Rovers
Nickname: The Hoops
Stadium: Tallaght Stadium
Manager: Michael O’Neill
Star Player: Gary Twigg – The Rovers striker was truly immense in front of goal last season. Finding the net on 20 occasions, Twigg finished the season as the league’s top scorer. He was also honoured as the PFAI Player of the year, and more importantly, was nominated for JOE’s footballer of the year in 2010.
Last season: Rovers were in exceptional form last season, which led to them winning their first Premier Division title in 16 years, narrowly beating Bohemians to the title on goal difference. One low-point in an otherwise successful campaign was the defeat to Sligo Rovers in the FAI cup final, losing the game on penalties after Ciaran Kelly performed heroics in goals for the Bit O’Red.
Odds: 5/6 Favourites
JOE’s Prediction: 1st
With some excellent players acquired during the off-season, Rovers will be stronger than last season. Unless the injury demons strike over the Tallaght stadium, the Hoops are very likely to retain their crown.
Bohemians
Nickname: The Gypsies
Stadium: Dalymount Park
Manager: Pat Fenlon
Star Player: Anto Flood – Possibly Bohs’ best signing of the pre-season. The former Shelbourne and Galway United striker has a very good goal to game ratio, scoring one in every two. Captain Owen Heary will be as influential as always, but Flood could be the man to step up in what will be a tough season for the Gypsies.
Last season: Despite a late rally by Bohs, Shamrock Rovers still managed to claim the Premier Division title. However, the season still finished with some silverware as the Gypsies defeated St. Patricks Athletic to win the Setanta cup.
Odds: 12/1
JOE’s Prediction: 3rd
Bohemians football club have had it very tough as of late due to their poor financial state, and are lucky to be still in existence. However, it seems that they’ve managed to ride the storm with Pat Fenlon holding onto the majority of his team and even managing to add to the squad. It’s hard to know how the season will turn out for Bohs, but it is unlikely that they will be as strong as last season.
Sligo Rovers
Nickname: The Bit O’Red
Stadium: The Showgrounds
Manager: Paul Cook
Star Player: Raffaele Cretaro – After spending a season at Bohemians, the Tubbercurry man returns to Sligo. He is being tipped as one of the contenders for this year’s top scorer, and will surely be up there come the end of the season.
Raffaele Cretaro is back to boost the Bit O’Red’s title credentials this season
Last season: A strong showing in the league was followed by an excellent cup-double that saw the Connacht side defeat Monaghan United in the League Cup, and beat Shamrock Rovers on penalties in the FAI cup final.
Odds: 3/1
JOE’s Prediction: 2nd
With the strong possibility that Bohemians will put up less of a title challenge this season, it could be Sligo’s time to step up. Progress at the Showgrounds has been steady and effective, with silverware being a major part of that. While we won’t discount the Bit O’Red’s chances of winning the title entirely, we feel that it may be beyond them this season.
St. Patrick’s Athletic
Nickname: The Super Saints
Stadium: Richmond Park
Manager: Pete Mahon
Star Player: Danny North – The former Grimsby town man has endeared himself to the Super Saints’ faithful after a successful first season at Richmond Park. He finished the season with seven goals and will be hoping to improve on that tally this time around.
Last Season: Having been relatively strong throughout the league season, the Super Saints faded away towards the latter stages, ending the term in fifth place. A good run in the Setanta cup was in vain, as they went down 1-0 in the final to Bohemians.
Odds: 14/1
JOE’s Prediction: 6th
A Pete Mahon side will give you everything they have. You are guaranteed huge work-rate and belief from start to finish, so don’t expect Pat’s to be a pushover for any side. They should once again start the season strong, but will be hoping not to have a repeat of last year’s slump that saw them finish in mid-table.
Dundalk FC
Nickname: The Lilywhites
Stadium: Oriel Park
Manager: Ian Foster
Star Player: Mark Quigley – A summer acquisition from Bohemians, Quigley should find a new lease of life after being frustratingly played out of position last season. His potential partnership with Jason Byrne will have Lilywhite fans watering at the mouth.
Last Season: The Lilywhites got off to a great start during the last campaign, topping the table by late April. However, a loss in form, combined with various injuries and suspensions, led to their decline as the season climaxed. A sixth place finish was respectable, but could have been so much better.
Odds: 7/1
JOE’s Prediction: 4th
With some clever signings by Ian Foster, Dundalk are JOE’s dark horse for the Premier division title. With a bit of luck, they will be hoping to keep up with Sligo and Shamrock Rovers. However, we see it being a three way battle between the Lilywhites, Bohemians and St.Pat’s for third place.
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