Club | League Of Ireland Mid-Term Report |
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| Written by Clodagh Hibs |
| Thursday, 21 May 2009 12:28 |
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This was intended as a mid-season report to celebrate my return from injury to the realm of typing for more than five minutes at a time. Alas, setbacks and exams mean this is more a report after the pre’s than a mid-term but I’d already started, it was an interesting gimmick and feck it, I’m feeling lazy. Enjoy!
The predictions are those I made in my LOI preview, and are included for reference purposes.
In spite of still being only five points of a UETA Champions Cup spot for next season, recent results and transfer activity –where a healthy war chest is being amassed- suggest that Mike Hunt has begun to turn his attention toward next season already. Consistency has been lacking for the Tribesmen, achievements against the top teams undermined in matches against rivals below. Europe is still a possibility but I wouldn’t count on it. Current Position: 10th Prediction: 7th Verdict: Focus, focus, focus!
Having recovered well from a slow start to the season, Teabag have kept themselves in contention all along and the recent signing of David Butler (it’s a dumb nickname so I’m not using it) seemed to have given the side a shot in the arm at just the right time. However, the loss of Ermin Čavušević in the defeat to Le Sharks may prove a hammer blow, time will tell. Current Position: 5th Prediction: 5th Verdict: Keep up the good work.
Have been very active on the transfer market, adding key improvements to their squad at every opportunity, and it has shown as The Argonauts have exceeded this reporters expectations all season, looking confident and assured at this level. Avoiding complacency in a congested mid-table seems to be the biggest challenge facing them, but then again, Europe is still attainable. Current Position: 9th Prediction: 16th Verdict: Excellent work.
Had started slipping towards the danger zone but new arrival Rian O’ Shea has made a great impact since his arrival and the Bhoys have put a bit of distance between themselves and the danger zone. Veteran defenders still key though. Current Position: 7th Prediction: 12th Verdict: Solid effort.
This young side came to the fore around mid-season as they attempted to muscle in on the title race, have dropped off a little since but still looking very dangerous, although maintaining the status quo would be creditable. Regardless of this season’s final outcome, this is a side that will be an LOI power for seasons to come. Current Position: 8th Prediction: 11th Verdict: Very impressive.
Have spent most of the season struggling and while the addition of Sancha has given the side something of a fillip Anto Doran still has not addressed the bigger problems in his paper-thin squad and their league position reflects that. Still capable of saving themselves in a tightly contested league but your reporter believes a play-off spot would be an achievement. Oddly, were it not for Shay Duffy’s goals, relegation might be a foregone conclusion at this point! Current Position: 17th Prediction: 17th Verdict: Tries hard…
Have certainly set off on the road to European Domination with gusto, Le Sharks have not been out of the top three all season long although the ever-competitive nature of the LOI means that four sides are waiting for any sign of weakness. That slip seems unlikely to come as they focus their energy on catching the league leaders, but who knows? Current Position: 2nd Prediction: 2nd Verdict: Keep it up!
Four points from safety, four points from the bottom. Eddie Punchino’s charges have fought hard all season long -gaining some memorable results along the way- to give themselves a shot at survival going into the final third of the season. The fact remains though, that they have not gotten out of the bottom six all season, can they break that trend when it matters? Possible, but I’d pick a play-off spot myself. Current Position: 13th Prediction: 18th Verdict: Giving their all, couldn’t ask for more…
While their strike force has lived up to their part of the bargain, the Leinster Lions have the unenviable tag of being the leakiest defence in the LOI which has hamstrung their efforts to escape the relegation dogfight. Capable of better but whatever happens must be achieved with their existing resources due to financial issues. Current Position: 15th Prediction: 9th Verdict: Disappointing, but there’s time to turn it around.
Another side who have been working hard to keep in the running for another season in the League Of Ireland but still find themselves in the play-off zone. Much will depend on whether their defence can stay injury and suspension free for the run-in. Current Position: 14th Prediction: 15th Verdict: Good work so far, but could stand to improve a little.
A side which have set about proving that last year was no fluke. A lull in mid-season seems to have been overcome and again the push for Europe is on. Need their key players to stay available but it’s been working out so far… Current Position: 6th Prediction: 13th Verdict: Superb effort, keep it up!
Where to begin? For another season, Na Fianna fans have had to endure more under-performing from a squad that should be at the sharp end. While NT signing Killian O’ Rourke has struggled to make an impact, it seems that Tameem’s inability to match last seasons form –for various reasons- has been a critical factor so far. For all that, they are only eight points from second so they could still live up to expectations… There seems to be a glass ceiling at tenth which needs to be overcome first. Current Position: 11th Prediction: Champions Verdict: Must do better!
Got off to a flying start but have lost a little ground as the season has progressed, One nil find themselves at a crossroads as the run-in looms large. A slight upturn in form could see them move back into contention at the top; a slight downturn could see them embroiled in a relegation scrap for the rest of the season. Could be left rueing decision to cash in on Barišić before seasons end… Current Position: 12th Prediction: 14th Verdict: Be careful not to let standards drop.
Took some time to get into their stride but Park Rangers have shown their calibre as the season has progressed. Consistent, quality performances have been underlined by their long-term ambition in signing Ali Shuton to strengthen their defence. Discipline could prove a key factor in whether their European ambitions are realised. Current Position: 4th Prediction: 6th Verdict: Great job!
A team busily –and quietly- setting about realising their full potential. Have doggedly hung on to top spot when challenged and while they have been unable to extend a commanding lead, they have shown they’re more than capable of staying there. Current Position: 1st Prediction: 3rd Verdict: Top of the class.
That ‘U’ after a club’s name has proved a bit of a lead weight for the second season running. The most successful Irish club in Europe this season have failed to find any semblance of domestic form, rooted in the bottom three for almost four weeks now, although that means only four points from the play-off spots. They have moved to add strength to one of the weakest defences in the league but the whole team needs to up their game to get out of trouble. Current Position: 18th Prediction: 10th Verdict: Not too good to be held back!
They’ve been busy on the transfer market but it seems to have helped their cause as the Super hoops find themselves in the title hunt, only goals scored keeping them from second place. With tough games ahead and a congested pack behind them, staying suspension free may be their biggest obstacle to success. Current Position: 3rd Prediction: 4th Verdict: Excellent work.
Have been on a pretty steady downward curve from the start of the season. One of the most potent attacking sides in the LOI last season have been misfiring badly, even seeing one underperforming forward shipped abroad. If they start scoring they will move up the table, if not… Current Position: 16th Prediction: 8th Verdict: Very disappointing, must do better! |
| Last Updated ( Thursday, 11 June 2009 12:51 ) |
