Faterword United Season 16 Preview

Season 14 was the year Faterword United finally lived up to their potential. It had only taken two short seasons to propel the club from the 5^th Division to the 3^rd Division but manager Niall Kelly was far from impressed. As a squad they were developing nicely but they had yet to win a title. In their second year in Division 3 all the pieces of the puzzle finally came together and Faterword steamrolled their way through the league, finishing 7 points ahead of 2^nd place and a massive 13 points above the promotion line and 3^rd place!  They were Champions of Division 3.6 and ready to compete with the best Division 2 had to offer. Many believed that Faterword were a good outside bet for automatic promotion to the League of Ireland. But it all went pear shaped and after a stop start season, Faterword only managed to hit the 40 point mark, leaving them one away from the safety zone. An instant return to Division 3 was a huge shock to the system after the heroics of Season 14.

Season 16 sees Faterword with some tough opposition in Division 3.4... but can they readjust after the disappointment of relegation?

Goalkeeper

James Doherty is a keeper capable of winning Championships for his team. He has immense ability and at only 26 has youth on his side. However he has suffered from his fair share of injuries over the years. He only managed to play in 21 of the games in Faterwords relegation battle last season. He missed 13 games and in total, Faterword lost 12 games. Coincidence?... Perhaps... but one thing is for sure, Faterword are a better side when he stays fit.

In Blai Sasplugas they do have a very capable number 2 however. The 29 year old Andorran is a consistent performer who is a top class deputy and he pushes Doherty hard for the number one spot.

Defence

Age is a major issue for the Faterword defence. With only two of the first team defenders in the squad under the age of 32, it is virtually impossible to choose a solid back four that could lead the squad forward in future seasons.

 In Iz Aldin Al Jamann they have an absolute star though. The 25 year old Syrian is top class. At 168 million he is Faterwords record signing but it was certainly money well spent. He has the ability to play at a much higher level and must surely be seen as an integral part of Kelly’s plans for the future. (Rumour has it a bid of 100 million on Al Jamann has just been rejected, with the hopeful purchaser being one of Faterwords Division 3 opponents!!)   :)

At 32, Toni Pop Panev is certainly no spring chicken but he is a top notch DC who still has a lot to offer the club.

Faterword also have a very promising prospect currently playing in their B Squad. Max Ward is comfortable at left and right full and at only 19, will no doubt play a big part in future campaigns.  

Midfield  

In midfield, age is once more a big issue, the vast majority of the boys again being the wrong side of 30.

23 year old Ronnie Forkin is the standout star and was a massive coup for Faterword. The 112 million signing joined from League of Ireland giants Le Sharks in Season 14. His blistering pace and creativity are enough to worry the meanest of defences. If he is on form, he will win you a game!

Michael Quinn’s experience and passing ability are also a huge bonus in the middle of the park.

Kelly  has clearly recognised that his squad has a serious age problem and recent signing Conor Thomas is a welcome addition who will add some youthfulness to the midfield ranks.

Attack

19 year old Leo Ó Neachtáin is likely to feature a lot more for the first team this season. He is far from the finished article but has shown huge promise thus far and has clearly done enough to convince Kelly that he is the way forward.

 Joining him in the battle to be first choice striker is fellow Irishman Alex O’Shea. He is a solid all-round player and has a good scoring record but he lacks a killer finishing touch that would make him a serious threat to teams.

Frenchman Bilal Wenzel most definitely has that killer finishing touch but at 34, must be closing in on retirement.

A top class striker would be a welcome addition to the Blue Warriors squad and must be seen as top priority.

Faterword had instant success but an aging squad was unfortunately found out in Division 2 last season. Kelly still feels confident purchasing older players on the cheap as a short term fix but he also realises that to be successful, a younger established core to the team is essential. In the short term, Faterword have more than enough to be competitive in Division 3. However, if they were to return to Division 2 next season, chances are they would once again struggle to contend with the top sides. They appear to have turned a corner and have a balance of youth and experience in their starting 11. Unfortunately the balance is still in favour of the veterans. One or two young signings is all it would take to take Faterword to the next level. They would probably be better off sitting tight in Division 3 for one more season while their youths push through and the age issue is addressed further but I believe Kelly will be anxious to get back to Division 2 as soon as possible. I for one won’t be betting against them!

Prediction –  A top 5 finish with a good chance of nicking a promotion spot.