Logalisheen Invincibles Season 16 Mid Season Review

Only joining the Super Logs at the tail end of Season 15, Gearóid “Shankly” Lyons is a brand spanking new manager to the TM world. With only 15 games played in his first full campaign, it is difficult to assess the long term credentials of Lyons and his 5^th Division Logalisheen lads. The standard in the lower tiers of Irish TM football has become increasingly competitive in the past few seasons so to be successful, you really will have to show your worth. For Lyons, it’s a case of so far, so good, with Logalisheen sitting comfortably in 3^rd position as we close in on the half way point of Season 16. Gearóid has jumped head first into the transfer market with a hefty 24 players purchased in less than a season... but is it a case of quantity over quality?? Let’s take a look at what he has at his disposal...

Goalkeeper

With 4 solid keepers to choose from, Lyons has had a selection headache in the early stages of his tenure. Charles Heelan appeared to be getting the nod as first choice keeper but with a long term injury leaving him sidelined, O’Farrell, Radvila and Ryan have all been called upon prop up the posts. The lack of consistency has caused a bit of unrest at the back. The key to any successful team is a solid last line of defence. Lyons does have 4 solid options... but constantly chopping and changing will do the defence no favours.

Defence

Lyons has toyed with several formations but seems to have settled with playing 3 at the back in recent games. Defensively, Logalisheen have a mixture of youth and experience with more than enough quality to contain even the meanest division 5 attack. The stand out player at the back for me is young Irish DC O’Connell. At only 23 he has his best years ahead of him and has the quality to play at a much higher level of football. With the likes of O’Carroll and Foley joining him at the back, Logalisheen have the quality, but playing 3 at the back is always a big risk so Lyons must thread very carefully.

Midfield  

The star of the Super Logs midfield is clearly 30 year old Irish OMC/R Matthew Donnelly. Donnelly has already attracted interest from higher division sides but it would take a big offer for Lyons to let him go. He is still young enough that he can be the driving force for Logalisheen for the next 3 or 4 seasons.

 Defensive midfielder Brennan is a great utility player to have in the squad. Comfortable playing down the left and right flank, Brennan has solid stats all round and is a great crosser of the ball. His manager has also played him far higher up the pitch with relative success this season.  

Hviid was brought in to bolster the centre of the park and for only 2 million, has proved to be a revelation this season (albeit at the ripe old age of 31). With an average rating of 6.30 from 10 games, surely there is more to come from the Danish MC.

Attack

Patrick Ryan has played for a big part of the season as Logalisheen’s lone striker but he has settled into the role well with an impressive 10 goals in 14 outings this season. He will clearly be playing a huge part in any success Super Logs might have in the coming seasons.

Veteran Dutch FC Menno Prouw may be closing in on retirement age but he has proved to be a shrewd purchase, chipping in with 4 goals in 9. A modest return you might say... but when you consider he was signed for the princely sum of 3 tm pounds....... yes 3!!! ....... he has proved to be extreme value for money.

 Lyons recently smashed the clubs record transfer fee by splashing out a little over 23 million on new FC Hiacynt . At only 20 years of age, the Polish national looks to be a very decent prospect.

It’s a difficult task to assess a squad that is still in its infancy. Their formation has changed, starting 11 has changed and mentality has changed... but importantly, results have remained consistent thus far. It usually takes a season or two for managers to settle into the pace and competition of the Irish leagues but Lyons is adapting quickly. Mistakes will still be made but this plucky young manager has already shown enough to convince most onlookers that he will lead the Super Logs to success. Division 4 beckons for Logalisheen.

Prediction – 2nd Place