2001/02 Season preview
Pre season has been fairly eventful this year, and in some ways I wish it
wasn't. The merger/takeover took everyone by surprise and it caused more
than it's fair share of disgruntled moans from supporters of both clubs.
When the facts of the deal emerged (not all have by the way) it looks like
we've shafted St. Francis big time. St. Patrick's Athletic (incorporating
St Francis ) FC was born. The main problems we had with the deal was the
thought of losing our name to the ridiculous Dublin Saints title.
Thankfully this will only be the official nickname and will be treated with
the same scorn as Supersaints by the vast majority of true Saints. We've
gained Baldonnell, a place on the FAI committee and they haven't gained a
thing. Whether you want people who would do this to a club on your board is
open to debate but for the time being we're willing to let them prove
themselves.
The other major talking point of pre season was the lack of work done on the
ground. On numerous occasions the club have promised to have the work
completed and without doubt "it will be done for the start of the season"
Work has been done in tarmacking the perimeter of the Stand and Shed. The
Camac side looks very doubtful to be finished in time for the kick off
tomorrow evening. Independent Saints (the now essential Supporters Club)
has played the waiting game and given the club every chance. Watch this
space for more information on our plan of action regarding this.
On the playing side of things opinion is divided among supporters as to
whether success can be achieved. I am fairly optimistic. If we play as we
did in the middle of last season we definitely have potential. Steve
McGuinness will not be the loss many expect him to be and Kieran Foley is a
more than adequate replacement. He was the only first team regular to
leave. In came Foley, Darren O'Keeffe (to give more options in midfield)
and Robbie Doyle (who has impressed in preseason) Perhaps more importantly
this season should see greater involvement for Paul Donnelly, the
exceptionally talented full back who missed all of last season with injuries
and Mbabazi (our highly promising Ugandan international).
If we can get off to a better start then last season and be up there from
the start I feel we will challenge for honours. Around the league it
promises to be an interesting season. Champions Bohs acquitted themselves
well in Europe and should be up there again. Shels have spent heavily but
always fail and will do so again. (Hee he hee) Shamrock Rovers should move
into their ground some time this season and this is their main priority, so
don't be surprised if they are fighting relegation with possibly four teams
to go down this year. Dundalk are another free spending team but their main
aim will be survival and they should achieve that. Bray will again be the
dark horses and I expect them and Cork to improve on last year. The rest
will not really feature.
1 St Patrick's Athletic (because I have to...)
2 Shelbourne
3 Bray Wanderers
4 Bohemians
5 Cork City
6 Dundalk
7 Derry City
8 Longford Town
9 Shamrock Rovers
10 UCD
11 Galway Utd
12 Monaghan Utd
Some things to look out for this year... the rise and rise of Independent
Saints. Our first ever Player of the Year will be presented just before
tomorrow night's game along with Goal of the Season. (Liam Kelly and Robbie
Griffin the respective winners). Tomorrow might also see the unveiling of our
first club flag. Watch out for a special effort we're making for the Shels
game in Tolka. If you would like to contribute to the flare collection
contact any committee member. Robbie McGuinness to be transferred for a
substantial fee abroad. Ger McCarthy to find his finishing boots and end up
top scorer and finally Mbabazi to end up as crowd favourite.
Independent Saints is now online @
https://www.angelfire.com/super/saintmania/issc.html
Please visit and contribute
John Owens
From the Saints Mailing List at Inchicore Saints
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