After back to back seasons of play off disappointment John Caulfields Galway United look onwards as they finally hope to see the rewards of their efforts for the previous two years and finally gain promotion back to where many Galwegians would say they belong in the Premier Division.
Having struggled to gain promotion to the premier division in the last two seasons Galway United will be looking to build on what was a disappointing end of the year after a season that looked so promising for the Tribesmen.
Having only lost 6 matches in 32 in the league the overall season was positive for United although their supporters may point to what was a lacklustre run in 4 draws and a loss in their last 5 matches hampered their promotion bid with John Caulfieds side failing to build momentum into the crucial side of the campaign.
Ollie Horgan has been appointed as Assistant manager having amassed over 350 games as manager of Finn harps Over 9 years his vast wealth of knowledge will be a huge asset for Galway United especially his previous experiences in Play off matches which could be vital at the latter stages of the year as United look to push forward onto the premier division.
Galway have brought in a good few new additions strengthening the size and quality of the squad heading into the new First division season
New Signings – Vincent Borden, Alex Rutter, Colm Horgan, Regan Donelon,Callumm McNamara, Rob Slevin, Darren Clarke, Brendan Clarke,
But possibly the resigning of last year’s key players could prove to be more than useful with Rob Manley starting from the start of the season will be key as he impressed at the end of the season nipping in with key goals. Mikie Rowe, Maurice Nugent, Edward McCarthy, Francely Lomboto, David Hurley, Conor O’ Keeffe, Killian Brouder, Ronan Manning, Conor McCormack all got great minutes last season and with an extra year of experience could prove to be all the difference. Stephen Walsh also resigns after his fantastic goalscoring form last season and for everyone involved in Galway United will be hoping Walshy can continue this into this campaign
Departures to date have been little but losing Max Hemmings, Conor Kearns, Charlie Lyons, and Wilson Waweru as of now players who all played their part in the previous two seasons for Galway. But Caulfied and Hogan will be confident in their squads’ increased quality overall heading into their opening fixtures.
Key Matches Galway’s first match of the new season will be a tough and emotional test as they face newly relegated Finn Harps the former side of new assistant manager Ollie Hogan it seems destiny to get the season off to a great start!
Early matches against Waterford and Longford Town will also be good markers for Galway to assess where they are early doors!
While Kerry FC first trip to Eamonn Deacy Park will be on gameweek 4 as Galway get to see what the new team in the south are made of.
Predicted Finish: 2nd
John Nee
Sports journalist, Video Editor and Cinematographer but maybe even more importantly a huge sports fan.