Next up in our season preview series is Longford Town. De Town have seen a number of changes in the offseason and will have aspirations of a return to the Premier Division. Season previews continue daily on FinalWhistle.ie
Location: Bishopsgate, Strokestown Road, Longford
Manager: Stephen Henderson (1st season in charge)
Last Season Finish: 4th ( W14, D10, L8). Lost the 3rd v 4th First Division play-off to Galway Utd
New Longford Town manager Stephen Henderson has been busy in recent weeks getting a squad ready for the start of the new season. Only four players remain at the club from last year so Henderson has had to rebuild a new squad.
Having been relegated back to the First Division in 2021, Town finished fourth last season in a very competitive league. They produced some big displays but lost to Galway Utd in the play-offs
Ins and Outs
There have been plenty of ins and outs for the Town. Before Henderson got the job some Town players had already departed the club.
Goalkeeper Jack Brady returns to the club after a spell with Treaty Utd. Darragh Lynch arrives from Bray Wanderers. Evan Farrell, James Doona and Derek Daly are among the new faces at Bishopsgate.
The good news for Town fans was the re-signing of club stalwart Shane Elworthy. Himself, Cristian Magerusan and the Vernon brothers Sam and Adam decided to remain with the club.
Darren Clarke impressed for Town last season, joining midway through the season, but has left for Galway Utd. Jordan Adeyemo and Aaron Robinson are two big losses for the Midlands club, both joined Wexford as did Karl Chambers.
Club Aspirations
Stephen Henderson has been in football long enough to know the task that lies in front of him at Longford Town. He has had to rebuild and with a modest budget has brought in a lot of youth, who will no doubt be hungry to succeed.
It’s going to be an extremely competitive league and with the comings and goings in pre-season, it will be interesting to see what side can come out on top and who will get the play-off spots.
Henderson will have his side well prepared for the season ahead. Town supporters are realists and expectations aren’t high but knowing Henderson he will have his own hopes and aspirations for the new season.
Key Men
Over the last number of seasons Town have been lucky with goalkeepers and the return of Jack Brady to the club is a huge boost; particularly when Luke Dennison left to join Bohemians. Cristian Magerusan is a player who knows where the goals are. If he can stay injury-free he can be a big player for the Town.
Key Fixtures
For Town fans the fixture they always look out for is Athlone Town and there is a Midlands Derby on the opening day of the season. In their opening six games they face Waterford, Bray, Galway and Finn Harps.
Season Prediction: With a new squad assembled it’s hard to know how fast they will click together. Over the last number of years Town have reached the play-offs. That’ll be the target again this season but achieving it is another thing.
Deniese O'Flaherty
Deniese is a freelance sports journalist/broadcaster. She has worked for several local and national media outlets. GAA and soccer are her great loves and she also follows rugby league and snooker. She's a big supporter of her local clubs St. Mary's GAA Granard and Longford Town. She also follows Celtic, Liverpool and Leeds Rhinos. She presented and produced a popular sports podcast last year where she interviewed Ray Houghton, Chris Kamara and John Hartson. Deniese is currently Head of Communications for Boccia Ireland