January 2020 was a bad time for League of Ireland fans. The FAI's financial misadventures had been laid bare, with the minister for sport saying that if the League collapses then so be it. And that was before the pandemic.
A year on and things are more positive. Government support and a more positive attitude by the association means that most clubs are in a reasonable situation.
So how will this season turn out? Champions Shamrock Rovers are the favourites, but will worry that main playmakers Jack Byrne and Aaron McEniff have moved on. The pressure to produce the goods will fall on new signing Danny Mandriou.
Last year's runners up Bohemians have similarly lost their attacking players, top scorers Andre Wright and Danny Grant have moved to Ayr United and Huddersfield respectively. They'll hope their new look forward line can hit the ground running.
With Dundalk the question is Who's the boss? After dismissing Vinnie Perth, they appointed new manager Fillippo Giovagnoli, despite the former Milan youth team coach not having the UEFA licence to manage in Europe, leading to a fine. This season they have moved the job titles, with former opposition analyst Shane Keegan now team manager, Giovagnoli is now first team coach. Where this leaves former assistant manager Giuseppe Rossi who knows, and that's before you add Director of football Jim Magilton into the mix.
Before Covid, Sligo Rovers looked in trouble, having lost their first five league games , once football returned they were the form team , only losing twice more to snatch the final European place. With some impressive signings they'll be looking to aim higher this year.
What next for St Patrick's Athletic. In recent years, they've brought in quality attacking players like Robbie Benson and Chris Forrester, but conceding too many has hurt them. A new goalkeeper could make the difference.
Every year since a consortium lead by local boy Lee Power took over Waterford , rumours abound that the money has run out. This year they've appointed Kevin Sheedy and Mike Newell as joint managers, with a clutch of loan signings brought in. The two 38 year old Murphys, goalkeeper Brian and striker Daryl have a lot of responsibility.
Derry City's decline last year was the biggest surprise, going from 3rd in 2019 to just avoiding relegation by a point last year. All eyes will be on Joe Hodge, Hodge, the "new Phil Foden " who has arrived on loan from Manchester City.
Finn Harps were everyone's favourite for relegation, and they're fightback at the end to avoid the drop was impressive. They've brought in a few signings and will hope to be more comfortable this year.
Of the promoted sides, Drogheda United look better prepared for the top flight, with seasoned Premier league players Dinny Corcoran, Dane Massey and Daragh Markey arriving, while Longford Town's inexperienced side could struggle.
My predictions
1. Shamrock Rovers
2. Dundalk
3.Sligo Rovers
4.Bohemians
5.St Patrick's
6.Drogheda
7.Derry City
8.Finn Harps
9.Waterford
10.Longford
A year on and things are more positive. Government support and a more positive attitude by the association means that most clubs are in a reasonable situation.
So how will this season turn out? Champions Shamrock Rovers are the favourites, but will worry that main playmakers Jack Byrne and Aaron McEniff have moved on. The pressure to produce the goods will fall on new signing Danny Mandriou.
Last year's runners up Bohemians have similarly lost their attacking players, top scorers Andre Wright and Danny Grant have moved to Ayr United and Huddersfield respectively. They'll hope their new look forward line can hit the ground running.
With Dundalk the question is Who's the boss? After dismissing Vinnie Perth, they appointed new manager Fillippo Giovagnoli, despite the former Milan youth team coach not having the UEFA licence to manage in Europe, leading to a fine. This season they have moved the job titles, with former opposition analyst Shane Keegan now team manager, Giovagnoli is now first team coach. Where this leaves former assistant manager Giuseppe Rossi who knows, and that's before you add Director of football Jim Magilton into the mix.
Before Covid, Sligo Rovers looked in trouble, having lost their first five league games , once football returned they were the form team , only losing twice more to snatch the final European place. With some impressive signings they'll be looking to aim higher this year.
What next for St Patrick's Athletic. In recent years, they've brought in quality attacking players like Robbie Benson and Chris Forrester, but conceding too many has hurt them. A new goalkeeper could make the difference.
Every year since a consortium lead by local boy Lee Power took over Waterford , rumours abound that the money has run out. This year they've appointed Kevin Sheedy and Mike Newell as joint managers, with a clutch of loan signings brought in. The two 38 year old Murphys, goalkeeper Brian and striker Daryl have a lot of responsibility.
Derry City's decline last year was the biggest surprise, going from 3rd in 2019 to just avoiding relegation by a point last year. All eyes will be on Joe Hodge, Hodge, the "new Phil Foden " who has arrived on loan from Manchester City.
Finn Harps were everyone's favourite for relegation, and they're fightback at the end to avoid the drop was impressive. They've brought in a few signings and will hope to be more comfortable this year.
Of the promoted sides, Drogheda United look better prepared for the top flight, with seasoned Premier league players Dinny Corcoran, Dane Massey and Daragh Markey arriving, while Longford Town's inexperienced side could struggle.
My predictions
1. Shamrock Rovers
2. Dundalk
3.Sligo Rovers
4.Bohemians
5.St Patrick's
6.Drogheda
7.Derry City
8.Finn Harps
9.Waterford
10.Longford
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