Season Preview 2014 - Finn Harps

Manager: Ollie Horgan

Stadium: Finn Park

Players In: Packie Mailey (Drumkeen United), Carel Tiofack (Limerick FC), Conor Winn (Dundalk), Gareth Harkin (Unattached), Ruairi Keating (Sligo Rovers), Michael Doherty (Drumoghill)

Players Out: Aaron O'Hagan (Letterkenny Rovers), Ciaran Gallagher (Derry City), Thomas McMonagle (Aileach), Matt Harkin (Letterkenny Rovers), Aaron Harkin (Bonagee United), Lee Toland (Derry City)

Extratime.ie Key Man: SEAN McCARRON

Last season was front-man Sean McCarron's first in senior football, and he made waves in the First Division with some terrific showings. Partnering Kevin McHugh up front, it is clear that McCarron is improving steadily, and the duo will be responsible for Harps attacking threat this season. McCarron is armed with pace, two good feet, trickery and a lethal shot, and has all the attributes to be a top player. Harps' season will depend on his and McHugh's form up top, and Horgan will be hoping the former Derry City player can better his return of 12 goals from last season, this year.

Extratime.ie One to Watch: PAT McCANN

American midfielder McCann was part of the creative and industrious Harps midfield of the second half of last season. His tireless running and penetrative attacking play fitted perfectly with the passing ability of Jonny Bonner and the defensive attributes of Mark Forker. New manager Horgan moved quickly to secure McCann's signature, and managed to see off Premier Division interest to sign the midfielder. McCann is a player which every manager would love to have in their side; unlimited stamina, an eye for goal and a calmness when on the ball. He will play a huge role for Harps this season, and should Horgan be able to get the best out of the players around him, he can be sure of McCann's consistent performances.

How they did last season:

League: 5th

FAI Cup: Quarter Finals

EA Sports Cup: Third Round

Setanta Sports Cup: N/A

Top League Goalscorer: Kevin McHugh – 12 goals

What to expect for 2014:

After the departure of manager Peter Hutton in the latter stages of last season, there was an air of disbelief at Finn Park about how bad their season had went. After a promising start to the campaign, Harps’ form withered during the middle part of the season, and ultimately they fell away without a whimper, finishing in the bottom half of the table.

There is always optimism at the club, and with the introduction of Ollie Horgan as the club’s new manager, there have been good structures put in place over the winter. Harps fans will be hoping that Horgan’s first venture into senior management can be a successful one, though the competition of the likes of Shamrock Rovers B, Longford Town and Galway FC will mean that there will be a lot of work needed by his squad.

Having lost two of the squad’s key players in Ciaran Gallagher (Derry City) and Thomas McMonagle (Aileach FC), Horgan has acted swiftly and signed former Dundalk goalkeeper Conor Winn and former Harps captain Packie Mailey to compensate. The signing of former Ipswich Town midfielder Carel Tiofack is another transfer which has stirred imagination in Ballybofey, the youngster coming to the club with a huge reputation from underage international sides. Horgan has stuck with the foundations of last year’s squad, securing the futures of sought-after players like McCann, Jonny Bonner and Ciaran Coll, while also having Kevin McHugh commit to another campaign.

The side’s pre-season showings have not been too favourable, with results going against them in many games. However, having played top opposition like Dundalk, Derry City, UCD, Cork City and Sligo Rovers, the players will be well equipped for the challenge of this season.

Being optimistic, there is chance that Harps could challenge for a playoff spot. However, this will depend on striking the right balance in the team, and the goal-scoring form of McHugh and McCarron. Away form will be a key factor this season, and they must improve on last season’s showings to have any chance of a top-half finish. With many of the squad now accustomed to life in the First Division, it would not be a surprise if they managed to navigate their way out of the ‘graveyard’ this campaign.

Title Odds: 12/1

First Game: vs Waterford United (Finn Park - Fri 7th March 2014)