Season Preview 2015 - Galway United

Manager:Tommy Dunne

Stadium:Eamonn Deacy Park

Players in: Samuel Oji (Limerick FC), David O' Leary Cork City), Conor Winn (Finn Harps), Andy O' Connell (Cobh Ramblers), Antaine O' Laoi (Salthill Devon), Killian Cantwell (Wexford Youths)

Players out: Ryan Manning (Queens Park Rangers), Paddy Barrett (Dundalk), Vinny Faherty (Limerick)

Extratime.ie Key man: Jake Keegan

Galway's top scorer last season with 15 goals in all, the New York native was a revelation. Having re-signed with The Tribesmen for the new campaign, he will be looked to for the goals, particularly now that Vinny Faherty has departed. No doubt, making the step up to the Premier Division will take time, but with such a natural eye for goal, expect the 24-year-old to reach double figures in time. With a wealth of talent in midfield to support him, Keegan should have plenty of great service to capitalise on.

Extratime.ie One to watch: Samuel Oji

Having made a name for himself with Limerick FC last season, Oji will bring great experience to the fore as United look to weather what's expected to be a challenging series of fixtures in both the league and cups. Commanding and secure in defence, the 29-year-old boasts stints with Bristol Rovers and Leyton Orient – more importantly, though, he's played against Irish top-flight opponents before and should know how to deal with them effectively.

How they did last season:

League: Finished 3rd in the First Division (won promotion playoffs)

FAI Cup: Quarter-final

EA Sports Cup: Quarter-final

What to expect this season:

This season will be a much trickier assignment compared to last time out. After all, this is Galway's first time back in the upper echelons of Irish football since 2011. Make no mistake, it will take time for them to get into their stride, much like last year. But with Keegan, Oji and other stalwarts like Ryan Connolly, Stephen Walsh and captain Paul Sinnott adding a great spine to the set-up, they will have the necessary mettle to eventually hold their own.

Manager Dunne has essential experience with Cork City under his belt, and his expertise from the dugouts will play a key role in how 2015 pans out for them. All in all, though, the future looks bright for them as a unit. With a new co-operative now set up, and with a nice blend of youth and know-how permeating their ranks, they ought to survive. So, don't be surprised to see them finish 7th or 8th, not too far away from fellow new-boys Longford Town.

Title odds:250/1

First game: Derry City (Friday March 6 – Eamonn Deacy Park)