Midseason Report Card - Limerick
Club: Limerick
Manager: Neil McDonald
Stadium: Markets Field
Highest attendance this season: 2,985 (vs Cork City, March 31st)
Highest league goalscorer: Rodrigo Tosi (8)
Mid-season position: 6th
How we thought they would do
The Extratime.ie team predicted that the Super Blues would retain their Premier Division status in our 2017 season expectations. An 8th place finish was predicted for the newly promoted side. After their spectacular promotion winning season of 2016, where they lost only one league game, the majority of our reporters believed they had enough quality to remain in the top division.
How they really have done
Limerick sit in sixth place in the table at the half way point. Despite being seven points clear of relegation and also within touching distance of a European place, you sense there is a slight feeling of frustration around the Market’s Field due to the inconsistency of results on the field.
Martin Russell left the club ‘by mutual consent’ at the start of April with the Shannonsiders sitting in eighth place after three defeats in their opening six games. Willie Boland took over on an interim basis and steadied the ship but he did not have the required coaching badges to take the job on a permanent basis.
The club announced the appointment of Neil McDonald as manager on the 18th May. The ex-Newcastle midfielder’s appointment was welcomed with open arms by the fans. His opening four games have seen them win two and lose two, culminating with a thrilling 5-3 win over Bray before the mid-season break.
Moment of the season so far
Many would argue that the blue’s 5-1 opening day thrashing of Sligo Rovers which included a 38-minute Rodrigo Tosi hat-trick was the moment of the season so far but, it’s hard to look past the Brazilian’s last minute equaliser against rivals Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium in April. With Rovers heading for all three points and set to move level on the table with Limerick, Tosi struck right at the death to earn them a well-deserved point which may well prove vital in their quest for a European spot.
Star Player: Rodrigo Tosi
Signed in January from Indonesian outfit Persija Jakarta, the Brazilian has been an instant success. He’s bagged eight goals thus far in his debut season and has been a major asset to the side, becoming a firm fan favourite during his short spell at the club. His Samba flair has brought a carnival atmosphere to the Market’s Field.
Surprise star player: Tony Whitehead
The young central defender has nailed down a first team place this year after being on the fringes for the past couple of seasons. He has progressed through the youth ranks and slotted seamlessly into the heart of the Blues defence. He has also lined out in central midfield whenever called upon. He registered his first professional goal when he was on target at Richmond Park against St Pat’s.
Young player: Chiedozie Ogbene
Another January arrival, Ogbene has wowed the Market’s Field faithful with his attacking runs and energetic displays. With the winger only turning 20 last month, he has the potential to become a top player in the League Of Ireland for years to come. It was a major coup by Martin Russell in securing his signature from Cork City and he has 4 goals to his name already this season.
Star signing: Rodrigo Tosi
Already mentioned above, he has lit up the league this season and being the focal point of Limerick’s push for a European place, Neil McDonald will surely be hoping he continues his rich reign of form for the second half of the season. Not only does he bring goals to the team, the 34-year-old also brings a wealth of experience having played in a number of leagues across the world. This has been majorly beneficial to the young players in the squad.
What they need to do in the transfer market
Having shipped 10 goals in their last four games things have looked a little shaky at the back for Limerick recently. If they want to maintain a push for Europe they will need to invest in defence. The squad is quite strong in all areas but with a goal difference of +1 McDonald knows he needs to strengthen at the back.
Where we see them finishing
It’s hard to see Limerick moving too far off where they currently lie in the table. I think Neil McDonald is a great appointment for them and having coached in the Premier League, most recently with Hull City, he will improve them greatly. If they can get more consistency to their game, the Super Blues could achieve a top five finish.
