Mid-season review: UCD
Credit:
Season so far:
UCD have had a magnificent season so far. Widely expected to struggle
purely by virtue of the fact that they were newly promoted, the
Students have played the same quality football in the Premier Division
that saw them win last year’s First Division title and it has paid rich
dividends. There don’t seem to be any negatives at Belfield. Top
marks.
Biggest Strength: Unity is UCD’s biggest strength this year. They are confident, organised and at home in each other’s company.
Biggest Weakness: The student’s biggest weakness is a lack of muscle that occasionally shows itself in more physical games. The squad is full of fit and sturdy players but they don’t have the ability to intimidate opponents when the occasion demands. It’s a weakness that may show itself more at the business end of the season but is a minor worry in the wider scheme of things.
Manager: Martin Russell is young, smart and unfazed by the demands of top tier football. He gives every impression of being a man that knows he belongs in the Premier Division without the attendant arrogance that can be so damaging in a less mature character.
Star Player: Greg Bolger. At the start of the season UCD’s biggest concern was how they would cope without Ronan Finn at the heart of their midfield. Finn was a huge loss to a side that didn’t seem to be over burdened by natural leaders. But the diminutive Bolger has filled his shoes with impressive speed and authority, scoring goals and bossing the midfield against more illustrious opponents. He is even earning recognition from Paul Doolin, who selected him for the League’s Under 23 side.
Where to improve: Such are UCD’s footballing credentials that improvement can only really be called for in terms of acquiring a greater depth of experience. Fringe members of the squad such as Leahy, Kelly, Fallon, Fitzgerald and Wilson all had solid League Cup outings but will become more valuable squad members if they can squeeze in some more playing time.
Mid-Term Rating: 9/10
Biggest Strength: Unity is UCD’s biggest strength this year. They are confident, organised and at home in each other’s company.
Biggest Weakness: The student’s biggest weakness is a lack of muscle that occasionally shows itself in more physical games. The squad is full of fit and sturdy players but they don’t have the ability to intimidate opponents when the occasion demands. It’s a weakness that may show itself more at the business end of the season but is a minor worry in the wider scheme of things.
Manager: Martin Russell is young, smart and unfazed by the demands of top tier football. He gives every impression of being a man that knows he belongs in the Premier Division without the attendant arrogance that can be so damaging in a less mature character.
Star Player: Greg Bolger. At the start of the season UCD’s biggest concern was how they would cope without Ronan Finn at the heart of their midfield. Finn was a huge loss to a side that didn’t seem to be over burdened by natural leaders. But the diminutive Bolger has filled his shoes with impressive speed and authority, scoring goals and bossing the midfield against more illustrious opponents. He is even earning recognition from Paul Doolin, who selected him for the League’s Under 23 side.
Where to improve: Such are UCD’s footballing credentials that improvement can only really be called for in terms of acquiring a greater depth of experience. Fringe members of the squad such as Leahy, Kelly, Fallon, Fitzgerald and Wilson all had solid League Cup outings but will become more valuable squad members if they can squeeze in some more playing time.
Mid-Term Rating: 9/10
About Simon O'Gorman
Simon O'Gorman began reporting for Extratime in 2010. He remembers Milltown and Flower Lodge and, back in the mists of time, saw Diego Maradona play at Lansdowne Road. He now lives in Co Kildare and … View Full Profile