Mid-season review: Galway United
Credit:
Season so far:
On a miniscule budget, with a squad of less than 20 players, Sean Connor can be somewhat happy with the beginning of his reign at Terryland Park, given his side lie eighth, six and 13 points clear of Drogheda United and Bray Wanderers respectively in the table. Connor is ambitious, though, and with a sprinkling of real class in his best XI at present, a home play-off berth come season’s end will not be satisfactory.
Biggest Strength: For the first time since their reappearance in the Premier Division in 2007, Galway United have a pair of strikers who are a legitimate goal threat against any side. Karl Sheppard and Anto Flood have linked wonderfully at times, with Sheppard supplying the calm finishes and Flood capable of the spectacular. With ten goals shared equally, they are the league’s most effective partnership, but both may have departed by the time the transfer window closes.
Biggest Weakness: Apart from the obvious issue of the squad’s lack of strength in depth, recent carelessness at home has cost the side four valuable points (v UCD and Bohs). Given that both Sligo Rovers and UCD have a game in hand on them, this trait will have to be quickly eradicated if they want to have any chance of avoiding a play-off. Poor home attendances could also prove an Achilles heel.
Manager: Clearly unaware of the depth or magnitude of the problems at his new club when he first arrived, Sean Connor has still managed to put a brave face on and is correct in his assumption that the first team he assembled from scratch can compete with anyone. Snatching Sheppard from Everton was a masterstroke, while a number of other signings are also proving their worth.
Star Player: A coin toss between Sheppard, Flood, and Stephen O’Donnell really. Despite raving about the strikers, O’Donnell gets the nod for this one as his presence in the centre of the park has been critical to all of Galway’s better displays. Hard in the tackle and with a sweet left foot that effortlessly changes the angles of attack, keeping the Renmore man fit, suspension-free, and at the club is a priority.
Where to improve for rest of season: If they can quickly get back to winning ways after the break (no win in six), and manage to balance the books enough to keep hold of their better players, Galway United could well aim for a top six finish. If defensive mix-ups become a thing of the past, then a good FAI Cup run is also not beyond the realms of possibility.
Mid-term rating: 8/10
Biggest Strength: For the first time since their reappearance in the Premier Division in 2007, Galway United have a pair of strikers who are a legitimate goal threat against any side. Karl Sheppard and Anto Flood have linked wonderfully at times, with Sheppard supplying the calm finishes and Flood capable of the spectacular. With ten goals shared equally, they are the league’s most effective partnership, but both may have departed by the time the transfer window closes.
Biggest Weakness: Apart from the obvious issue of the squad’s lack of strength in depth, recent carelessness at home has cost the side four valuable points (v UCD and Bohs). Given that both Sligo Rovers and UCD have a game in hand on them, this trait will have to be quickly eradicated if they want to have any chance of avoiding a play-off. Poor home attendances could also prove an Achilles heel.
Manager: Clearly unaware of the depth or magnitude of the problems at his new club when he first arrived, Sean Connor has still managed to put a brave face on and is correct in his assumption that the first team he assembled from scratch can compete with anyone. Snatching Sheppard from Everton was a masterstroke, while a number of other signings are also proving their worth.
Star Player: A coin toss between Sheppard, Flood, and Stephen O’Donnell really. Despite raving about the strikers, O’Donnell gets the nod for this one as his presence in the centre of the park has been critical to all of Galway’s better displays. Hard in the tackle and with a sweet left foot that effortlessly changes the angles of attack, keeping the Renmore man fit, suspension-free, and at the club is a priority.
Where to improve for rest of season: If they can quickly get back to winning ways after the break (no win in six), and manage to balance the books enough to keep hold of their better players, Galway United could well aim for a top six finish. If defensive mix-ups become a thing of the past, then a good FAI Cup run is also not beyond the realms of possibility.
Mid-term rating: 8/10
About Alan Dooley
is one of Extratime's longest serving contributors. Based in County Galway, Alan has been following the League of Ireland since the mid-1980s. His first memory of the drama of domestic football was Vinny Arkins, then … View Full Profile