2011 Preview: Finn Harps
Credit:
Finn Harps
Founded: 1954
Major Honours: 1 FAI Cup (1974)
Stadium: Finn Park
Manager: James Gallagher
Captain: Kevin McHugh
Transfers In: Conor O’Grady (Sligo Rovers), Gareth Harkin and Paddy McLaughlin (Coleraine), Garbhan Friel (Cockhill Celtic), Lee McFadden (Buncrana Hearts), Christopher Patton (Letterkenny Rovers), Christy Connaghan (Fanad United)
Transfers Out: Chris Breen (Limerick FC), Michael Funston (Dungannon Swifts), Matthew Crossan (Kildrum Tigers), Davitt Walsh, Stephen McLaughlin (Derry City)
Finn Harps are still paying for sins in their past life – the exuberant gamble to go full-time professional in 2008 in the Premier Division and still not managing to avoid the drop. James Gallagher was a player back then under the stewardship of Paul Hegarty and although still only 31, the former goalkeeper has been building up managerial experience having been in the manager’s seat for two-and-a-half years now.
There is no secret that the limitations of the budget means Harps have to keep things tight and Gallagher has steadily been building a young, largely locally-based squad. Conor O’Grady’s arrival from Sligo Rovers will add a learned influence in midfield, while Paddy McLaughlin has re-signed for the club he earned promotion with in 2007 and is expected to join Packie Mailey at the back. And up front, no player has scored more goals in this league than Kevin McHugh.
Harps’ followers are reasonably optimistic after showing patience to see their youngsters develop and would like to see the club challenging at the top end of the table, but for a club who have seen plenty of false dawns, there might be another season to wait before the Ballybofey club carry significant hopes. Last season, only two clubs – Limerick City and Mervue United - came to Finn Park and won, but Harps’ away form was patchy at best although an encouraging finish was welcomed.
Extratime Prediction: 6th.
Founded: 1954
Major Honours: 1 FAI Cup (1974)
Stadium: Finn Park
Manager: James Gallagher
Captain: Kevin McHugh
Transfers In: Conor O’Grady (Sligo Rovers), Gareth Harkin and Paddy McLaughlin (Coleraine), Garbhan Friel (Cockhill Celtic), Lee McFadden (Buncrana Hearts), Christopher Patton (Letterkenny Rovers), Christy Connaghan (Fanad United)
Transfers Out: Chris Breen (Limerick FC), Michael Funston (Dungannon Swifts), Matthew Crossan (Kildrum Tigers), Davitt Walsh, Stephen McLaughlin (Derry City)
Finn Harps are still paying for sins in their past life – the exuberant gamble to go full-time professional in 2008 in the Premier Division and still not managing to avoid the drop. James Gallagher was a player back then under the stewardship of Paul Hegarty and although still only 31, the former goalkeeper has been building up managerial experience having been in the manager’s seat for two-and-a-half years now.
There is no secret that the limitations of the budget means Harps have to keep things tight and Gallagher has steadily been building a young, largely locally-based squad. Conor O’Grady’s arrival from Sligo Rovers will add a learned influence in midfield, while Paddy McLaughlin has re-signed for the club he earned promotion with in 2007 and is expected to join Packie Mailey at the back. And up front, no player has scored more goals in this league than Kevin McHugh.
Harps’ followers are reasonably optimistic after showing patience to see their youngsters develop and would like to see the club challenging at the top end of the table, but for a club who have seen plenty of false dawns, there might be another season to wait before the Ballybofey club carry significant hopes. Last season, only two clubs – Limerick City and Mervue United - came to Finn Park and won, but Harps’ away form was patchy at best although an encouraging finish was welcomed.
Extratime Prediction: 6th.
