Mervue United Preview 2012

Last season: 7th (First Division)

In: Stephen Walsh (Galway United), Ronan Forde (Salthill Devon), Gary Kelly (Galway United), Alan Murphy (unattached), Michael McSweeney (UCC), Phillip Keegan (Westport United).

Out: John Mountney (Dundalk), Ger Hanley (Dundalk), David O’Brien (emigrated to Australia), Kevin Crehan (College in UK).

Manager: Johnny Glynn

Stadium: Fahy’s Field

Last season saw Mervue United finish a very credible seventh place in the Airtricity First Division – their highest finish since promotion from the A Championship in 2008. Having shaken off their tag as one of the soft touches of the First Division, Johnny Glynn now has a decent young squad that is capable of putting it up to anyone on their day. If only they could do so more consistently.

There have been few personnel changes for Mervue, with the bulk of last year’s squad remaining intact. Last year’s number one Ger Hanley has signed for Dundalk, but Glynn has moved swiftly and brought in Ronan Forde from rivals Salthill Devon.

Another heading in the same direction as Hanley is John Mountney, with the 18 year old midfielder familiar with Seán McCaffrey from his days in the Irish underage setup. Gary Kelly has come in from the now defunct Galway United in what could be seen as a direct replacement.

A striker himself in his day, Glynn will be aware that his team needs to score more goals this season if they are to realise their full potential. To that end he has brought in Alan Murphy also from Galway United. Having lost Rory Gaffney to Limerick mid-season last year, the man from Ballinrobe will be expected to add some further goal threat to the Mervue attack not to mention the experience he will bring to what is generally a young side.

At the other end of the pitch, Mervue fans will be hoping that Damien O’Rourke has better luck with injuries this season. The former Cork City player missed most of last season with an Achilles injury, and if fit, he could add some vital experience to an otherwise youthful back four. Defender Stephen Walsh completes a trio of signings making the short trip from Terryland Park for the 2012 season.

Arguably the best football to be found on Corribside last season was to be found in Fahy’s Field, however consistency is the big problem for Mervue. Having gone the whole of last season without registering back-to-back league wins, this is something that needs to be addressed.

With the new eight-team format, and bookmakers all but writing off this year’s First Division as a done deal for Limerick, there will be an intriguing battle for the playoff place to get promoted. Longford and Waterford will have their eyes on a top two finish, but it would be unwise to rule out Mervue. Ultimately, a top two finish may prove to be just out of their reach, but to even consider them in the same breath as a potential promotion is testament to the great work that has been done by Johnny Glynn and his team.

ExtraTime.ie Prediction: 4^th.