Shelbourne Preview 2012

Last season: Second (First Division)

In: Glenn Cronin (Bohemians), Brian Shortall (St Patrick's Athletic), Stephen Hurley (Bohemians), Paddy Kavanagh (Shamrock Rovers), Anto Murphy (St Patrick's Athletic), Paul Byrne (Monaghan Utd)

Out: Davi Da Silva (Released), Karl Bermingham (Longford Town), Colm James (Longford Town), David McGill (Longford Town) , Chris Mulhall (UCD).

Manager: Alan Mathews

Stadium: Tolka Park

Depending on who you talk to, either cautious optimism or pessimism is the prevailing mood amongst the Shelbourne faithful. Shels have been quietly adding to the squad which got them promoted after a five-year wait, which should be cause for celebration given that several players had offers from other clubs. But, on the other hand, many expect them to finish in mid-table at best.

Indeed, if you were to offer most Shels fans a sixth or seventh-place finish now, they’d probably take you up on the offer. There is a lingering belief that this squad harbours a kernel of something more than just mere survival, though. With the demarcation between Premier Division clubs outside the top three or four clubs not so clear now, Shels could conceivably - with a lot of luck - make a charge past mid-table.

But consolidation has to be the realistic aim. Alan Mathews has done well to bring in players with some experience of the Premier Division. Glen Cronin, Anto Murphy, Brian Shortall and Stephen Hurley all played parts of varying importance for Bohs and Pat’s last season and should slot comfortably into a Shels team which looked relatively settled last season.

Paddy Kavanagh, if he finds the form which saw him star for Shamrock Rovers in the past, should provide some spark in attack. But don’t expect too many changes to the team which started most of the key First Division and FAI Cup matches last season. Pre-season has shown that Alan Mathews seems to be happy with last season’s team,with Glen Cronin the only new signing who looks assured of a starting place.

The signings, then, seem to be aimed at addressing a lack of depth in the Shels squad. Last season depth was a major concern for Shels, with the Reds looking very reliant on players like David Cassidy and Philly Hughes. The additions in the close-season should allay some of those concerns, but in some positions Shels still look a bit light.

After five years of heartbreaking near-miss attempts at escaping the First Division, just being in the Premier Division is (rightfully) seen as a big achievement. Going on pre-season form, last season’s performance and the apparent strength of the squad, Shels should be safe and competitive in the Premier Division. But their tendency to squander leads in big matches, as was evidenced on several notable occasions over the last few seasons, needs to be addressed if they have any ambitions of finishing in the top-half.

ExtraTime.ie Prediction: 7th