Monaghan United Preview 2012

Last Season: Third. (First Division)

In: Chris Bennion (St Patrick’s Athletic), Michael Schlingermann (Athlone Town), Robert Bayly (Bohemians), Conor Murphy (Bray Wanderers), Darragh Reynor (Nottingham Forrest), Shaun Maher (Limerick FC)

Out: Eric Foley, Gabriel Sava, Sean Brennan, Ryan Brennan, Shane Grimes, Declan O’Brien (Drogheda United)

Manager: Roddy Collins

Stadium: Gortakeegan

The one thing a club looks for following promotion is stability. Monaghan United’s boat was rocked quite early by former manager Mick Cooke taking five of Monaghan’s best players from their promotion winning campaign. Eric Foley then followed suit to Hunky Dorys Park. Roddy Collins is going to have a challenge ahead of him this season.

“The Roddy Factor” hit Monaghan with a bang in his first year having achieved promotion under the former Carlisle manager’s guidance. A hard-working squad was tipped to finish just mid-table last year, but somehow, Collins worked his magic and delivered promotion to Gortakeegan.

This season will prove to be a lot more difficult for Monaghan. A higher standard of football, a depleted squad of players, more games and tougher opposition all await Mons for the coming year. Heavily relying on Roddy’s tactical knowledge, the border side will most likely be in the relegation shake up towards the end of the season along with Bray and UCD. Perhaps the signings in June will prove vital for Collins in his attempt to keep United afloat.

Gortakeegan will have to become a fortress for Monaghan if survival is to be obtained. The addition of Robert Bayly gives them a creative midfielder option, having previously taken part in the now defunct Sporting Fingal project. Conor Murphy will be their main man in front of goal, while the addition of Shaun Maher from Limerick could turn out to be a masterstroke if he can stay fit. Maher is also Collins’ assistant manager for the year.

The re-signings of Aidan Collins and Alan Byrne are of enormous benefit to Monaghan in terms of continuity while Conor McMahon’s return is affectively a new signing, having missed the majority of last season.

It’s not a big shock that Monaghan cannot attract star names given their limited finances, but Collins has tried to establish that same workman-like ethic which did him justice last year. The question is, will the same methodology be affective against a higher standard of football? The answer to this question is the key to whether Monaghan United can avoid relegation this year. 

ExtraTime.ie Prediction: 12^th