UCD Preview 2012
Credit:
Last season: 8th (Premier Division)
In: Gary Burke (Bohemians), Chris Mulhall (Shelbourne)
Out: Darren Meenan (St Patrick’s Athletic), Dean Marshall (Drogheda United), Sean Harding (Emigrated to Australia)
Manager: Martin Russell
Stadium: Belfield Bowl
The 2012 season will hold a lot of promise for UCD, particularly if the students can build on their impressive finish to last season. Martin Russell's side won five of their last six games at home in 2011. Indeed, their only home league defeat in the run in came against champions Shamrock Rovers.
The Belfield club finished in 8th place last season and should be looking to improve on that this term in the new 12 team division. Russell will certainly be looking for a major improvement on his side's away form. The students won just twice and lost a miserable 13 times away from the Bowl last year in the league. They also scored just 15 goals in 18 games on the road.
Defender Ciaran Nangle revealed to the UCD website that his manager's footballing philosophy will not change for 2012. “Martin (Russell) wants you to play football. He wants pinpoint passing. He wants it perfect.”
Nangle believes that UCD are better than a lot of teams in the league and is particularly happy with the acquisition of Chris Mulahall from Shelbourne “Chris is a great signing. He is a great goalscorer and is not afraid to run at players.”
UCD have also signed midfielder Gary Burke from Bohemians. Burke should give Russell's side more creativity going forward. The Blues were also boosted by the news that influential midfielder Paul Corry signed a one year deal in January
However, the students will miss the goalscoring threat of both Darren Meenan and Dean Marshall, who have signed for St Pat’s and Drogheda respectively, while the reliable and consistent Sean Harding will be a major loss after emigrating to Australia.
Before the start of the 2011 season, UCD lost 13 players. They have lost just three players before the start of the coming season. This fact alone should help the stability and continuity of the squad.
UCD should at least hold their own in the Premier League this season. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the students were to challenge for a top six place in 2012. They begin their league campaign at home to newly promoted Cork City on March 2nd and that game alone is sure to give us an idea of how they will do.
ExtraTime.ie Prediction: 10th
