Season Preview 2008: Cobh Ramblers

Cobh Ramblers joined the elite of Irish Soccer after a long absence by becoming the Eircom First Division champions last year in 2007. Kevin Murray’s scrambled goal in the final game of the season away to Athlone Town gave Cobh their first piece of National Silverware in the history of the club and thus ended an amazing season where many thought they would fall by the wayside.

However this side proved their mettle in winning the championship on the last day ahead fellow promotion chasers Finn Harps. It is difficult to assess Cobh’s chances for the coming year - on paper they should struggle and their starting XI will be much the same as the team that won the league last year.

Strengths

Cobh were fired to the first division largely by the fantastic contribution of both Davin O’Neill and Graham Cummins who scored 24 goals between them in the league last year. Albeit in the first division, this was an impressive contribution and will merit respect in the top flight. Cobh boast a young, hungry team led by one of leagues finest young managers - Stephen Henderson.

Hopefully the men from the island won’t be insulted by the remark that this team are greater than the sum of their parts - in fact it’s a great compliment, and down in no small part to Henderson who has moulded a terrific team spirit down in St. Colemans park. We have seen teams such as Bolton and Reading flourish across the water with minimal resources in contrast to those whom they compete against. There is reason to suggest that with Henderson at the helm Cobh couldn’t punch above their weight over the coming months and a place closer to mid-table than relegation could be a possibility for the southerners.

Cobh’s other big strength in Division 1, which they will need to carry over, is their home form last season. Cobh only lost in early March to Limerick 37 at home in the league and went the rest of the season unbeaten – a good strong home record again in 2008 will be vital to Cobh’s survival chances.

Weaknesses

Big time experience will be somewhat of a problem for the Ramblers’. Many of Cobh’s young side have not experienced the Premier league before while others like ex- Cork City defenders Alan Carey and Kevin Murray have some experience. However to balance this Cobh have done well over the past twelve months against premier opposition in the form of cup competitions, and a good win over Cork City very early last season and a creditable 2-1 defeat to Derry City in the Setanta Cup playoff in the Brandywell was a decent effort at the end of a long hard championship winning year.

Obviously Cobh also lack proven quality of Premier Division standard, however plenty potential is present, but this potential will need to be harvested to the fullest if Cobh are to be realistic survivors in the Premier Division. The performance of young players in the team such as Garth Cambridge and John Meade will have a huge bearing on this. Henderson again being a key figure in getting the very best from his young squad.

Cobh have had a successful pre-season to date with 2 wins over Waterford United, one in the Munster Senior Cup, and friendly wins against Limerick 37 and an entertaining 3-2 win over AUL side Kanturk. However stiffer challenges surely lie ahead for this young team.

Senior soccer has never had it so good in Cork – 2 teams in the top flight again and it promises to be an intriguing season on leeside. Watch out for the first rebel Derby in St. Colman’s Park where Cobh will be eager to silence their illustrious neighbours on March 29th next. Meanwhile Cobh get their campaign underway away to fellow promoted side Finn Harps on the opening night, 7th of March.

Cobh squad:

James McCarthy, Stephen Deasy, Alan Carey, Capt.. John Meade, Kevin Murray John Kearney, Ken Coleman, Martin Deady, Michael Mulconroy, Shane Guthrie, Shane Barrett, Darragh Burke, Alan King, Kieran O’Reilly, Davin O’Neill, Sean Daley, Jamie Nolan, Brian McCarthy, Gareth Cambridge, Graham Cummins, Michael O’Shea