Ireland > Airtricity Premier League > preview 2012

[McNasara]

This is a summer league as its seasons begin in March and finish in November where 12 clubs play 3 times against each team (33 fixtures). Champion qualifies for the CL second qualifying round, while 2nd-placed and 3rd-placed team (with winner of FAI cup) qualify fot the EL 1st (2nd) qualifying round. 12th placed club automatically relegated, while 11th placed takes part in two-leg promotion/relegation play-off. Shamrock was again champion (second consecutive) and they're the first team in Irish footballing history to reach the group stages of the EL last year. On the other hand, Cork City and Shelbourne were automatically promoted from the First Division. In addition, Monaghan United, who finished third in the First Division, beat LOI bottom club Galway United in a play-off. St. Patrick's and Bohemians are the only clubs that have never been relegated from the LOI, while Shamrock, Shelbourne and Bohs have won over ten titles. Bohemians, Shamrock, St Patrick's, UCD and Shelbourne are clubs from Dublin, and Derry City is the only club form Northern Ireland. Derbies are Bohemians vs Shamrock (northside v southside of Dublin), Bohemians vs Shelbourne (North Dublin (the oldest LOI) derby), Shelbourne vs St. Patrick's (the Red Dublin derby), Drogheda vs Dundalk (the Louth derby), Monaghan vs Dundalk (the Northeast derby). Derry City v Cork City (the longest distance between two teams in the league), Sligo vs Shamrock (the Rovers derby), Shamrock vs St. Patrick's, and Shelbourne vs Shamrock are minor Dublin rivalries. I had great success last year (73% winning bets and some good profit), but as usual there were many players transitions and a lot of new coaches during the break (also the league expanded to 12 from 10 clubs), so I'll write a preview for each team soon. :ok

[McNasara]

Re: preview > League of Ireland 2012 [ATTACH=CONFIG]2067[/ATTACH] Shamrock Rovers - the Hoops new coach> Stephen Kenny (replacing Michael O'Neill who was appointed as manager of Northern Ireland). Kenny was coach of Derry City for last three seasons. players in> Daryl Kavanagh (St Pat’s Ath), Killian Brennan (Bohemians), Colin Hawkins (Dundalk), Conor Powell (Sligo Rovers), Graham Gartland (St Johnstone), Kerrea Gilbert (Yeovil), Conor Winn (Galway United), Oscar Jansson (Totthenham Hotspur on loan), Aaron Greene (Sligo Rovers). players out> Paddy Kavanagh (Shelbourne), Enda Stevens (Aston Villa), Craig Hyland (Longford Town), Pat Flynn (St Pat’s Ath), Pat Sullivan, Karl Sheppard (Reading), Karl Moore (Bohemians), Dan Murray (Cork City), Peter Hughes (Waterford Utd), Rohan Ricketts (Released), Jim Paterson (Bristol Rovers), Richard Brush (Sligo Rovers). 2012 results> 24 Feb 8:1 Waterford United (H); 21 Feb 4:0 Longford Town (H); 18 Feb 2:0 Wexford Youths (H); 14 Feb 1:2 Glentoran (A); 04 Feb 1:0 Mervue United (H). The defending champions are still the first favorite to win the league. It's true that a great manager left club, as well as several important players, but they brought the ideal replacement. *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* [ATTACH=CONFIG]2068[/ATTACH] Sligo Rovers - the Bit'o'red new coach> Ian Baraclough (replacing Paul Cook who left for Accrington). This is the first job for Englishman since he being sacked by Scunthorpe a year ago. players in> Danny North (St Pat’s Ath), Mark Quigley (Dundalk), Romauld Boco (Shanghai), Gary Rogers (St Pat’s Ath), Ross Gaynor (Dundalk), Lee Lynch (Drogheda Utd), Richard Brush (Shamrock Rovers), Pascal Millen (Unattached), David Cawley (Ipswich Town). players out> Richie Ryan (Dundee Utd), Daryl Horgan (Cork City), Eoin Doyle (Hibernian), Brendan Clarke (St Pat’s Ath), Matthew Blinkhorn (York City), Derek Foran (Dundalk), Conor Powell (Shamrock Rovers), John Russell (St Pat’s Ath), Alan Kirby (Longford Town), Aaron Greene (Shamrock Rovers). 2012 results> 25 Feb 3:0 Longford Town (A); 18 Feb 3:0 Athlone Town (H); 13 Feb 3:2 Limerick FC (A); 04 Feb 1:0 Salthill Devon (A); 28 Jan 3:0 B. Celtic (A). Although two best players gone in the SPL, an even bigger blow is departure of coach Cook (their most-successful manager ever) less than three weeks before the start of the season. The crucial question is how newly appointed manager Ian Baraclough will get on, since became boss only 5 days before the season began. *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* [ATTACH=CONFIG]2069[/ATTACH] St Patrick's Athletic - the Saints (Pats) new coach> Liam Buckley (replacing Pete Mahon whose contract wasn't renewed). Buckley is former player and manager of the club. players in> Darren Meenan (UCD), Brendan Clarke (Sligo Rovers), Barry Murphy (Bohemians), Kenny Browne (Waterford Utd), Pat Flynn (Shamrock Rovers), Mark Rossiter (Bohemians), Greg Bolger (Dundalk), Christy Fagan (Bohemians), Ger O’Brien (Bohemians), James Chambers (Hamilton), John Russell (Sligo Rovers), Jake Kelly (Bray Wanderers), Stephen O’Flynn (Limerick). players out> Danny North (Sligo Rovers), Gary Rogers (Sligo Rovers), Chris Bennion (Monaghan Utd), Shane McFaul (FC Haka), Shane Guthrie (Limerick), Brian Shortall (Shelbourne), Neil Harney (Bohemians), Sean Stewart (Bohemians), John O’Connor (Bohemians), Daryl Kavanagh (Shamrock Rovers), Derek Pender (Bohemians), Evan McMillan (Bohemians), Stephen Bradley (Limerick), Anto Murphy (Shelbourne), Gareth Coughlan (Dundalk). 2012 results> 24 Feb 1:0 Mervue United (H); 20 Feb 0:1 Cliftonville (H); 13 Feb 0:1 Cliftonville (A); 09 Feb 2:0 Longford Town (H). Team is much changed compared to last season, but expectations are high. The question is how would they manage without top strikers who left the club. *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* [ATTACH=CONFIG]2070[/ATTACH] Derry City - the Candystripes new coach> Declan Devine (replacing Stephen Kenny who joins Shamrock). Devine was assistant manager at Derry for last five seasons. Same time, he is the youngest coach in the league. players in> Rory Patterson (Plymouth Argyle), Simon Madden (Dundalk), Dermot McCaffrey (Dungannon Swifts), Brian McGroary (Wolves), Matthew Crossan (Kildrum Tigers). players out> Eamon Zayed (Persepolis Tehran), Gareth McGlynn (Sunderland), Daniel Lafferty (Burnley), Ruairi Harkin (Coleraine), Michael McCrudden (Institute), Emmet Friars (Dungannon Swifts), Thomas McMonagle (Finn Harps on loan). 2012 results> 20 Feb 3:0 Lisburn Distillery (H); 11 Feb 4:0 Lisburn Distillery (A); 07 Feb 3:0 Finn Harps (H); 31 Jan 2:1 Institute (A); 24 Jan 2:0 Dungannon Swifts (H). It seems to me that team will be weakened compared to last season. However, they've a lot of talented young players who play especially well at their Brandywell Stadium (in Northern Ireland). *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* [ATTACH=CONFIG]2071[/ATTACH] Cork City - the Rebel Army (the Leesiders) coach> Tommy Dunne is coach for the third consecutive season. players in> Kevin Murray (Waterford Utd), Daryl Horgan (Sligo Rovers), Kevin Burns (Waterford Utd), John Dunleavy (Wolves), Dan Murray (Shamrock Rovers), Colin Healy (Ipswich), Shane O’Connor (Ipswich), Tadgh Purcell (Northampton Town on loan). players out> Vincent Escude-Candau (Released), Peter Kraznowski (Released), Craig Burns (Midleton), Eoin McGreevy (Midleton), Greg O’Halloran (Released), Clark Keltie (Released), Graham Cummins (Preston). 2012 results> 25 Feb 1:2 Salthill Devon (H); 21 Feb 3:2 Rockmount (A); 18 Feb 2:2 Limerick FC (H); 11 Feb 4:1 Longford Town (H); 03 Feb 3:0 Waterford United (A). They return to the Promised Land after great First division season. Top scorer of the First div last year, Cummins moved to Preston, but it is certain that club (with the best fans in Ireland) will have another solid season. *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* I hope I'll write other teams review, until tomorrow night.

[McNasara]

Re: preview > League of Ireland 2012 [ATTACH=CONFIG]2077[/ATTACH] Shelbourne - the Reds (Shels) coach> Alan Mathews is coach for the third consecutive season. players in> Glenn Cronin (Bohemians), Brian Shortall (St Pat’s Ath), Stephen Hurley (Bohemians), Paddy Kavanagh (Shamrock Rovers), Anto Murphy (St Pat’s Ath), Paul Byrne (Monaghan Utd). players out> David Da Silva (Released), Karl Bermingham (Longford Town), Colm James (Longford Town), David McGill (Longford Town), Chris Mulhall (UCD). 2012 results> 17 Feb 1:0 Mervue United (H); 09 Feb 4:1 Wexford Youths (H); 04 Feb 2:0 Longford Town (H); 30 Jan 4:0 Leixlip United (A). One of the biggest Irish clubs is back in Top division, where they belong (after a five-year absence). Team is not changed a lot, so we should expect solid results from them, especially at Tolka Park. *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* [ATTACH=CONFIG]2076[/ATTACH] Bohemians - the Gypsies (Bohs) new coach> Aaron Callaghan (replacing Pat Fenlon who moved to Hibernian). Callaghan He was the 1st team coach at UCD and St.Patrick's Athletic before taking over as manager of Bohs. players in> Keith Ward (Dundalk), Dinny Corcoran (Drogheda Utd), Dwayne Wilson (Waterford Utd), Neil Harney (St Pat’s Ath), Sean Stewart (St Pat’s Ath), John O’Connor (St Pat’s Ath), Derek Pender (St Pat’s Ath), Evan McMillan (St Pat’s Ath), Karl Moore (Shamrock Rovers), Daniel Joyce (Reading), Dave Scully (O’Devaney/Dunnard), Peter McMahon (Drogheda Utd), Dave Mulcahy (St. Pat’s Ath), Adam Martin (Slough). players out> Glenn Cronin (Shelbourne), Roberty Bayly (Monaghan Utd), Gary Burke (UCD), Barry Murphy (St Pat’s Ath), Mark Rossiter (St Pat’s Ath), Christy Fagan (St Pat’s Ath), Ger O’Brien (St Pat’s Ath), Killian Brennan (Shamrock Rovers), Anto Flood (Southend), Stephen Hurley (Shelbourne), Aidan Downes (Released), Christopher Forrester (St. Pat’s Ath). 2012 results> 20 Feb 1:0 Portadown (A); 13 Feb 2:1 Portadown (H); 08 Feb 2:1 Killester United (H); 05 Feb 3:0 Garda (H); 03 Feb 2:1 Wexford Youths (A). They will be completely new and younger team this season, mostly due to financial problems. But good news for them is that they were subsequently invited to EL instead of Derry City. *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* [ATTACH=CONFIG]2075[/ATTACH] Dundalk - the Lilywhites new coach> Sean McCaffrey (replacing Ian Foster). McCaffrey was coach of Ireland U17 for seven years. players in> Gary Shanahan (Newcastle West), Chris Shields (Bray Wanderers), Shane O’Neill (Bray Wanderers), Derek Foran (Sligo Rovers), John Mountney (Mervue Utd), Liam Burns (Free), Ger Hanley (Mervue Utd), Kevin Loughran (Monaghan Utd), Gareth Coughlan (St Pat’s Ath), Paul Walsh (Waterford Utd), Michael Rafter (free), Dan Cunningham (Mervue United), Robbie Waters (UCD). players out> Dean Bennett (Solihull Moors), Mark Quigley (Sligo Rovers), Ross Gaynor (Sligo Rovers), Greg Bolger (St Pat’s Ath), Colin Hawkins (Shamrock Rovers), Jason Byrne (Bray Wanderers), Simon Madden (Derry City), Chris Kerr (Drogheda Utd), Johnny Breen (Drogheda Utd), Paul Murphy (Carrick Rangers). 2012 results> 26 Feb 2:0 Newry City (A);19 Feb 1:0 Finn Harps (H); 16 Feb 0:1 Drogheda United (A); 14 Feb 2:0 Ballinamallard United (A); 11 Feb 3:0 Banbridge Town (A). A new management team, a new very young squad and even a new sponsor for them this season. They're weaker than last year, and all will depend on the new coach and games on its artificial pitch. *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* [ATTACH=CONFIG]2074[/ATTACH] Drogheda United - Drogs coach> Mick Cooke is the oldest coach in the league and he signed a new 3 year contract with the Drogs. He was at Monaghan for 7 seasons, and this is his 2nd year in this club. players in> Sean Brennan (Monaghan Utd), Ryan Brennan (Monaghan Utd), Shane Grimes (Monaghan Utd), Gabriel Sava (Monaghan Utd), Peter Hynes (Limerick), Declan O’Brien (Monaghan Utd), Dean Marshall (UCD), Cathal Brady (Longford Town), Paul Crowley (St Pat’s Ath), Chris Kerr (Dundalk), Derek Prendergast (Bray Wanderers), Johnny Breen (Dundalk). players out> Dinny Corcoran (Bohemians), Lee Lynch (Sligo Rovers), Dave Rogers (Retired), Peter McMahon (Bohemians). 2012 results> 25 Feb 1:1 Limerick FC (H); 18 Feb 1:1 Longford Town (A); 16 Feb 1:0 Dundalk (H); 11 Feb 2:4 Salthill Devon (A); 10 Feb 1:2 Mervue United (A). There were few good moves which includes bringing back the club’s all-time top scorer, Declan “Fabio” O’Brien. They're one of the few teams that definitely seems better than last season.

[McNasara]

Re: preview > League of Ireland 2012 [ATTACH=CONFIG]2089[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]2083[/ATTACH]Bray Wanderers - the Seagulls coach> Pat Devlin, this is his 2nd season in the club. players in> Jason Byrne (Dundalk), Adam Hanlon (Arklow Town), Jonathan Kelty (Arklow Town), Ian Byrne (Shamrock Rovers). players out> Gary Dempsey (Waterford Utd), Gary Shaw (Longford Town), Conor Murphy (Monaghan Utd), Chris Shields (Dundalk), Shane O’Neill (Dundalk), Darren Soon (CYM Tenure), Derek Prendergast (Drogheda Utd), Jake Kelly (St Pat’s Ath). 2012 results> 24 Feb 3:0 Wexford Youths (A); 20 Feb 0:3 Glentoran (A); 16 Feb 2:0 St Mochtas (H); 11 Feb 2:4 Glentoran (H); 05 Feb 5:0 Waterford United (H). They have brought in LOI goal machine in Jason Byrne (legend of the club), but several key players left. And they have financial problems and are significantly weakened this season. *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* [ATTACH=CONFIG]2082[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]2092[/ATTACH] UCD - the Students coach> Martin Russell who is longest-serving coach in the league (4th season with team). players in> Gary Burke (Bohemians), Chris Mulhall (Shelbourne). players out> Sean Harding (Australia), Darren Meenan (St. Pat’s Ath), Dean Marshall (Drogheda United). 2012 results> 27 Feb 3:2 Athlone Town (H); 18 Feb 2:2 Salthill Devon (A); 04 Feb 1:2 Limerick FC (H). Traditionally the youngest team in the league that have lost just three players currently, compared to last year when were 13 departures. *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* [ATTACH=CONFIG]2091[/ATTACH] Monaghan United - the Magic Mons coach> Roddy Collins, this will be 2nd year with team for him. players 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). players out> Eric Foley (Drogheda United), Gabriel Sava(Drogheda United), Sean Brennan (Drogheda United), Ryan Brennan (Drogheda United), Shane Grimes (Drogheda United), Declan O’Brien (Drogheda United). 2012 results> 07 Feb 2:4 Cliftonville (A); 31 Jan 1:2 Lisburn Distillery (A); 24 Jan 1:2 Newry City (A). Coach is satisfactory, but the quality and experience of players is below the level. Same time half of the first team moved to Drogs.

[McNasara]

Re: preview > League of Ireland 2012

1. post > important facts,
2. post > five teams should struggling for the title and European qualification,
3. post > four teams should have been safe in mid table,
4. post > three teams should be competing for survival.

Some interesting bets from every part for me: Winner (without Shamrock Rov) - St Patrick's @4.50 Paddy Power 4/10 To finish bottom - Bray Wanderers @2.75 Paddy Power 4/10 Top 6 finish - Drogheda United @3.00 Paddy Power 2/10 I hope I've helped you a bit, any feedback and suggestion are welcome. Cheers :cigar

[Kiddo112]

Re: preview > League of Ireland 2012 Well done Mc Nasara, very good effort. :clap I am hoping to attend more LOI this season, more than likely St Pats, Bohs & Shels. Hopefully we can make some money this year!! Do you have any views on Division One?? Limerick look to have a quality squad, but are so short to win the title. No way would I be trusting any LOI club to remain solvent @2/9!!

[McNasara]

Re: preview > League of Ireland 2012 Thanks mate, btw First division is not my area :ok

[Vipers]

Airtricity Premier League, preview 2012 Hello All, I’m new to posting on this forum so please forgive me if this is in the wrong place or accidentally breaks any rules. (Please correct me if I do.) This season I’d like to share my thoughts on the Airtricity Premier League which gets underway on Friday 2nd March and hope this is of interest. (I know there are other members posting on this and hope and look forward to working together and adding to each other's knowledge! Here's to a great and profitable season- I reckon this is going to be the most competitive one for years!) (12 teams play each other 3 times giving a total of 33 games in the season each with matches normally played on Friday evenings from March to October. This is an extension to last year’s 10 teams with Shelbourne, Cork and Monaghan coming in and Galway dropping out. This year the bottom side will be relegated whilst the team finishing in eleventh will have a play-off with a team in the top 3 of Div 1.) I’m planning a cautious start to the season, not least because 5 of the top 6 finishers last season have had a managerial change. I operate a 100 point bank with bets up to 10 points (though there may only be a couple of those over the season) and an estimated average bet over the season being about 4 points. The main meat and drink will be match results and Asian handicaps with side courses of match goals and a couple of other markets where I think there’s a significant edge to be found. All bets will be accompanied with the reasons behind the bets and will usually be a combination of stats and team-info. I hope over the coming weeks and months that you’ll find this of interest or find this a useful aid. All thoughts, comments, questions welcome (well, almost all). Best Wishes, Vipers.

[McNasara]

Re: Airtricity Premier League, preview 2012 expect your opinion...

[sward73]

Posted from iPhone so truncated previews and reasoning. UCD have traditionally been hard to beat at Belfield and have a fairly settled squad from last year. Cork will be expected to do well in their first season back in the Premier League but I am happy to lay them at 2.02 Betfair for 3 points. Speculative lay of Derry at home to Bohs. Two points Betfair at 1.86. Youthful and enthusiastic Bohs might just push City close here. Season long although it pains me I really can't see beyond Shams retaining the league with the strength of squad in depth and quality. I believe they have a better and probably more popular manager with their support in Stephen Kenny. Ordinarily I would see Sligo Rovers (my team) as good value tonight but a turbulent close season with a lot of uncertainty behind the scenes and major personnel changes makes this game a no bet. Ian Barraclough very much an unknown quantity. Mark Quigley a very exciting addition but not convinced Richie Ryan been replaced properly. Small but quality squad. Will have to be lucky with injury and suspensions to compete with Shams. Drogheda are missing a lot tonight but I think they might surprise a few this season as they have added well to squad. Might be value here in weeks to come.

[Vipers]

Re: Airtricity Premier League, preview 2012 Cheers for welcome and moving posts McNasara- appreciated. "The crucial question is how newly appointed manager Ian Baraclough will get on, since became boss only 5 days before the season began." Absolutely and how quickly he can learn about the league. Was quite surprised by this choice. Agree with order of top four. Wonder if Cork have got the hype after winning First Div whereas Shelbourne have gone under the radar a bit even though it was by the slimest of slim margins. Also have those in 5th and 6th but other way round. Will digest the first round of matches a bit more then give a few more thoughts. Don't think they'll be much between a few sides in the bottom-half this year- certainly nothing like the points record of last year of Galway (obviously) and Drogheda. Biggest conclusion from first games is that though Drogheda rarely threatened against Shamrock (much as you might expect and their goal was a bit of a freak) but were dogged, brave and spirited and won't have as bad a time of it this year if they carry on like that.

[McNasara]

Re: Airtricity Premier League, preview 2012 It's good to see someone else who will be with me and LOI this season. I hope a good result for us. Cheers

[Vipers]

Re: Ireland > Airtricity Premier League > 2012 (Ante-Post) Dundalk to finish bottom, 3 points @ 10 PaddyPower It’s likely to be close at the bottom. On the evidence so far, Dundalk will be somewhere down there. Bray have the attacking intent which may see a few big losses but also a few wins. Monaghan seem to be fairly well organised, have only picked up 2 points but have already played Shamrock, Sligo and St. Pat’s and if they can pick up points against the lesser sides then they’ll keep a realistic chance of survival alive. UCD may be a little inconsistent and struggle on the road, but can also win enough games to be safe. Despite beating UCD last week to move to 5 points, Dundalk now have a run of Sligo, Shelbourne, Shamrock and Derry. If, as could be expected, they take little if anything from these games then they certainly won’t be at these odds afterwards. Considering the odds for Bray and Monaghan are 2.5 and 3, the 10 available for Dundalk is big value and good timing.

[McNasara]

Re: Ireland > Airtricity Premier League > preview 2012

To finish Bottom: Monaghan 3.6points @ 1.83 PaddyPower (this is a saver bet to return stake having taken Dundalk for 3 points @ 10 a few weeks ago (now 4.5)). A few weeks ago I backed Dundalk at odds of 10 to finish bottom expecting the bad run which has followed and which has seen their odds drop to 4.5. However, I had hoped Monaghan might pick up slightly and be in a little better shape than they are with a view to backing them as a saver quite cheaply in a couple of week’s time. That hasn’t happened, so I don’t think that can be left as another couple of defeats could make their odds too low whilst a few points will only raise them slightly. The time is right to back them now as a saver for the Dundalk bet and will roughly break even if Monaghan finish bottom and be + 23.4 if it’s Dundalk.

:ok

[McNasara]

Re: preview > League of Ireland 2012

1. post > important facts,
2. post > five teams should struggling for the title and European qualification,
3. post > four teams should have been safe in mid table,
4. post > three teams should be competing for survival.

Some interesting bets from every part for me: Winner (without Shamrock Rov) - St Patrick's @4.50 Paddy Power 4/10 :( To finish bottom - Bray Wanderers @2.75 Paddy Power 4/10 :( Top 6 finish - Drogheda United @3.00 Paddy Power 2/10 :clap I hope I've helped you a bit, any feedback and suggestion are welcome. Cheers :cigar

I've got good news from Ireland, so I'll have a lot more reliable and accurate information for the next season... Can't wait! ;)