1 Goodbye Galway?
AS IF IT wasn’t bad enough that Galway United looked like dead certs to finish bottom, yet more financial problems have surfaced publicly at Terryland Park.
A statement released by the club on Wednesday has said that all players are free to seek other clubs in next month’s transfer window.
It said: “Following discussion with the Football Association of Ireland and the Professional Footballers Association of Ireland, Galway United confirm that all professional players at the club will be available when the summer transfer window opens.”
Sean Connor’s side have suffered thirteen defeats in a row, scoring just three goals in that period, and after Drogheda United pulled six points clear, it seems like all hope of staying off the bottom has been lost, with focus placed on the club’s finances.
2 Suffering Students
Speaking of Drogheda, they continued their improved form with another win over UCD, drawing to within three points of the Students.
Martin Russell’s team have been in dreadful form, losing their last seven games. Their only wins have been against Drogheda and Galway, while they’ve conceded a horrifying 42 goals in 19 games and on recent form look like they could possibly finish second last.
Perhaps it is Russell’s unerring belief that UCD should play attacking football that is proving costly. They have been on the end of some embarrassing defeats, including a 7-0 loss away to Derry and a 6-1 hammering at home to Shamrock Rovers.
They must improve, but a result at home to Derry doesn’t look likely considering the Candystripes’ form of late.
3 Six-pointer in Sligo
With the second half of the season underway, there’s just five points separating the top four, with fifth place Bray Wanderers also eight points off the leaders with a game in hand.
It’s anybody’s guess where the league title is going to rest for the winter, but a big game at The Showgrounds tonight could go a long way to deciding who’ll play an important role in the shake-up.
Sligo Rovers welcome current holders and league leaders Shamrock Rovers to the west and if Paul Cook’s side can manage to get three points, the Hoops could fall off top spot depending on results elsewhere.
Of more importance to the Bit O’Red is that they will be within two points of Rovers with a win, but a defeat would see them eight points adrift.
4 Friendly Fare
It’s almost that time of year again; when cross-channel sides make the trip across the Irish sea for pre-season friendlies.
Some of the games already confirmed include Millwall visiting Shels, Birmingham City coming to Cork, with several other in the pipeline.
These type of friendlies are always a welcome cash boost and for Cork City in particular there is an added benefit because the Birmingham game has been organised the same weekend as their bye week.
5 Limerick in the Market
There were very positive signs coming from Limerick yesterday evening as the club unveiled two new signings and plans for their return to Market’s Field.
Denis Behan and Joe Gamble were both unveiled at Thomond Park, with blueprints for their new stadium also revealed.
With their promotion drive from the first division alive and kicking, the Shannonsiders will be boosted by the signing of the former Hartlepool United duo, who were released in May.
They won’t be allowed play until Limerick face Athlone on July 17th, however.
