 So it's time to talk league of Ireland football the new season getting up and running this coming Friday and Saturday night A dairy city of course at home on Friday against drawdown the top flight and in the first division longford town are ticking on Finharps the matches at Bishop gates on Saturday evening And I'm going to talk to two gentlemen now who know a thing or two about the league of Ireland first football First of all joining me in the studio is our special guest former harps captain Keith County You're you're welcome to the studio of Highland. Oh, I see. Thanks for having me. Yeah. Yeah, it's good to see you And also via Lincoln zoom. We've got Stecklin Boyle another former funner harps captain Tecklin. Good to see you Good to see you lad. It's good to be back. Yeah, it's good to be back talking football once again But Keith's been still kicking a ball. He's not going about with Derek. We at the Manninghouse thing school there Keith Look, it's it's it's been difficult season There's been a few changes of management maybe down to performances in that Look, it's a it's a it's a young it's a young experience side. Maybe and you know some lads Looking to forge careers and you know, it's a very competitive vision, you know We've been picking up results here and there but just lack consistency as opposed You know within the within the squad and you know January wasn't too kindest in terms of a few lads moving on So Emmett, you know, he's had to try and plug some gaps and bring in some some players and ultimately, I suppose where you are the player you're going to get in isn't to Isn't to experience the quality the first but look, you know, you've lads as I said that are trying hard and Hopefully things will pick up over the next few weeks. Yes Also, Declan, what are you at at the moment obviously involved with with slag or overs doing a bit of training getting the group together again Yeah, absolutely now as you know Was on the 19th last year this year has been moved up to under 20s the FBI And our strategic move and moved it up to 20s probably we will see in the future as well The 17s will probably go up to get teams and 15s are probably 16s. That's probably what will happen next year too Yeah, currently I'm still with slag or overs under 20 teams were back training since the first week of January And we're actually playing fan arts on saturday so a preseason friendly before our season kicks off On saturday week and we're going to both so I'm looking forward to new season now A lot of work to be done, but yeah looking forward to it Harps obviously played the senior side played slago last weekend and that was good preparation from a fun harps point of view one in the game Yeah, great result for them, you know I suppose when you look through the squad and dan mortis Obviously came in and what he has added is he had a really experienced the team as well You know and players have been around the league as well So with with also players that have a lot of energy and they're used on their side as well So there's a good mix there. So they're a big result obviously against slag or overs Especially coming from one win all down as well So that was really encouraging for for perhaps and the players and I'm looking forward to see how the season pans out Obviously last year was very disappointing. That's in the past And we're obviously looking out for hopefully this year maybe push out the playoffs but and maybe above hired Let's see how it goes, but yes been encouraging preseason so far for the harps Has it been a preseason kief for harps that have them now in a better position going into this year than probably where they were at the end of last year Definitely it does when you think about the I suppose that what they had to do last year and build an entirely new squad I think maybe they kept one player right and ready from before and You know you look through the team there or the squad that they've been able to keep I think they've kept 16 of the squad from last season, which is great You know you've got a lot of experience in there You got a few players back in Connor tourist that was there before they signed david collie from slaggle I'm sure that he knows and you know, I know from playing on the league for a few years And then obviously, you know the lads that have been there before the likes of tim heimer the keeper Who had to be out for a lot of the season with injury who had played through injury from the start of the season Tony McNamee, you know, there's you know, Ryan flawed who hit the ground running the last season and was probably one of the main You know shining shining lights, which came from last Or one of the main positives that came out last season So you have a lot of quality in there and say you've retained a squad that's you know That's played together that knows each other that knows the management And they'll be looking forward to get started on on saturday and you know, I'd be slightly optimistic I suppose You know going into the season with with that squad that's there and you know, we've seen the results in pre season and You know, they seem to be you know winning games and you know getting good results against against quality opposition So yeah, there's obviously a few you know Less less testing games in there, but that's all the build confidence and and to build fitness and to give people game time So yeah, I think it looks positive. Yeah, Declan there was a obviously a bit of optimism around fun harps Last year, but there was a lot of the unknown as well when when we had the likes Of david roger's in charge. Keith knows the thing or two about been under his manage management ship But it there was optimism, but as what I said, there was unknown But there's more known now about this group of players going to go into the squad So is there a bit more maybe uh, solidness around the optimism that that is there around fun park? Have you know what I mean? Yeah, no, I think so. I think Keith just mentioned there It's always very difficult. Um, somebody coming in you And then you've no base of players That are signed, you know, so you're just in that unknown territory and also the manager We weren't sure exactly what we're going to get out of roger's last year and Probably the players he signed probably Weren't of the quality they are this year Um, and also some of the players were signed didn't have the experience of working in that league or playing in that league, you know So I think this year to sit earlier. I think there's a good mix of experienced players And youth and energy and it's a good pace as well So I think that all it's going to be as well for for darn more free in the squad of players Obviously kevin kuker in the background as well moves to leave very very well So having that year behind your belt as well for darn more free because he played hours in the Irish league So he knows the grounds. He knows where he's going and that makes a big difference. That's the way we experience um, we know last year they've been up and down the form was Good games and the bad games are more bad than good very very poor away from home to see a lot of goals So it's encouraging to see in preseason having to see the too many goals So keeping it quite tight and if you are to be successful, you have to build from the defense You have to make sure your defense doesn't leak too many goals and also You know, you've got to be putting the spring forward and cause problems and they have that in the last year You know, um, well, obviously the quality players that they have shone gone aren't going on coming in there They signed your man from Bose as well chris lowl tee fee as it thinks cost We pay to get something last couple of years, you know, and um He's really really quick and very direct And fun part was to tell him big pitch and fun part. So you can see how he pans out Obviously young and earnest trade, but he's got a lot of advantage and loads of pace. So so Darren's going to win for that experience with energy and pace So it should be a good combination David Colley commands an excellent signer for me. He's really really good I was surprised that I'm slightly level and go a really good professional and do around the place works really, really hard So he'll be added and there a lot of talent coming back to me as well Corner turrets coming back as well will help the defenders, you know, so that there's a really good mix I'm looking forward to, you know, I suppose it's important that they probably hit the ground running and get up to a good start And I know it's difficult to first match away and the league, but um, that's a good good match away long for well They're well Suppose they could go there and get three points. No problem You know the play up to up to the farm that they should play and how they've done in pre-season But it's important that their home form this year is really good And that gets the fans up gets the fans coming out and watching them and gets a little energy around the place So I'm looking forward to season said earlier that I think there's a really good squad of players put together now It's about them going out and performing and over the league. Yeah Longford's the opposition. There's a few changes down in longford as well So there is decky, but if you're on the road and would you be happy enough with a point to start things off? I think so, you know Yeah, obviously you always go to on the game and getting three points and depends how the games go some games You're lucky to get out with only one point and some games you get a draw and you should have a three So it's we're just depending how they play and how they perform. So it's definitely the way in the first match Every team starts off at the very start and they're full of energy because it's the first match and you know There's a lot of eagerness and people want to impress and so yeah in that big crowd as well normally Down in longford as well for the first match. So it's a really good occasion You know, but yeah, they're absolutely well-capable and put on a big performance and getting three points, but you know Obviously that they get a draw or two still a good start but Yeah, that's neither way that they'll go there positive of the good preseason behind and good form good results Especially me in that last filken slider overs was an excellent result. It's like we played the strong team out as well. So Yeah, and they played the area a couple times too and I mean You know, they've dealt well with the area considering the squad of players that they have as well I know they drew the loss as well. So it's still the form has been good And you should take that into the first match and you're expecting a big performance and maybe get three points Um, obviously you've been to longford on a couple of occasions. So you have Keith that you play there last year. Yeah Yeah, I was down last year. Um, it's actually we got two good results last year. We won both times as Steve Henderson and Gavin Pears down there at the helm and I think it was more the end of the season last year where they started to Really kind of kick on and you know sort of find their feet. I think the second transfer window Helped them a lot. But yeah, I suppose that what the guy's going down there and you know being successful there last year It's not a bad one to open with Look, it's always it's always good to get. Um, it's always good to get a point on the board early You know, you don't want you don't want that to go on and but I think the lads will be positive going down there And maybe thinking that three points will be definitely achievable Yeah, well then a game after that then is obviously The Cork city game. Yes. I think Cork are out now favourites. We've seen what Galway done last year Is Cork going to be the Galway this year? Possibly. I um, it's you know, when you when you look through the first division, you look through the teams that are there Um, yes, you have you have Cork coming down. You have UCD coming down. Look Cove Wexford, you know, those ones that were in the playoffs last year, they'll be looking to kick on Um, I kind of felt that it's between Galway and Waterford last year You know, they you know, they almost blew teams away, you know with the quality that they had the organized ace that they had You know, don't like to talk too much about budgets that comes into it But it does and you know the amount of money they had at the disposal They're able to get the better players in you know, Ronan Coughlin that was at Waterford, you know Amassing 33 goals, which is kind of unheard of, you know, uh And obviously he's got his move off off off the back of that Galway that were so so difficult to break down in that So Cork said he's coming down and blowing everyone away. I'm not so sure Ronan, Ronan Keaton, Rory Keaton He's causing you're a boys one fan He's causing me so it wasn't too far away. Yeah, Rory Keaton's moved on. He's gone to St Pat's so, you know, you've lost a lot of firepower there A couple other lads have moved on as well. So, uh, you know, you're expecting them to be up there But it's you know, looking looking through the look looking through the league, you know, there's a lot of tough games There's there's a lot of travel. It's difficult to, you know, it'll always take a few games to You know, for everyone to have a look at each other and for the league to settle down in that but Yeah, to be a better man, uh, to pick a winner or even a second too far and it's going to be difficult Yeah, okay, uh, Declan playoffs the target for Harps I think so, um That's what you've been targeting and it's obviously at the start of the season We play off squad and staying in that area and fighting to get obviously promoted But then obviously we get into those positions and coming July if you're in a good position and you're going Well, you might add a little bit more experience and quality to the squad and maybe push on and try to get into that You know, second or even push on to the first place. That's going to be probably a difficult ask I think we'll probably dominate this year. Um Yeah, they'll probably likely have power up front, but there's still it's going to be this team coming down You know, um, I have a big big budget as well and big Home crowd turners cross can can actually help things. So I expect them to be up there. Usually come down as well Lost a lot of players. Um, so they're going to be very young this year. They've recruited a lot of players So there'll be interesting to see how they get on and monthly new manager replaced any girl man Get to see how he gets on Yeah, one in corners down there and uh, so, you know, good lad Good seeing getting the opportunity. Obviously, I was time ready with the Premier League as the first team coach So it's an opportunity for him. But, you know, they always have good players coming through through the scholarship program So the quality probably lack of we would experience. Um, but by technically we've got time to settle in so the instance See how they pan out Um co-overamlers as well. Um, so that's going to be an interesting one. They've done really well last year There's a lot of teams there that can push in and then obviously you brave up in the push in that area and you work for it as well Then you're hopefully actually be up there pushing in the playoff spots a long way to go But it's just getting that consistency can offer a good start and building up a bit of confidence in the players And hopefully then making sure that Finn Parker is a fortress and you're getting victories for teams Don't come and get easy points and go around the road again. So that's really important as well So but I think with the quality of players to be signed the experience players Um, it'll be difficult for teams to couple the Finn Park and get three points and go around the road. So, yeah So now that just one we don't really know exactly what's going to happen here And that's what's a great thing about the pre-season then the new season You don't know exactly and there's anticipation and the readiness and you're so wanting to do well as well So, um, yeah, I'm looking forward to how the season start how to start the season and how it pans out But I still think there will be a lot better this year than over last year for sure Is Finn Park Keith And getting those results going to be good enough to to make it into that top five and get a playoff space I think so. I think um, look, I'll have to change from last year. I think five home ones last year was You know, it's pretty poor. I think they had more away ones than they had home ones last year I think they had six away ones With a couple of driving maybe seven draws on there as well at home. So look at all The philosophy the way that you know morph's going to set the guys up Um, how different is that going to be from the philosophy? It was there last year at the start of the season when you were involved that Well, I don't think morph's going to let Zeke go dictate how they play, you know, he'll want he'll want to be hard to beat You know, Finn Park's always been a horrible place to go um You know speaking to players that I played with after my time at harps and you know, they all hit go in there because You know, it's difficult the pitch can dictate along especially at the start of the season and then come the end of the season Just due to the weather and that But like they always hit come in there because we were hard to beat. We were defensively kind of sound Uh, but then when you go kind of man for man all over the pitch and sort of leave, you know, leave yourself, you know, to You know To to centerhouse v2 strikers or whatever is or 3v2 or 3v3 at the back then look you're gonna you're gonna you're taking a big chance So I think I think morph will have them well set up You look at the the players that they have there, you know playing at the back, you know Jimmy Watson right back. I'll probably you know start there on Saturday night the way Look at Conor Turkish probably Maddie Mackinson maybe You have a couple of left backs to pick from there, but know that have all played a lot of games And in the league last season So look, I think that's going to be their home form. I think one, you know The crowds I suppose the crowds never really dropped away last year even though the form wasn't great You know, it seemed like a popular destination for people to go on a Friday night Like the way the players have interacted with the fans last year, you know, I seen a big change there and you know A lot of kids go into the games and you know, they definitely the players have definitely given them their time You know to go over and make the fans welcome and that and that makes a huge difference But in terms of the football side of it. Yeah, look, it has to be a hard place to go Um, I think I think it will be I think they'll be set up there I think the pace that they have in white areas as well You know Deggy touched on it there as well with arm McLaughlin channel Donald, you know, the new guy's success Uh That they got from 3d as well I actually saw him earlier in the in the gym. He's a big boy and you know, he caused a lot of problems up there as well So the um and uh, I think uh, Deggy Ferry got a couple of goals the weekend So, you know, he's he's going to be confident going into the season So look, it's all bodes well, but yeah, look home form is the key It's a platform that you you know that that you set up on and uh, you know, that's going to have to be key If if if harps are going to make a you know, a stab at the playoffs and you know, hopefully even further Yeah, uh, Deggy back to you. Uh, we're talking about making fun harps a fortress There's been a a bit of talk this week about the new stadium once again, Ed and Campbell the commercial officer Coming out and saying that there are now at a crossroads with the stadium Basically the government there's funding there but harps have to raise a certain amount of money There's going to be a new fundraising drive released this week But it seems to be that we're we're talking again. It's it's the same old story with the stadium But they're now at a stage where it's coming to to a crunch period So it is Declan are we going to see this happen? Do you feel over the over the next couple of years? Yeah, I suppose we've been listening to that this new drive every year where the stadium's going ahead We get some sort of emotional just before the season starts about the new stadium. We all know that it's bad They want it. We know the fun part There's a lot of memories not a history, but in this day and age So he's not fit for use for me for anybody going to the match And they were taking their family or kids or their wives or their daughters the game Which is not for purpose And you know, we need a new fun part, you know, so Whatever needs to be done needs to be done Obviously the money is there the sports cap and funding is there sitting with the department of sport And it just needs to be I suppose Waiting for the bik and benefit in kind regards to money from to match fund the facility and that obviously can be done now through charity to sorry raising up to the club and Getting that money from the public to to support the application And finance off what they need to do So I don't know is it four million they have sitting there with the department and they obviously the match that's fun Maybe with another million or so Yes, it's a lot of money like it's a lot of money to try to raise over I know a span of a year or two and you don't want to this going into three four or five more years because we've been listening about fun part fun part in the youth Stadium is a long time since the the foundations on the half The the concrete went in for a new stand over in shanarder and it's just up and they're waiting and It's just I suppose it loses his edge when you keep on asking about the stadium and stadium and nothing happened and people just lose that I suppose the world to level even in regards to This stadium will ever be built, you know, and that's the fear, you know And people deserve a new stadium and the sport sporting community perhaps supporters deserve it and You know, the players deserve to play in a good stadium as well and then you got them and hopefully You know, hopefully this is the last time where there's a massive big call and hopefully the community can come to support it And raise them necessary funding to get this project up and running and get it off the ground And hopefully have a new fun park in over in shanarder and the very very near future Because we know that soccer needs a bad landing at all Keith you were at fun harps and you were hoping that you would be playing in a new stadium when it was when it was all announced But it didn't materialize Aidan saying this week that the future of senior football is a threat here if this doesn't go ahead Is that something that you would agree with that if it doesn't happen that there's going to be I suppose threats looming over fun fun harps that the existence at senior level may not be there anymore Is it seen as that key? I think at this stage it seems like a bit of an eye rolling topic that you know at the start of every season There's sort of you know trying to sell sell the club on the back of you know getting the new stadium We as Sticky said we've been hearing about it for for years now You know there's always some some sticking point or you know something hasn't gone through But it's it's it's a difficult sell to try and get players in when you know when you're sort of selling fun park Is your as your home ground and you know you see that the other grounds that are in the area You know obviously the brandy well, you know and the show grounds and things like that Um Yeah, I think I think look Sticky said as well, you know, you you want to go and watch your football and a comfortable environment and and fun park isn't that? Will it will football in the northwest and balofa and league of iron for will it will the club hinge on not getting this? Um, I don't know if it's as drastic as that Look, there's always the interest there and harps not there But you know, it's going to be more difficult more difficult to attract people to attract players to attract families To come to the to come to the games if if that's what you're serving up and yeah I suppose maybe with that time will tell. Yeah, and more difficult to get promotion and get out of there If the players aren't coming to you Yeah, I think I know the problem now as well is sometimes You know, we lose the whole momentum of it, you know, um people are not sure exactly what's happening You know That channel of communication channel needs to be gone out to the community exactly where we are What stage we're at? How much we actually need to go and find this project to get it off the ground, you know Because you keep asking these questions and sometimes there's a lack of information going on in the general public And that's very frustrating for players for supporters, you know, and I know that the committee are working extremely hard But sometimes that letting communication to be honest with people and say, well, this is exactly what we need to do This is what much money we need and when we get this we can go and build our stadium And that's so you're laying you're laying exactly your cards on the tail and say, right Okay, then you'll actually get support from the people that They want to go and build a new stadium. I want to be there, you know, because sometimes that information It's it's very drippy. It comes out in drips all the time. You don't know exactly who's standard What's been clarified was not in it. That's that's a problem. I think you know that communication with the people People just want to know exactly. Okay. Where are we? What do we have to do? And now let's go and do it and that's what needs to be done And hopefully hopefully that will be the start of it and we can get a new stadium For the people up in EGOL and film maps. I think you're right As Keith said there, I don't think I still believe that there's no stadium in three or four years It's been part of a slow being existence But we all deserve to be playing our two watching games in a good stadium and comfortable environment For for adults and for families and for kids. That's really important. Yeah Listen, we'll move on. We'll be talking about the stadium. I'm sure another day So I think the general consensus is in the first division is as we leave it that Harps will be targeting targeting a playoff spot and it looks like Cork's idea the side that that's that's that's going to be beat but A one Keith would it would be a great start at the weekend? It definitely would yeah and look at you when you follow that with two home games, obviously You mentioned Cork coming in and then half loan as well So, you know early points in the board would be a great start and yeah with Cork If they're going to be you know, the ones to catch coming to coming to Balboffay, you know An early point or three will be a great start. Yeah Okay, let's go to the premier division. Derry said he's taking on Droughody and Eddie Keith's former club Droughody coming to the brandy. Well Derry didn't get up the trophy. I didn't lift the trophy that they wanted last year, Keith How big a year is this for the candy stripes? And their hopes and their journey and trying to become league champions. I think it's a really big year You know, I think If things don't start well, then you know where he could find himself under a bit of pressure You know, when you think when we talk about the money spent in there the quality of players that they have You know, they've made a real kind of statement purchase by going and getting Uh, you know, one of the leagues top top marksman Pat Hooban You know, the last couple of seasons has been up there in the scoring charts I suppose if you look at the the scoring charts from last year, I think he was 30s But the other two lads that financed ahead of him have you know moved on across the water At 33 can he still offer what he what he used to? You know that surface that up there in Brownie Wells, you know, Ferdinand forgiving if you're training on there Every day of the week and I'm playing on it. But look, he's been used to that Coming from Dundalk Daniel Kelly's also a good sign for them that that they got from Dundalk. So yeah, look, uh, they have a great squad You know, the quality's there You know, currently coming at the back, you know, uh, a local lads Sam Todd as well We'll get a first season under his bed So look, they have real quality within the squad and I'd be expecting them to be top two. Anyway, definitely Shenmue Glovers They're looking at last season that they were now were able to, you know, kind of push on and, you know, want it quite easily in the end up But yeah, look, this is a really big season for Derry. Yeah, huge season for Derry Listen Declan Uh, a guy that you know well Paul Higgardy has decided to step into to the brandy well You know was Northwest football very good. What did you think when you when you first seen that Paul Higgardy was going to be appointed as an assistant to Rory Higgins? Matt Keating I spent most of his life around football and watching games and watching players and all that. So yeah, listen It's a great move for Paul back into Derry City. And he was there before and for our success before What Stephen Kenny on his number two previously, you know, so it's I could I could sign on I think for for Rory Higgins. My guys to your back from staff good committed player A coach knows the game and the league very very well. So he's had loads of experience to it You know, you're through the squad that Derry have and like it's top drawer squad like me. Well, one of them wants to match Again slightly rovers and I mean they put out two squads and one was as strong as the other You know, they're out two elevens and you know, they've got two players for every position Around the field is and they've got real quality and depth. I do agree To last mid and dark will will definitely add to the fire power. I think Probably the last couple of years the downside has been, you know, injuries to Patrick McLenny and Michael Duffy And I've been keep those two players fit an injury free for a season. I think we'll get the best out of them and if you look last year Um, channel ago we're in 72 points and Derry City 65 and St Pat's 62 I see that those three teams to be up there fighting for those top three positions I don't see that changing too much Um, and then all of them Derry have obviously seven points of a difference. That's well turn turn turn that around Did a lot of draws at home last year? You've got to turn them into victories. Can they go and do it? I think they possibly can go and do it this year And you know, they're definitely need to go on a leg or want an FBI copy again I already could be under a bit of pressure for sure But the budgets massive up there the quality players are really good So don't even miss the lead title and that's going to be their goal for the season But channel ago, where's we know about it? Real good players as well into their squad aren't making office Signed him obviously Derry lads. So he's signed him a really good player I've done score a lot of goals and was there previously Johnny Kenny's signed on low and low as well He's coming in later on they still over in Celtic. I think, you know, so they've signed a really good quality again So they're going to be the team to beat for sure. Um, St Pat's have signed a lot of players with a lot of quality They have the success of one of the FBI couple last year John Daly has come in and it's done a brilliant job when he came in happy through the season So they're they're been back trading since mid December and they're back a long, long time Signing a lot of players last players welding them But they're they're going to have a big impression on that but their side setting one on the lead as well So it's going to be interesting between those three teams for me to go and want it If it was to call it now wouldn't be a hundred percent sure Do you think Sean Rogover's dairy but It's just you just never know what's going to happen But the dairy this year will be pushing hard for the title So I think just to go back on one of your last points there You said you're one of the pre-season games and you know, they had they're able to put out two teams And you know pretty much as as strong as the next Do you think that's one of the maybe reason last year why things didn't materialize for them? Yeah, they had a couple injuries not there But they've got when you have so many and a squad and with such quality they have Do you know what your best team is does really know what his best team is Yeah, that's that's interesting, you know, because the players that play and they have players They can utilize in different positions at full backs and midfielders and that and now I just think You know, you lose the quality of Michael Duffy for you know and Patrick McLean You know, they're real quality players that cause real problems, you know You took those in a quality Our other team now Daniel Kelly will make a big difference We'll make a big difference for sure and we'll be a threat and what they can do now as well Then go a bit longer. I thought last year when I watched them a few times I thought they were very very good around the pitch They'll make the area that will lack the wee bit of quality was up top Where they just didn't have that Frontman that could hold it and protect it away But you know, what was happening a lot of times? Lowland were just floating around drifting into the areas Find me part of the space in the tens area of area But nobody was actually a focal point for them Last year and I think Holman will be the main difference because he can stay up there And they can go a bit more direct a lot quicker as well A lot for flick on with the pace that they have with runners And either side of them And I think that could be the missing ingredient for them really, you know So if he can get him scoring goals regularly I've seen him now a couple of years in this year It's the first year I've locked in him in previous season I want you locked as fast as I've seen you in a long, long time It's body shape, you know, he locks as if he's lost a lot of weight during pre-season So I think that'll add to him But you mentioned earlier, you know The problem is you do have this You've lads come from Dundalk We've played in Acetor for four or five years Six years or something And then they come into the Acetor facility Up in the brand new well and we know as you say It's difficult, it's really difficult to train there every day And it's just harder on your body And as you load that obviously brings knocks And brings problems, muscle problems So if he can keep everybody fit and well I could see them going away Do you agree with Keith that this has to be a big year for Dere? If you're a Dere City supporter, Declan And obviously over the last couple of years They've been building and investing And bringing in several players Is this now the year that you touched on an FAI cup or a league title What an FAI cup be good enough or does it have to be the league? Yeah, I suppose The chairman can only answer that question, you know But you know I think if they wanted to be Dere What do you think the supporters are expecting around the Brandua? I think there's extra pressure With them this year for sure And there's a big budget there They have the quality of players Like you know, but they haven't done too many players Like so they're not missing that much Like they're very, very close to you know Good night and morning that And you know I suppose Shamrock always been very good Over the last couple of years And they just need to knock them off the curl And you know be that driving force But I agree with you There's pressure on the need to one You don't want to lease an FAI cup medal this year For sure or a trophy And but I would say you know The big concerns for one league title And if Rory doesn't want a league title He could find himself on their pressure Throughout the whole season And Declan from a sleigh of rovers point of view Will they be starting the season tentatively Because listen the pre-season didn't go the way that they wanted And there hasn't been too many rumblings coming out from The show grounds that there's going to be a huge push this year You obviously have been round the show grounds You're under the under 20s What's the feeling on sleigh going into the new season? Yeah listen I suppose There's a wee bit of anxiety maybe I would think maybe Because they probably locked up the squad of players That they have and they've lost a lot of players as well The budget doesn't seem to be as big as it was previous And they're probably utilizing some of the 20 players When needed as well So the first 13-14 players will be really quality And after that then they'll probably be using up the younger players So they'll have the same quality of experience So you look around the league And you'll see what the other teams that have been fighting with throughout the United Kevin Roherty signed really well Good players, excellent job Last year's manager and one of the best managers in the league With the resources he had last year So he'd be pushing hard Staying in the league Obviously have water for Keith Long Signed really well Good experienced players there as well Got seems to have good budget We have John Coffin down in Galway They've signed a lot of players Seemed to be backed financially by the Comer brothers They've put in a lot of money in the club And made a lot of players with real quality as well So there are the four teams that I see out fighting For that playoff, relegations area You know off those probably if you're looking around You know it's like a lot of good quality Really the quality in the first you know as I said 12, 13 players but after that then You know they're like probably death in your squad And that might cause a problem down the line Unless John can get a bit more Get a few more players and strengthen up the squad But you know overall the quality is good But that's the area that you'd be weakening If they pick up some injuries The squad isn't as strong as the rest of the teams And that'd be a worrying aspect for me For John and the squad Would you be worried about Slager over this year Do you think that they're potentially Oh well you mentioned a relegation back there But could they be potentially the candidates to go down Yeah no I suppose I wouldn't say that they could be potential But I think the teams that come up are very strong And you know I really think that more so than any other Time in the league you know your teams up last year Like your car came up last year wouldn't be as strong As the Galway team that's coming up this year you know And they haven't been financially backed as well as Galway You know Waterford, Keith Long seems to have plenty of money down there And he's signed really well and signed experienced players in the league well So you know I suppose it all depends You know I mean the form wasn't great for the last part of the season So you know it depends on how they start off And you see it could be under a bit of pressure You know and can they get you know can they outstay that And will the time only tell you know But you know John would probably need to A lot to get a few more players I mean That's obviously out of the experience as well You know but you know I know they are trying to get a striker And as well get a striker in the quality that they're looking at They definitely that would be a big help for them for sure Yeah so they got Ed McGinty back in there On loan from Oxford who's you know Was the goalkeeper for the last couple of seasons But any of the other lads that they seem to bring in You know there's a lot of you know youth there A lot of young lads that are out at Ollie Dorneman From Cardiff City Charlie Wiggett and the other lads A centre half and from Newcastle Yeah look they're all coming from big clubs I suppose But you know if you're on that end of the table As we would know experience is going to count for a lot Yeah of course when players know the league You know I always say that it's an added bonus for sure you know So they have players I mean that's John Mahan Who got injured during pre-season when he turned into Kelly So he's out of the league like that's a massive loss You know you're kidnapped them as well on your leaders And you know it's hard to replace them Even though there's players coming in so And again when you sign players You just don't know what you're going to get out of them Like you know so it's okay for two or three weeks Like we give them you know a number two You don't know how are they going to develop Are they going to be good enough You know are they good enough to the standard Like the second players from good clubs That seem to have on CV are not very very strong So you're hoping that they'll have to ground them And perform to the levels that you need you know So but he's going to need Because the squad is quite bare I think He's going to need to make sure that he keeps them fully fit You know and he needs you know long-term injuries Could have a negative impact on the results And whether they end up in the league you know So but you know this thing I suppose You know a long way to go He probably will try to bring more players And as well which will help the squad a little bit You know but I know that there will be some Of our squad involved as well And which is great for them you know From our side and on the one side See young lads getting opportunities you know So and they aren't good quality as well So you know that's not as positive as well From the club's perspective Yeah and you spoke about there you mentioned That the two teams that come up Galway and Waterford I suppose it's the first time in a long time Well that I can remember That you've got two teams that are coming up That are both full-time you know So like that's massive you know That's obviously creates you know The quality you know Obviously they're spending that time together They're well-drilled you know You should mention that the type of players Are able to track Waterford signing Pottery Gammon there from From the lower leagues in England Who's been around a lot and scored a lot of goals So him coming in will be massive for them At Galway I've added a few as well Which is going to make them a lot stronger So yeah look as you mentioned It's going to be it's going to be difficult For Slago if these young lads can come in And hit the ground running But it's definitely going to be a competitive league for sure Yeah you're absolutely right This is probably the first year that I remember Keith Where every single team in the league Are actually full-time You know every team's gone full-time And David Schroder this year went full-time As well as a full-time league like so You know where before he always had two or three clubs that weren't So the professional team should Should and they really would be better Than the teams that are not But that's not always the case you know But this year they're all full-time So it's going to be very, very competitive You know it's going to be interesting It's going to be very competitive In the top end of the table For me with obviously Shamburgore's derriere city It's a pass pushing hard And then in the bottom In the end of the table you're looking at Probably those four teams draw And Galway, Waterford and obviously Lagerover so it's going to be You know either way You know it's going to be Not going to be very difficult For those teams to find out Where they're going to be placed at the end of the year You know it's going to be a lot of positive results And negative results And that's how they react to that as well So it's going to end up in the top the whole way And top and bottom So it's going to be very, very interesting And obviously either with teams in the middle then As well you know So Bows will be in the middle of that as well So fighting hard on top Will be pushing hard as well So they're sending new players as well And to the league So it's going to be a good start Shells in there with Mark Coyle I was actually going to mention Shells Mark Coyle's captain But it's a big year for Shellbin Because there's now a real expectation Around the club that there hasn't been For a long time Q Yeah for sure Obviously European football has made Shells a real popular team again And you know With the local interest Obviously with Mark Coyle being there And being their captain It just shows you the How well he's thought of up there And you know what they may end up thinking of him To make him captain of You know one of the biggest clubs in the country really You know they've got real European experience there And you know a couple of great nights That they had over the years And you look They'll be looking to push into the top three as well They finished fourth last year I think they finished You know on 60 points They were just two behind pats and thirds So they'll be looking to push on They lost Jack Moylan Which was huge for them Their top goal square from last year But look You know a really interesting A really interesting season for them Yep Okay listen Guys we're going to close it off now So we are And we're actually going to put your neck On the block So we are Premier division winners For 2024 And the FAI Cup as well We'll mention that Keith we'll go with you first Are you looking for reasons why Or just to just Well who do you Well give me a reason If you want Like give me a brief reason A brief reason Right we'll wrap it up I think Rovers I think Rovers Just because they know How to win You know the squad hasn't changed too much You look at how they won the league last year You know they didn't have a A standout goal scorer The whole squad contributed You know you've seen You've seen them a taste of them last week And the president's cup You know they You know they were excellent Against against Look I know it's pre-season I know it's not You know it's not the full thing But you know the quality of players They were able to bring on Some of the players that they're still missing Pico Lopez Who was out in Africa a couple of nations You know Jack Byrne who hasn't played Didn't play the last four months of last season Who is You know they're trying to get him back I think he was He was involved in pre-season Buying closed-door games And he's picked up on Nigel They're trying to get him back in He's not too sure So like that's a massive player To bring back on your squad So I think Just what the quality that Rovers have You know the experience You know they know how to win Like they'll be firing off front as well League cup And Europe so For me League It's going to be Rovers Right okay On the cup Well the cup's in It can be anybody The cup can be anybody It's difficult to pick one there You know you would have said last year You wouldn't have thought maybe it was Pat's But yeah look They've got You know real quality Pedigree yeah So If I go cup I'm going to go draw her Draw her Draw her They'll be looking for Actually if we've got to change your camera On the podcast thing we're doing They're going to show us Look at your facial expression For the last few months It was too busy looking over at the table at Keith But Draw her for the cup And Rovers for the league Listen Degren Who are you picking for the league? I keep it quite simple I think Sharma Rovers will probably want it But they already come in behind them And I think they already might go on One there at the end of the cup So And obviously We have to find them some parts That's what I'd be looking at you know So I'm not sure if we're drawing His choice there I have to say I'm not sure Are you drinking before you get money away Some insider knowledge Some insider knowledge You don't know who I know down there Degre So Having a few conversations Dave Webster's back there isn't he Dave's back there yeah Dave Sayed there X Harps Captain as well Listen lads We're going to look forward to To what will hopefully be a successful season For the Northwest Clubs And in particular Fun Harps And hopefully they'll have a better season Than last year And fingers crossed they can make the playoffs But listen Keith Thanks for coming in And joining us tonight To look forward to the football And I'm sure we'll be Speaking regularly now Over the coming weeks And Degren is always good to have you On board good to see you And good to talk to you Thanks Manuel as well We'll catch you now Cheers Deg And don't forget this coming Saturday night There will of course be Live regular updates from Fun Harps against Longford Town At down at Bishop gate Denise O'Flaherty Will be on duty Kickoff time is at 7.30 And you'll not miss a thing here in Highland From the opening game Of the first division for the Harps