Season Preview 2015 - Dundalk

Manager: Stephen Kenny

 

Stadium: Oriel Park

 

 

Players in: Gary Rogers (Sligo Rovers), Paddy Barrett (Galway FC), Shane Grimes (Drogheda Utd), Jake Kelly (Bray Wanderers), Ronan Finn (Shamrock Rovers)

 

Players out: Keith Ward (Sligo Rovers), Patrick Hoban (Oxford United). Mark Rossiter (Longford Town), Marc Griffin (Bohemians), Peter Cherrie (Cliftonville), Simon Kelly (Glenavon), Donal McDermott (Salford City), Conor McDonald (Warrenpoint Town - Loan), Ruaidhri Higgins (Coleraine FC)


 

Extratime.ie Key man:Richie Towell



 

The re-signing of the former Hibs and Celtic man has to be Stephen Kenny’s masterstroke of the off season as most expected the Dubliner to cross the water after a spell on trial with Cardiff City amongst others.

 

The midfield maestro was pivotal in the Lillywhites title winning campaign scoring 11 goals, being the creative force behind a lot of Dundalk’s good football last season as well as being defensively capable.

 

If he can carry his form into the new season and Dundalk can stave off any potential suitors he can help propel the side back to the top of the table, his scoring rate will also soften the blow of Patrick Hoban’s move to Oxford United.    




 

Extratime.ie One to watch: Jake Kelly

 

Already a title winner with St Pats, Kelly is no newcomer to the league at 24 but has shown himself to been a prolific scorer from midfield scoring five goals in 22 games from centre of the park last year in what was a poor Bray Wanderers side so given time on the pitch and the higher calibre of player that will surround him on the pitch at Dundalk, Kelly has the chance to take his career to the next level.

 

If Kelly takes his opportunities I believe he can help fill the void left by 20 goal man Patrick Hoban which is a role that will be vital for Dundalk this season.


 

How they did last season:

 

League: Champions

 

FAI Cup: Quarter-Finalists

 

EA Sports Cup: Winners


 

What to expect this season:

 

Dundalk have seen nine players leave the club in the off season and with them a strength in depth they need if they are to be at the top end of the table and compete in European football at the same time.

 

The loss of Patrick Hoban will be a huge blow and as they haven’t signed a direct replacement it will be left to a number of players such as Towell, Kelly, McMillian and Kurtis Byrne to make up the deficit in front of goal.

 

That being said Dundalk will have one of the league's strongest midfields with Finn, Towell, Horgan and O’Donnell amongst others forming a talented core of a squad.


 

Title odds: 11/4


First game: vs Longford (H) Friday 6th March