Season Preview 2016 - Wexford Youths

Manager: Shane Keegan

Stadium: Ferrycarrig Park

Players in: Aidan Friel (Athlone Town), Conor O’Keefe (Belgrove Home Farm), Shane Dunne (Drogheda United), Paul Murphy (North End United), John Peare (Moyne Rovers), Danny Ledwith (Sligo Rovers), Matthew Connor, Daryl Power and Conor Whittle (Waterford United), Johnny Bonner (Unattached).

Players out: Jimmy Dermody and Dean Broaders (Waterford United), Willie Tyrell, Gavin Dowling and Paul Cahillane (Released).

Extratime.ie Key Man: Danny Furlong

Danny Furlong was in astonishing form throughout the 2015 campaign as he helped fire Wexford to the First Division title. Furlong managed to notch 30 goals in a mere 28 games as he broke Andy Myler’s 14-year First Division record and deservedly went on to win the PFAI First Division Player of the Year award for 2015. This year presents a whole new challenge for Furlong as Wexford will rely even more heavily on their prized asset to once again come up with the goods in their battle to beat the drop. The number nine will be relishing the chance to come up against the best defenders the league has to offer and will be confident that he can once again grab the goals to secure another memorable season for the Warriors.

Extratime.ie One to Watch: Gary Delaney

21-year-old Gary Delaney was more than just a rock at the back during Wexford’s outstanding 2015 season as the defender popped up with four goals in 25 league outings for Shane Keenan’s men as he was named in the PFAI First Division Team of the Year. The Wexford native has already racked up a total of 75 First Division appearances and will revel in the opportunity to test himself at the highest level. In spite of his youth, Delaney conducts himself as a true leader on the pitch and has the ability to contribute more to a game than the average defender as he possesses a considerable amount of confidence and flair on the ball.

How they did last season:

League: 1^st - Wexford secured their first ever League of Ireland First Division title and promotion to the Premier Division with two games to spare after defeating Athlone Town 3-0.

FAI Cup: 2^nd Round - The Warriors went out in the second round after going down 2-0 to eventual finalists Cork City.

EA Sports Cup: 1^st Round – Youths were sent packing in the first round after they were unexpectedly defeated 2-1 by non-league UCC.

What to expect this season:

Wexford Youths are about to embark on the biggest season of their short history. They will be many spectators’ tip to go straight back down but following a season where nobody expected their heroics in winning the First Division title; this young squad will believe that anything is possible.

Shane Keegan, who recently signed his first full-time contract with the club, has held on to the majority of his players who helped achieve promotion and despite their lack of Premier Division experience, Keegan will hope that the unity and commitment of his low-budget squad will be enough to obtain survival.

With over 100 appearances for Wexford to his name, Graham Doyle is a ‘keeper of the highest quality and Keegan will look for his club captain’s encouragement both on the pitch and in the dressing room to help push his team forward throughout a season that is bound to be full of highs and lows.

Overall, it will be a difficult season for the Warriors but they are well used to playing the role of underdogs so will go into each game with confidence regardless of their opponent. Expect a tough but tight battle near the lower realms of the league with survival a realistic target if the Youths can claim points from teams around them or even pull off the odd upset victory against the division’s bigger clubs.

Title Odds: 400/1

First game: Longford Town (Ferrycarrig Park), Friday 4^th March, 8pm.