Season 1999/2000 , Who'll Do What
Bohemian FC : Bohs fans can expect another poor season . A lack of new blood as of yet , and having struggled with the same current squad last year , the bottom four beckons yet again . Finances will be tighter than ever with the redevelopment of the stand meaning no gate/Bar receipts from the stand until November at the earliest . I fully expect Bohs to finish in the bottom four , and possibly the playoff spot again , but hopefully no worse than that . The only hope for Bohs now is to get rid of Roddy Collins and get a manager with half a footballing brain . I am dreading next year as it will be another struggle . The only thing we have to look forward to is the new stand . If Bohs begin like last time out , then Roddy will hopefully get booted out soon enough . Will share battle for 9/10 with Sligo
Shelbourne FC : Shels will struggle next season , there is no doubt in my mind about that . They will probably finish in the top four again , but trophies will be a scarce commodity around Tolka park come next May . The Intertoto cup will help improve fitness and performances in early season , which might yield the League cup , but I fully expect Shels to put in some very tired displays after X-mas , due to early start this year . I have a feeling Keely will not be in charge down Drumcondra way next May . Intertoto Cup took its toll on Bohs in 1995/1996 , and Rovers struggled to 1 win in 14 towards the end of the season gone . Top four finish . Europe at best
St Pats Athletic : I can see St Pats lifting a third title in a row next year . Despite placing 9 players on the transfer list this week , they have signed Marcus Hallows from Sligo , whom he helped keep in the top flight . Solid at the back and with an impressive trio of Russell , Gormley and Osam in midfield , they will be the team to beat next year . The double is also a good possibility . Buckley has the full support of West Dublin . Should be celebrating the 3 in a row next season .
Shamrock Rovers : Santry's new residents will struggle next season . Money will not be as easily available next season as it was last season , so Damian Richardson will have to make do next season . Another mid table finish , with the league cup being their best hope of real success . Not good enough for a top four finish , but should not be any where near the relegation dogfight . I think they will finish in 6th at best .
UCD : Will be a tough match for anybody in Belfield , but will struggle on their travels like last term . They will cause the odd upset , and would be a good outside bet on one of the Cups . Should be good enough for a strong mid-table finish .
Drogheda United : On the advice of a friend who supports Drogheda , they will be looking forward to another season in Division One this time next year . I cannot see their stay in the bigtime lasting more than the usual one season . Will cause the odd upset , but another year in the premier with little to cheer about . Will not even be able to rely on their customary 9 points off Dundalk , until next year anyway . Relegated
Galway United : The other promoted side from last season . I cannot see them staying in the top flight . Themselves and Drogheda will probably go straight back to the oblivion that is Division One Football {I say this as I kneel down and pray that Bohs finish no lower than tenth ] . Like Drogheda though , they are likely to ruffle a few feathers of the big boys , probably in Terryland Park . Don Riordan have injected a lot of young lads into this side , and the inexperience will probably tell for the first few months of the season . After which time it may be all too late . Relegated
Sligo Rovers : Sligo will struggle next season , there is no doubt about that . They have a new manager , and will have a lot of new players . This will see them finish in the same position more or less as last year . I can see Bohs and Sligo battle it out to see who avoids the playoff slot . The loss of Marcus Hallows is a big blow , and one which could prove fatal to their premier division status . Results against Galway and Drogheda will most likely be the deciding factor in the relegation mess . For good measure , Bohs can also be added in to the equation here . Bottom Four , but probably avoiding relegation .
Waterford United : Will probably have a better season next year than last time out , and would probably settle for seventh again . They will finish midtable , and will not have relegation to worry about in the last few weeks . Some new signings already , and will cause some grief for one or two of the bigboys along the way . Derek McGrath and Brian Flood joined in February and with the experience gained last timeout , should have a solid enough season . Eight position , and my dark horse for the FAI Cup .
Cork City : Next season will tell us a lot about how good Cork really are . If Dave Barry can improve his squad over the summer , then they will be in the title race for most part like last year , but will fall to St Pats again . Should prove a difficult side to beat next year . Runners Up . FAI cup glory is also on the cards for them .
Derry City : Will probably hope to match last years fourth place . Not strong enough to sustain a title challenge , but will not be easily beaten . Themselves and near neighbours Finn Harps will battle it out for 4/5 places . FAI /leaguecup would offer best chance of success . I think 4/5 position .
Finn Harps : Blew hot and cold last year . Finished fifth and would be looking to improve on that . Will probably finish in the same position as last year . Charlie McGeever needs a targetman to play alongside Speake or Mulligan . neither are great in the air , and this could cause them problems when they are playing on dodgy surfaces .They struggled at set pieces in the three Cup finals . Will be looking at the FAI cup again for some glory . 4/5 place battle with Derry City .
Here is where I feel Trophies etc will end up next May ,
NL Champions : St Pats Athletic
Runners Up : Cork City
Intertoto Cup : Shelbourne or Derry City
FAI Cup : St Pats Athletic or Derry City
League Cup : Cork City again
Relegation Playoff : Bohs or Sligo Rovers
Relegated : Galway United or Drogheda United