The season's comings and goings
Although not as painfully disappointing as last season's league anguish in Dundalk, this season has not been one to remember for Shels. The first disappointment was the loss of Damien Richardson as team manager. I regarded Damien as an excellent manager, who brought us to the brink of the treble: Cup and League Cup finals, as well as the League run in, where Shels lost due to an Eddie Gormley goal in Kilkenny. I could not understand what more he could have done, by the time the players take the field for a final the manager has done pretty much all he can do. It's not his fault a Merrion Square mess-up caused the absences of Dessie Baker and Nutsy Fenlon in Dundalk, or that Cork scored late into the Cup Final replay. Regardless of how or why, Damo is gone and one can't dwell on it forever. His replacement, Dermot Keely, was not my choice for the job, but someone in the Club (the one that makes the decisions and wears the Russian Hat?) decided that his tough attitude was what was needed to give Shels the steel they needed that was lacking under Damien Richardson. Were they right? It's too early to tell, but the first indications was, no. Out went Mark Rutherford, Shels long-suffering and committed left-winger, and in came Neil Trebble and a few youngsters from Home Farm. James Keddy also joined, but has been injured for most of the season. All in all, Dermo's dealings in the transfer market have been fairly crap, but we have gained Owen Heery, James Keddy and Danny O'Leary. Also encouraging is the introduction of such young talents as Bernard Kelly. Hopefully Shels can get a decent centre back and striker for next season, as well as a new goalie. Stephen Geoghegan seems past it, Gough has had butterfingers all season and McCarthy seems past his best. Many are praising Dave Campbell of late, after his performance in the Cork game in Turners Cross recently. I didn't make it to the game, but have never rated him; he lacks innovation and skill. However, if no ready replacement is available, he could pass as an acceptable partner for Pat Scully next season. Here's the team I hope Shels will play next season:
1. Derek O'Connor (O'Connor, who played for Ireland U20s in Malaysia, is currently playing non-league in England.
2. Owen Heery (has been excellent for Shels this season.)
3. Declan Geoghegan (continues to perform well in defence)
4. Colin Hawkins (Yeah right! I suppose Campbell will have to do)
5. Pat Scully (lets hope Pat can regain his scoring ability next season)
6. Pat Fenlon (Back from injury, hopefully Nutsy will still have his hunger for the game)
7. Paul Doolin (I thought he would be crap for Shels, but I was wrong)
8. Richie Baker (hopefully Shels can either hold onto their flying international or get a good price for him)
9. Tony Sheridan (Shero was my player of the season, let's hope he can lead Shels attacks again next season, he's he most creative player Shels have)
10. Bernard Kelly (pacy youngster, may not be ready for first team next season, but let's hope so)
11. James Keddy (excellent winger, should be back from injury next season)
No place for Dessie Baker....Shels could get a good price for him this summer...can't see us getting much for Goughie...although after his antics in Cork maybe the Springfield Isotopes are looking for a new mascot...he even looks a little like Homer Simpson by now....No Stephen Geoghegan either..get rid of him altogether...Keep Liam Kelly as back up, same with Dean Fitsgerald. Danny O'Leary should stay too...he's a decent keeper. Greg Costello? I'm not sure...can't see him going anywhere big...he'll probably warm the bench again next season...and the big one...keep Dermo?...there's no replacement so I'm prepared to give him another season. Enjoy the summer.