Galway United FC

ratracer

I can't believe TD has been caught up in the Daily Telegraph sting*.......






*parts of this may just be my own vivid imagination!!!

bobbyss

For years and years if you looked at the LOI table you always had to look towards the bottom to find United. Always. We are the Sunderland of Ireland. Why is that? We started well. Don't know much about the present team but what went wrong this year? I thought he was well regarded?

The saddest thing is that we are , what, the third highest city in the country yet can not could never produce a serious soccer team. If Sligo, that town to our North ruled the roost for a while, why can't we?

Just how many managers have Rovers/United had since their first foray into senior football? 20-25?

ben.schlomo

Reliable sources on the LOI thread in soccer forum saying he will become the new Rovers manager shortly. Looking forward to our new beginnings.

Ruben Remus

The timing seems curious to me, unless the board have somebody in mind already? United aren't in danger of relegation so I don't know why he was shown the door now rather than waiting until the end of the season.

Like others have said on this thread, the season started off with a lot of promise but that has faded away into mediocrity. I don't think next season would have been much better if TD was still at the helm, so I don't think a change is a bad idea. The timing of it just seems strange.

civis_liberalis

Ruben Remus wrote: »

The timing seems curious to me, unless the board have somebody in mind already? United aren't in danger of relegation so I don't know why he was shown the door now rather than waiting until the end of the season.

Like others have said on this thread, the season started off with a lot of promise but that has faded away into mediocrity. I don't think next season would have been much better if TD was still at the helm, so I don't think a change is a bad idea. The timing of it just seems strange.

The board don't need to have someone immediately in mind for it to have been a strange decision to parts ways with him now.

Our season might be as good as over on the field but it is an absolutely crucial time off it. Whoever the new manager ends up being, players he wants to keep will need to be re-signed for next season ASAP.

Clubs are doing their business earlier and earlier every year. You risk missing out on players and potentially paying over the odds just to claw back to where you were the previous March.

Galway football people are very clannish and think nobody is able for the job only one of their own, so there is a lot of support for Johnny Glynn. I wouldn't like him to get the job as he has no really proven himself. He got Mervue to the playoffs but that was the worst FD ever and a team that the best of which would have been playing for Galway United if it hadn't been run into the ground.

Who they will go for is anyone's guess. Depends on who is available and who expresses an interest.

ben.schlomo

I don't see the timing as strange at all. The earlier the better, allows a new man to be found and hired sooner and hopefully the better players to be signed up earlier.

civis_liberalis

Encouraging win last night. 3-2 after having gone 3-0 up. Made if difficult for themselves but a win is a win.

Vinny got his first since the winner against Dundalk and Enda Curran got a badly needed goal and it was an excellent one to break his long drought with.

Colm Horgan's was a great header assisted by Vinny.

civis_liberalis

United begin the search for a new manager. Application deadline set for 12 days from now.

ben.schlomo

civis_liberalis wrote: »

United begin the search for a new manager. Application deadline set for 12 days from now.

Nice quick deadline set.

UnleashTheBeast

Another Saturday outing at Terryland Park tonight. I wouldn't mind us derailing Cork City's title bid

civis_liberalis

We owe them after we let them back in for a draw in Terryland early in the season and the first half tactics in Cork the last week gave them a 3 goal head start.

I'd be hopeful that the lads will be really up for this.

ben.schlomo

civis_liberalis wrote: »

We owe them after we let them back in for a draw in Terryland early in the season and the first half tactics in Cork the last week gave them a 3 goal head start.

I'd be hopeful that the lads will be really up for this.

Well that went tits up!

civis_liberalis

I take full responsibility.

On a much more positive note, the u19s won their away League QF against St Pats who would have been favourites to reach the final along with Cork on the other site of the draw. We beat Pats away and Finn Harps beat Cork away.

Home semi final next Saturday, more than likely in Terryland.

bobbyss

How big was the crowd last night against Cork?

It's so sad to see United being beaten like this. All the early season promise is gone. We have not been thumped like that all season as far as I can remember. I remember watching Soccer Republic early on in the season and the pundits saying:Can United be there or thereabouts at the end of the season? This was after we had been doing very well. I smiled inwardly knowing United have never ever been there or thereabouts at the end of any season.

ben.schlomo

bobbyss wrote: »

How big was the crowd last night against Cork?

It's so sad to see United being beaten like this. All the early season promise is gone. We have not been thumped like that all season as far as I can remember. I remember watching Soccer Republic early on in the season and the pundits saying:Can United be there or thereabouts at the end of the season? This was after we had been doing very well. I smiled inwardly knowing United have never ever been there or thereabouts at the end of any season.

We most certainly have been there or thereabouts at the end of a season before. Runners up in 85/86 and third in 93/94. Beatings by good teams will always happen.

UnleashTheBeast

bobbyss wrote: »

How big was the crowd last night against Cork?

1002 official attendance

Wompa1

I can't understand the lack of starts for Cunningham. I thought he was one of the Galway's best players last season. Quick and strong as an Ox. Not mention the fact that during one of his only proper matches this season he scored a hat trick against Mayo League in the cup.

Personally, I'd put him in the team ahead of Curran.

ben.schlomo

Wompa1 wrote: »

I can't understand the lack of starts for Cunningham. I thought he was one of the Galway's best players last season. Quick and strong as an Ox. Not mention the fact that during one of his only proper matches this season he scored a hat trick against Mayo League in the cup.

Personally, I'd put him in the team ahead of Curran.

The Mayo League? I could get one or two against them in fairness. Hes been injured and we were playing one up front all season really, Vinny has earned the right to be the main man and Enda has got a few too. Podge has been largely poor when played. Rumoured to have signed a two year deal with Dundalk now too, poor move for him as i dont see when or where hes going to get a game up there.

bobbyss

ben.schlomo wrote: »

We most certainly have been there or thereabouts at the end of a season before. Runners up in 85/86 and third in 93/94. Beatings by good teams will always happen.

85/86? That's what... thirty years ago for God's sake!

What's out average finishing place over the course of the years that we have been present in the league bearing in mind the number of teams in the league have changed.

Better still;how many places from the bottom of the league have we finished on average since we started in LOI?

I venture to say:third from bottom? On average.

ben.schlomo

bobbyss wrote: »

85/86? That's what... thirty years ago for God's sake!

What's out average finishing place over the course of the years that we have been present in the league bearing in mind the number of teams in the league have changed.

Better still;how many places from the bottom of the league have we finished on average since we started in LOI?

I venture to say:third from bottom? On average.

You said' Utd have never been there or thereabouts at the end of a season', i showed you two examples of where 'we' have. If you want a debate or facts around finishing positions then thats a separate point.

civis_liberalis

Galway United u19's semi final against Dundalk is set for Terryland next Saturday at 2pm.

Would be great to get a bit of a crowd for them.

Free in for season ticket holders and under 16's. A fiver otherwise.

ben.schlomo

civis_liberalis wrote: »

Galway United u19's semi final against Dundalk is set for Terryland next Saturday at 2pm.

Would be great to get a bit of a crowd for them.

Free in for season ticket holders and under 16's. A fiver otherwise.

Ya hopefully there'd be a few up there for it, im working so i'll miss it.

bobbyss

ben.schlomo wrote: »

You said' Utd have never been there or thereabouts at the end of a season', i showed you two examples of where 'we' have. If you want a debate or facts around finishing positions then thats a separate point.

Good God. Lets have some facts then. Have they been there or there about since the start of this century? They have proven to be a disaster. Have they ever won the league? How many galway players have won player of the season? One? Two? What's the highest position they have finished this century? Wasn't there one season they lost every single game in one season? Or did they manage to draw one or two? They may have even won one league game? (Do they hold some kind of European record for the worst points accrued in a domestic premier league?) Their average position from last place this century? Unfortunately, I don't have those facts ...

ben.schlomo

bobbyss wrote: »

Good God. Lets have some facts then. Have they been there or there about since the start of this century? They have proven to be a disaster. Have they ever won the league? How many galway players have won player of the season? One? Two? What's the highest position they have finished this century? Wasn't there one season they lost every single game in one season? Or did they manage to draw one or two? They may have even won one league game? (Do they hold some kind of European record for the worst points accrued in a domestic premier league?) Their average position from last place this century? Unfortunately, I don't have those facts ...

One minute it's we, then it's they!! This thread is for the 2016 season, if you want the history of the club use the official website or try using Google, they might have the answers for all of your questions. If you wanna talk about this season then go to some games and form an opinion for yourself.

bobbyss

ben.schlomo wrote: »

One minute it's we, then it's they!! This thread is for the 2016 season, if you want the history of the club use the official website or try using Google, they might have the answers for all of your questions. If you wanna talk about this season then go to some games and form an opinion for yourself.

The last time I saw them this season they were absolutely pure sh1t.

ben.schlomo

bobbyss wrote: »

The last time I saw them this season they were absolutely pure sh1t.

Thanks for your input in the thread, it's been nothing if not pointless. From here on I'll be ignoring your usual list of questions.

bobbyss

It's a pity our last game is against Dundalk away. I would have imagined a pretty packed house to see the (almost) champions elect play. Strange and ironic two of Dundalk's finest are both Galweigans both I think born and bred. I would certainly be there to see them. I like the look of that Curran lad. Big and strong. Don't think he got on with Tommy Dunne. In fact, I don't think Dunne got on with lots of the players. I could be wrong in that mind you. I have never been able to figure out why exactly he left.Why did he leave anyway? Money? Results?

UnleashTheBeast

bobbyss wrote: »

Good God. Lets have some facts then. Have they been there or there about since the start of this century? They have proven to be a disaster. Have they ever won the league? How many galway players have won player of the season? One? Two? What's the highest position they have finished this century? Wasn't there one season they lost every single game in one season? Or did they manage to draw one or two? They may have even won one league game? (Do they hold some kind of European record for the worst points accrued in a domestic premier league?) Their average position from last place this century? Unfortunately, I don't have those facts ...

Don't feed the troll.

Redhairedguy

There's a little bit of shít stirring going on here. Mod note in post no.1 specifically asked that this would not be case, so let's try to keep this as a constructive, rational conversation.

bobbyss

With three games to go does it really matter how we perform? I think we are safe from relegation anyway so the games don't really matter points wise. At least I think we are safe. I read somewhere that there would be a new format introduced to the premier league as and from either 16/17 or the following year. Strangely, I have not heard much about it in the news. Have any plans to reformat the structure been scrapped? A league of ten or something like that? Can't quite recall the details. Am not convinced a smaller league would improve standards. You would get a bit pissde off seeing the same teams again and again. Bit like the SPL. Looking to the future, I still cannot fathom why a town like Sligo can outperform us on a regular basis. What do they have that we don't have?

civis_liberalis

bobbyss wrote: »

I read somewhere that there would be a new format introduced to the premier league as and from either 16/17 or the following year. Strangely, I have not heard much about it in the news. Have any plans to reformat the structure been scrapped? A league of ten or something like that? Can't quite recall the details.

It's a while since I heard anything, but what you are talking about might have been the proposal of the PCA (Premier Clubs Alliance) to go with a 16 team premier with split regional First Division and promotion relegation to intermediate leagues.

Now that isn't coming from the FAI, so the likelihood of it happening might not be great. But honestly I don't know either way.

bobbyss wrote: »

Am not convinced a smaller league would improve standards. You would get a bit pissde off seeing the same teams again and again. Bit like the SPL.

It's a favourite of the FAI to change things around for the sake of it and call it progress. A smaller league is suicidal. A 12 team league is bad enough at times, but a 10 team league has seen some teams play each other 7 or 8 times in the past, with the cup and replays. The defunct Setanta Cup on top of that.

bobbyss wrote: »

Looking to the future, I still cannot fathom why a town like Sligo can outperform us on a regular basis. What do they have that we don't have?

We've had different problems over the years. Things are far from perfect now, but I think the club has the potential to push on further with the right manager. Hopefully someone proven.

bobbyss

civis_liberalis wrote: »

It's a while since I heard anything, but what you are talking about might have been the proposal of the PCA (Premier Clubs Alliance) to go with a 16 team premier with split regional First Division and promotion relegation to intermediate leagues.

Now that isn't coming from the FAI, so the likelihood of it happening might not be great. But honestly I don't know either way.



It's a favourite of the FAI to change things around for the sake of it and call it progress. A smaller league is suicidal. A 12 team league is bad enough at times, but a 10 team league has seen some teams play each other 7 or 8 times in the past, with the cup and replays. The defunct Setanta Cup on top of that.



We've had different problems over the years. Things are far from perfect now, but I think the club has the potential to push on further with the right manager. Hopefully someone proven.

Has it the potential though? When we were doing well we never got crowds over 2000. And this in a city of 75,000. Something is wrong there. Dundalk /Derry the last day had I think 2800. What we could with crowds like that. Infrastructure is an issue. Is the location ok? Quirky approach road? Is the lighting ok around there? Is it a little out of the way? Does it seem a bit stark for a family to be walking out there? I don't know. I am just making the argument. last time I visited the toilets there it was disgusting. Having to bring my young son into it was awful. These things matter. I have no idea what the ladies was like. The Aviva is a nice experience but you don't feel the same way about E Deacy Park. And that informs your decision whether to pop out and go see a match.

I was surprised to see T Dunne go. He had been doing well I thought and results can not have been the reason he left viz Sean Connor. But what proven manager will come west? We have had so many we are going to run out if choices soon.

deisedude

Any players coming in or out?

Mr Velo

deisedude wrote: »

Any players coming in or out?

Ryan Connolly out to the Shams

civis_liberalis

deisedude wrote: »

Any players coming in or out?

Don't expect news for a couple of weeks.

Just because players aren't announced doesn't mean anything either.

civis_liberalis

Marc Ludden and Colm Horgan sign new deals.

Great to get those two sorted.

Interesting to note that Keegan has said he wants attacking full backs and to play exciting football. The players seem to have been extremely impressed with all aspects of Keegan's plans for 2017.

Ruben Remus

civis_liberalis wrote: »

Marc Ludden and Colm Horgan sign new deals.

Great to get those two sorted.

Interesting to note that Keegan has said he wants attacking full backs and to play exciting football. The players seem to have been extremely impressed with all aspects of Keegan's plans for 2017.

I'd like to share your optimism but it's early days yet and all that's really happened so far is the re-signing of two lads from this year, and the loss of Ryan Connolly, probably the most talented and influential player in the team. I'll be reserving judgment on Keegan's plans until I see who he brings in.

civis_liberalis

Ruben Remus wrote: »

I'd like to share your optimism but it's early days yet and all that's really happened so far is the re-signing of two lads from this year, and the loss of Ryan Connolly, probably the most talented and influential player in the team. I'll be reserving judgment on Keegan's plans until I see who he brings in.

Colm Horgan apparently was wanted by Cork. It was never a given that either Horgan or Ludden would re-sign. Both are players with ambition.

Horgan played more league minutes than anyone else this season. Started every game he was available for and was never subbed off.

Connolly has great ability but doesn't show it often enough and went missing far too often and appeared to be a lack of leadership from him when things got tough as well.

You might not be excited by these names, but since everyone was out of contract at the end of the season bar Vinny... and those are two players who could very well have left, I am delighted to have retained them.

Ruben Remus

civis_liberalis wrote: »

Colm Horgan apparently was wanted by Cork. It was never a given that either Horgan or Ludden would re-sign. Both are players with ambition.

Horgan played more league minutes than anyone else this season. Started every game he was available for and was never subbed off.

Connolly has great ability but doesn't show it often enough and went missing far too often and appeared to be a lack of leadership from him when things got tough as well.

You might not be excited by these names, but since everyone was out of contract at the end of the season bar Vinny... and those are two players who could very well have left, I am delighted to have retained them.

Fair enough. I'm not saying anything against Horgan or Ludden. I just think Connolly is a huge loss, despite not having a great season in 2016, and I hope the new manager will be able to freshen up the team by bringing in a few new lads of a similarly high calibre.

El Mullo

Black Friday season ticket promotion just about to start, available on-line only. Adult season tickets just €160 for the next twenty four hours :

http://galwayunitedfc.ie/season-tickets/

civis_liberalis

David Cawley signed from Pats.

He'll be important in 2017. He's looking forward to playing close to home. I think if anyone is able to get the best out of him, it's Keegan. Not that Cawley needs extra motivation. He's already a proven winner.

Hopefully there will be plenty more announcements soon. Keegan is very busy by the sounds of it.

Looking forward to what December holds.

Paddico

C'mon Galway fans. This is big news, expected a bit of discussion on this. 
Hope the football apathy isn’t gone up the west completely ....

http://www.extratime.ie/articles/18051/ex-ireland-under-21-striker-murray-joins-galway-united/

civis_liberalis

Big, big things have happened recently.

We brought in David Cawley from Pats, won everything in Irish football, back playing football near home in the west, where he wants to be. A proven winner.

We signed Ronan Murray, last of Notts County, who is hugely experienced in the Football League. People don't seem to realise how big a signing he is.

We signed Lee Grace who was Wexford's standout player in the Premier by a distance. He was courted by a number of clubs including Cork City.

Connacht legend Johnny O'Connor has joined as strength and conditioning coach, who was with Arsenal until recently.

It's early December and the players were already in for a preliminary fitness tests.

Keegan and O'Connor are brilliant fit I think.

Some re-signing players need to stand up and be counted in 2017 and if they can't do it under these lads, it just isn't for them I don't think.

We're quite a ways off yet, a lot of players to sign, rest of backroom to be finalised, but I'm very, very optimistic considering how things are going so far.

AND there's a Xmas shop in the Eyre Square Centre selling all the merchandise and season tickets etc.

Paddico

Great to see CL. I'nm a city (Cork) fan but always had a soft spot for Galway from my time there

civis_liberalis

More great news again today.

Stephen Folan signs new contract

FOLAN | “The club is going in the right direction”

New jersey being revealed soon.

civis_liberalis

2017 Galway United home kit revealed today.

Johnny Glynn was named as Head of Football Development and also First Team Coach under Shane Keegan.

Great news every day recently it seems.

civis_liberalis

Gavan Holohan signs for Galway United from Cork City.

Yet another statement of intent. He certainly had options. Chose Keegan and Galway United.

ben.schlomo

civis_liberalis wrote: »

Gavan Holohan signs for Galway United from Cork City.

Yet another statement of intent. He certainly had options. Chose Keegan and Galway United.

Another good signing on paper, hopefully we get another few in and we will be well set.

civis_liberalis

ben.schlomo wrote: »

Another good signing on paper, hopefully we get another few in and we will be well set.

Not just on paper. Was excellent for Drogheda and that midfield is Cork is difficult to get into, but he played 50 times for them in spite of that.

He certainly seems to have the right attitude.

We have an unreal midfield three already in Holohan, Cawley and Murray. How the squad fills out eventually will be very interesting.

I haven't heard names, but I wouldn't be surprised to see another name or two out of left-field, to fill out the squad, along with re-signings and maybe even more established names.

civis_liberalis

Alex Byrne has signed a new deal.

Another great signing to get over the line.

He's fit and ready for pre-season, which has wasn't this time last year and it one of the big causes of his 2016 season largely being a write off.

If he can be in top condition, he'll be a huge asset.