Background / Current Situation
According to James Rogers in an article at the end of March
http://jamesrogers.ie/contract-renewal- ... le-future/Amongst those whose deals are up at the end of this year include
Sean Gannon,
Michael Duffy,
Brian Gartland,
Gary Rogers,
Jordan Flores,
Sean Murray,
Sean Hoare,
Georgie Kelly,
Aaron McCarey,
Daniel Kelly,
Lido Lotefa,
Dane Massey
John Mountney.
Short Term signings
Since then we have signed players on a short-term deals:
Josh Gatt (end of season)
Nathan Oduwa (not officially declared)
Assumptions
In does not automatically follow that out-of-contract players will move to other clubs or that players currently contracted for 2021 will be part of the squad. Without knowing who will be responsible for player recruitment, the budget, European qualification, attractiveness of management team etc predictions on squad formation is almost impossible
Deficiencies in current squad
Many would point to the defensive frailties as being our current Achilles Heal – 14 goals conceded in 10 league games on top of the 3 Cup goals – seems to strong evidence. While it is an obvious significant problem, I believe our core problem has been our failure to replace key central midfield players such as Richie Towell, Stephen O’Donnell, and Ronan Finn; to a lessor and more recent extent Robbie Benson and Jamie McGrath have left big gaps.
Solutions
To reverse the midfield issue – it did not just start this season - where we lack attacking creativity and penetration, along a diminished ability to control the tempo and defensive aspects, in my view we need a minimum of 2-3 of the quality mentioned above to complement fit and functioning players Patrick McEleney and Chris Shields (Greg Sloggett has the potential to replace him as first choice no 6 for next season)
I think all the defence is under pressure. Brian Gartland may make it as part of the back-up team, squad member and captain, but Dane Massey and Daniel Cleary are the most likely to be released. Sean Gannon is likely to be in the top 2-3 right backs in the league next season but if he is at Oriel Park probably depends on attitudes, interests and cost - ditto Cameron Dummigan.
Sean Hoare and Andy Boyle have places to play for between now and the end of the season while Daragh Leahy is the most likely defender to be here.
It’s well possible that neither Aaron McCarey nor Gary Rogers will be re-signed but a keeper of the quality of Brian Murphy (Waterford) James Talbot (Bohs) or ex St Pats & Peterborough Conor O’Malley can be recruited
Michael Duffy re-signing is critical and a striker with pace and movement to provide an alternative attacking option to Patrick Hoban.
Current Squad
Apart from the players mentioned above as likely departures, I really can’t see how Sean Murray, Jordan Flores, Will Patching, John Mountney, Lido Litofa, Will Patching, Gary Rogers or Georgie Kelly will be here next season and surprised (if not amazed) if Nathan Oduwa and Josh Gatt are also here. Daniel Kelly has a shout
One to Watch
Tunmise Sobowale, 20 year old right back at Waterford Utd