FEBRUARY 2017 REVIEW:
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Good start to the season with a 2-0 victory away to UCD in the Leinster Senior Cup 4th round. Goals from Brandon Miele and Graham Burke either side of half time ensured the victory.
MAN OF THE MATCH - Brandon Miele
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A 4-0 victory at home to Derry City ensured my 3rd trophy as Shamrock Rovers manager with the Presidents Cup won easily in the end. Goals from Lauri Dalla Valle, Lewis Hardcastle and a double from Graham Carey.
MAN OF THE MATCH - Lewis Hardcastle
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Delighted to announce the deadline day signing of Chris Fagan who was available on a free transfer after his contract with St. Pats expired at the end of last season. Chris popped up with 3 goals last season against us and ended the season with 15 goals so I'm very happy to have him on board with us for the new campaign.
SQUAD ANALYSIS:
GK: Ian McLoughlin - Had a decent first season with the club, making 25 league appearances, conceding 29 goals with 7 clean sheets. Ian will again be my number 1 goalkeeper for the new season.
GK: Aaron Farrell - Youth team graduate, the 17 year old will be backup to Ian McLoughlin in his first year in Senior football.
RB: Simon Madden - Now entering his 4th season, Simon was excellent last season, playing 26 league games. He will continue as my first choice RB for the new season.
RB: John Kavanagh - Having made the move from Cork City, John will provide stiffer competition to Simon Madden for the RB spot this season.
LB: Luke Byrne - Now in his 4th season with the club, Luke was solid at LB last season, making 28 league appearances and will continue as 1st choice for the new season.
LB: Bobby Moseley - Made 15 league appearances in his 1st season for the club but mainly as a substitute. Bobby may have a similar situation this season as a backup to Luke Byrne.
CB: David Webster - Captained his side to the double last season, I am expecting big things again from the leader who will have more competition for his place this season. He played in 31 of the 33 league games last season.
CB: Armin Aganovic - Developed an outstanding centre back partnership with David Webster last season, Arnin had a fantastic first season with the club and made 27 league appearances.
CB: Diego Franco - New signing from the Spanish Lower Leagues. The 19 year old is expected to challenge both David Webster and Arnin Aganovic for a starting place this season.
CB: Sean Heaney - Having only played 11 league games last season, I am expecting Sean to be my 4th choice CB going into the new season and will provide back up when necessary.
DM: Roberto Lopes - Played a pivotal role in the clubs success last season, Roberto made 26 league appearances and scored 4 goals last season. I am expecting him to anchor the midfield again this season.
DM: Sam Bone - Having returned from his year long absence at the end of last season with the Under 19's squad, Sam is expected to work his way back into the 1st team squad and will be used as a backup in the holding midfield position this season.
CM: Ryan Connolly - Had an unbelievable first season with the club, playing in all 33 league games and scoring 2 goals. Ryan has cemented his place as one of the starting CM's.
CM: Lewis Hardcastle - Loan signing from Blackburn Rovers. I am expecting Lewis to start the season within a midfield 3 with Roberto Lopes and Ryan Connolly.
CM: Tommy O'Sullivan - On loan from Colcester United, Tommy is expected to challenge with the likes of Lewis Hardcastle and Ryan Connolly for a place in my starting 11 this season.
CM: Eoghan Morgan - Having impressed last season on loan at Waterford, the 19 year old deserves an opportunity within my first team squad this season.
RW: Graham Burke - Top goalscorer in the league last season with 20 goals from 32 appearances, Graham had an unforgettable first season with the club. I am hoping he can continue this form going into the new season.
RW: Craig Thomson - Loan signing from St. Johnstone who will be backup to Graham Burke going into the new season.
LW: Brandon Miele - Alongside Graham Burke, Brandon Miele had a fantastic season with the club. Having played in all 33 league games, Brandon scored 14 goals and also made 11 assists from the LW position.
LW: Trevor Clarke - Youth team graduate who will be backup to Brandon Miele for his first season with the First Team squad.
FW: Lauri Dalla Valle - Having signed in the mid season transfer window, Lauri settled in excellently with the squad scoring 5 goals from his 8 league appearances. I am hopeful he can carry this form into the new season.
FW: Chris Fagan - Signed from St. Pats, Chris tormented Shamrock Rovers last season scoring 3 goals against us. I'm hoping he can make a similar impact, this time to the benefit of the club this season.
FW: Michael O'Connor - Another Youth Team graduate, I expect Michael to have limited opportunities this season as 3rd choice striker but he will get minutes and should gain valuable experience from this.