Well here we are 8 games into the 2015-16 season. The league is healthy at the top but struggling at the bottom. The defending Champions Dundalk and Cork City are doing fabulous and are once again 1 and 2. Dundalk has scored one more goal (15) than Cork and Cork has conceded one less goal (2). Dundalk will be looking to carry this form into the Champions League this summer. Advancing in the international games will be a big cash bonus. The Lillywhites will get $550,000 for entering the Champions league. This is more than their entire budget for the league. We are all hoping Dundalk can advance for 2 big reasons. First Dundalk could use this money to pay for infrastructure to their stadium, bathrooms, locker rooms ect. The money could also be saved for future team budgets so Dundalk could compete year in and year out. Secondly Dundalk would represent the League of Ireland. A good reflection in the Champions League would reflect well on the league. We are hoping a good reflection will increase interest.
OK Dundalk sits at the Top. They have the player on the month in David McMillan. McMillan has scored a league leading 5 goals in 8 games. Richie Towell has scored 4 goals from his midfiled position. They has a great 1-2 punch. Dundalk is loaded with quality midfielders and are on the attack.
Shamrock Rovers are playing well, getting the attendance at Tallaght and are a healthy club the League needs to be consistent. The hoops also have a 5 goal scored in Michael Drennan. This 21 year old has scored 5 goals in only 7 appearances, back from Protsmouth, he is finding Ireland a lot more rewarding on the field.
The Bohemins are the surprise so far this year for me. The are tied for 3rd place after 8 games. I was hoping their attendance would jump up after a strong start. The Boh's always have a steady core group of fans even when they are out of the title race. Their attendance is about 1,700 which is good but i Was hoping for more. The Bohs are doing the best in regard to their budget and the value they are getting from their players. Their budget is roughly half of the top 4 spenders.....but yet the Boh's are tied for 3rd. I like pulling for the underdog.
The Saints are starting to pick thing up to keep pace with the top of the pack. It will be good for the league if the Saints can take points and win games against the top teams. The Saints will also keep Dublin buzzing with 3 teams from Dublin battling all year for the title and the 2 guaranteed Europa League spots.
Longford Town surprised me the first game against Dundalk. They showed they belonged in the premier league. They are sitting in 6th place and look like they are safe from falling as the year progresses. They have had a nice transition fron the First Division to the Premier League.
Derry City and Bray ARE PLODDING ALONG. David CAssidy is the one blight spot on Bray right now while Anthony Elding seems to be losing to much distance to win the scoring title.
Drogheda, Sligo and Galway are not playing that well. Sligo is the big surprise sitting as low as 10th place. Sligo Rovers so far are the biggest disappointment on the field. Galway is finding it harder in the Premier League but need more quality on their club.
Limerick FC started the season not being able to more into Markets Field. Their fans were so disappointed they also had very bad attendance at Jackman park. The team stinks....it will be bad for the LEague in Limerick get regulated however they must get better.
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