Season Preview 2016 - Limerick

Manager: Martin Russell

Stadium: Markets Field

Players in:  Chris Mulhall (UCD), John O’Flynn (Cork City), Garbhan Coughlan (Regional United), Stephen Kenny (Cobh Ramblers), Aaron Greene (St Patrick's Athletic), Jordan Moore (Dundee United), Seamus Sharkey (Derry City).

Players out: Ian Turner (Cork City), Dean Clarke (Shamrock Rovers), Vinny Faherty (Galway United) Patrick Kanyuka, Darragh Rainsford, Ali Abass, Prince Agyemang (all released), Cyril Guedjé (end of loan).

Extratime.ie Key man: Shane Duggan

While Aaron Greene was Limerick's main acquisition in the off-season, Captain Shane Duggan’s decision to stay despite interest from Premier Division sides shows the belief he has in his local club. Operating in the engine room, Duggan was one of the main reasons Limerick came so close to beating the drop at the end of last season. His ability to link defence and attack makes him one of the standout players in the division. He only missed three league games in 2015, all due to suspension.

Extratime.ie One to watch: Jordan Moore

Aged just 22, Jordan Moore is already a man with a unique story. The Scot has arrived on Shannonside having been told by Dundee United last December that they wouldn’t be renewing his contract. The attacker has twice recovered from cancer and twice was given little chance of playing professionally again. But Blues Chairman Pat O’Sullivan was keen to take Moore on-board and help boost the Blues attack following the loss of Dean Clarke, Vinny Faherty and Ian Turner. While he may not feature from the off, Moore certainly has a role to play in helping his new side in their bid for the First Division title.

How they did last season:

League: 11^th (Premier Division) Lost 2-1 on Aggregate to Finn Harps in Promotion/Relegation Play-Off - Having waited until their 22^nd outing to grab a win, Limerick looked consigned to relegation, but an impressive run of form led them to a final day of drama. A deserved 3-2 victory at The Showgrounds saw Limerick climb above Drogheda United into 11^th place. But within a week they were relegated following BJ Bandas extra time header in Ballybofey.

FAI Cup: Second Round – During their poorest run of the season, Limerick were no match for Bray at the Carlisle Grounds, going down 3-1.

EA Sports Cup: First Round – During a difficult opening to the season, Limerick were eliminated from the EA Sports Cup by Cobh Ramblers after extra time. The Blues face the same opposition at the same stage again this campaign.

What to expect this season:

Martin Russell has far from a rebuilding job ahead of him; however, a good start to the 28-game league season will be important for Limerick to return to the elite of Irish football. While installed as heavy favourites before a ball has been kicked, Limerick fans will be aware of the difficulty this division can pose. A stable midfield and defence looks to be in place with little change in the off-season, while heads will turn to the attacking prowess of Chris Mulhall, Aaron Greene and veteran John O’Flynn, all who have arrived to the Markets Field with the hope of giving Limerick the extra boost they may need to attain promotion. Therefore, playing style and formation should be similar with an experienced midfield of Duggan, Paul O’Conor and Lee-J Lynch capable of providing the ammunition to the new attack.

Expect more game time for youngsters Ross Mann and Paudie O’Connor who featured intermediately in 2015. They may, along with others, be given time in the cups, assuming Limerick can put together a decent run, something which has eluded the club in its recent history.

Title odds: 2/5.

First game: vs UCD Home (Market's Field), Saturday 5th March.