Midseason Report Card - Galway United

Club: Galway United

Manager: Shane Keegan

Stadium: Eamonn Deacy Park

Highest attendance this season: 2,113 Vs. Drogheda United (Feb 24)

Highest league goalscorer: Ronan Murray (6)

Mid-season position: 12^th

How we thought they would do

The Extratime team predicted the Tribesmen would narrowly avoid the drop in our 2017 Season Expectationsbefore the season kicked off. A ninth place finish was predicted to be on the cards which would mean Shane Keegan’s side would be safe from relegation.

How they really have done

The Tribesmen had a seven game unbeaten streak at one point of their campaign so far. During that series of games they beat the reigning Premier Division Champions Dundalk and they also became the only side to take a point off Cork City so far this season when they drew 1-1 in Eamonn Deacy Park.

Despite this Shane Keegan’s men find themselves propping up the Premier Division in 12^th place.

A lack of wins has hurt United this season with just two victories to their name against Dundalk and Finn Harps. An opening day loss to Drogheda, failure to beat the teams around them and losing their last three games heading into the mid-season break have also contributed to their current position in the Premier Division.

However, United have notched up wins against Mayo League, Derry City and Sligo Rovers to see them through to an EA Sports Cup semi-final against Dundalk which takes place on August 7.

Although Galway are in a perilous position in the League, they’re still only three points off safety and if they can start to win more games in the second half of the season they can still avoid the drop this season.

Moment of the season so far

Galway United showed they can compete with the top teams in the country during their unbeaten streak in the Premier Division but their 2-1 win over Dundalk in Eamonn Deacy Park will go down as their finest moment of the season so far.

Shane Keegan has instilled a ‘never say die’ attitude in his squad with his side scoring plenty of late goals this season but Gary Shanahan’s last minute winner against the Champions will be the sweetest of all.

Star Player: Ronan Murray

The former Ipswich Town and Notts County player has been Galway’s most important player this season so far.

The Belmullet man is his side’s top scorer with seven goals so far this season but Murray’s importance goes beyond the goals he has scored.

Manager Shane Keegan has spoken several times in praise of the striker for his influence on and off the field and the 25 year old will be integral to United’s fight for survival.

Surprise star player: Conor Winn

The signing of former Sligo Rovers goalkeeper Ciaran Nugent looked set to relegate Conor Winn to the bench but two games into the season Winn was reinstated as United’s first choice between the sticks.

The imposing keeper has received his fair share of criticism from the home fans but the 25 year old has been an impressive presence in goal this season with the Essex born player keeping his side in several games this season due to his shot stopping abilities.

Young player: Colm Horgan

The younger brother of Republic of Ireland international Daryl is the first player that comes to mind when considering the best young player at Eamonn Deacy Park.

The 22 year old was appointed captain this season and the right-back has been a consistent presence for The Tribesmen so far this season.

Horgan is at his best pushing up the field in support of Galway’s attack and Shane Keegan will be looking for more of that out of his captain in the second half of the season.

Star signing: Ronan Murray

Murray has been United’s stand out signing so far this season for all of the qualities outlined above.

An honourable mention has to go to Lee Grace at centre-half. Shane Keegan brought the 24 year old with him from Wexford this season and the defender has been a confident and assured presence at the back for The Tribesmen.

What they need to do in the transfer market

One of Galway United’s main problems so far this season has been in converting the chances they are creating, Shane Keegan may want to look at getting someone that can score plenty of goals in this window.

A name that springs to mind is Pat Hoban who is a free agent since his Mansfield Town contract expired. The former Dundalk striker was spotted at Galway United’s recent defeat to Bohemians at Eamonn Deacy Park and the Galway native could be open to accepting an offer from his hometown club.

Finances are more than likely a factor for Galway United though and it would be a surprise if there was any activity from Shane Keegan over the next few weeks.

Where we see them finishing

Galway United have shown that they are no pushovers so far this season but Shane Keegan’s side will have to put more wins on the board to move up the table.

A ninth place finish, as predicted before the season, is well in reach for Shane Keegan’s side and if his side can put another good run together they can avoid relegation.