Recent Columns

Alright – alright! You can’t win ‘em all! Although only two of my six betting predictions came up last week – I actually predicted four of the six results. Luckily, the games are coming thick and fast and I have the chance to line your pockets with some of the dosh that you’ve inevitably lost at Cheltenham. Keep an eye on this page at the weekend for another bumper set of predictions on Monday & Tuesday's games. First – let’s talk about this weekend.

The Extratime team give you a helpful guide to each of the League of Ireland grounds. Ideal for visiting away fans.

Perhaps the most important piece in Russell’s jigsaw this year will be striker David McMillan however. Having returned from Australia last summer, the former St Patrick’s Athletic man brought potency to the UCD attack that had been missing and his goals will be needed again this year if they are to gain valuable points against their fellow bottom half clubs.

St Patrick’s Athletic fans will be expecting a challenge for a European place this season at the very least. However if they can remain consistent over the course of the league season and keep their key players fit, then Pats may well be title contenders in the final weeks of the season.

Manager Ian Baraclough has had to deal with some high-profile departures during the off-season, but he has also been working hard to add players that will assist his squad in their attempted title defence.

The board and manager Alan Mathews have said that club will be operating on a much lower budget this year than last. Coupled with the fact that they have lost a number of important players during the off-season, it could be a tough year for Shels.

Croly has assembled a squad with competition in all areas but the new manager’s biggest obstacle could be instilling a spirit and togetherness throughout the whole club, which was sorely missed in 2012.

The Extratime team give you a helpful guide to each of the League of Ireland grounds. Ideal for visiting away fans.

There appears to be an air of optimism on Shannonside, complimented by wholesale changes at the club – both managerially and in terms of playing personnel.

Heralded by the return of Declan “Fabio” O’Brien (who was to score 18 goals in all competitions), Mick Cooke’s team made a mockery of their 200/1 pre-season odds by finishing in second place in the Airtricity Premier Division and winning the EA Sports Cup.