Season Preview 2014 - Shamrock Rovers

Manager: Trevor Croly

Stadium: Tallaght Stadium

Players in: Craig Hyland (Waterford United), Luke Byrne (Bohemians), Rob Cornwall (Shelbourne), Conor Kenna (St Patricks Athletic), Simon Madden (Derry City), David O’Connor (UCD), Stephen McPhail (Sheffield Wednesday), Robert Bayly (Shelbourne), Ryan Brennan (Drogheda United), Marty Waters (Bray Wanderers), Dean Kelly (Shelbourne).

Players out: Richard Brush (Sligo Rovers), Pat Sullivan (Longford Town), Conor Powell (Vard Haugesund), David Elebert (Derry City), Ken Oman (St Patricks Athletic), Derek Foran (St Patricks Athletic), Daniel Ledwith (Sligo Rovers), Conor McCormack (St Patricks Athletic), Stephen Rice (Longford Town), James Chambers (St Patricks Athletic), Billy Dennehy (Cork City), Richie Ryan (Ottawa Fury), Mark Quigley (St Patricks Athletic), Thomas Stewart (Free Agent).

Extratime.ie Key Man: Gary McCabe

The diminutive winger came into his own last season after threatening greatness during the rest of his time at the club previous to that. He hit eight league goals for the Hoops last campaign and will no doubt be looking to improve on that this season. He has starred in pre-season as well, playing much of his time out on the right hand side of a 4-4-2 and has bagged a couple of goals in the process. A player, not known for his pace, who is rapidly becoming one of the best wide men in the country.

Extratime.ie One to watch: Marty Waters

Could arguably be put down as the key man but he will settle for being one to watch. That which he certainly is. After a sparkling tenure at Bray Wanderers, childhood Hoop Waters made the switch to Croly’s men during this off season. A wide man with pace to burn and a flawless end product, he has already shown his sparkle in the Leinster Senior Cup with a stunning strike against Drogheda United. Looks set to keep Sean O’Connor out of the team and will be vital to the success of the Hoops strike force with his creative instinct.

How they did last season:

League: 5th

FAI Cup: Semi Final

EA Sports Cup: Winners

What to expect this season:

With the big kick off this Friday, the Hoops have been gearing up in fine style. In the last couple of weeks, they have dispatched of Drogheda United and Glentoran 5-1 in the Leinster Senior Cup and Setanta Cup respectively. They’ve also notched up a 3-1 win over Cliftonville and a 3-0 victory over Wayside Celtic.

The stars of pre-season have been Waters and McCabe but one who has surprised many is the returning Robert Bayly. His sublime performances in the 5-1 victories have showcased the ability he possesses, something which will bewilder fans of Bohemians and Shelbourne, who did not see this side of Bayly. He was seen as a squad player originally but is now in the forefront of Trevor Croly’s plans.

Title Odds: 4/1

First Game: vs Derry City (Sunday 9th March - Tallaght Stadium)