2011 Preview: St. Patrick's Athletic

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St. Patrick’s Athletic

Year founded: 1929

Major honours: League Champions (8) 1951/52, 1954/55, 1955/56, 1989/90, 1995/96, 1996/98, 1998/99, 2001/02 F.A.I. Cup Winners (2) 1958/59, 1960/61 League Cup Winners (2) 2000/01, 2003

Stadium: Richmond Park.

Manager: Pete Mahon

Captain: TBA

Transfers in: Stephen Bradley (Shamrock Rovers), Brian Shortall (UCD), Evan McMillan (UCD), David McMillan (UCD), Daryl Kavanagh (Waterford United), Paul Crowley (Drogheda United), Shane McFaul (Sporting Fingal).

Transfers Out: Noel Haverty (Shelbourne), David McAllister (Sheffield United), Ryan Guy (America).

The Saints began the 2010 season like no other, as Pete Mahon’s men were an extremely difficult side to penetrate. The likes of Conor Kenna, Dave Mulcahy, Dave McAllister and mid season signing Daniel North were all playing out of their skin, earning the Saints impressive results both at home as well as on the road. As the season progressed however, the relatively small squad size began to show as injuries and stamina became an issue as the Saints began sliding down the table. 2010 was a very positive year for the St Patrick’s Athletic, and signs are showing for an even more promising 2011.

Hanging on to the likes of Conor Kenna and Dave Mulcahy will be extremely positive news for Saints fans. Coupled with the welcome additions to the squad, a third place finish in the league is achievable. It would be no surprise if Pete Mahon guides his squad to silverware this year also.

Pete Mahon, speaking with Extratime:
“In all, we will be competing in six competitions this year. We will have to try and get a good start like we did last season, and build a bit of momentum. If we are going to improve on last season, we are going to have to win something.”

“We got to the final of the Setanta Cup last year; we were in the top two placed in the league up until the last round of matches. We got beaten in the Semi final of the FAI Cup in the replay. If we don’t win something, at the very minimum we need to qualify for European football.”

ExtraTime Prediction: 4th