Winter is coming and so is the off-season merry-go-round that has the ability to transport players to new destinations that may just reignite their careers. As managers attempt to agree budgets with their respective Boards before Club Licensing matt
Winter is coming and so is the off-season merry-go-round that has the ability to transport players to new destinations that may just reignite their careers.
As managers attempt to agree budgets with their respective Boards before Club Licensing matters control their total focus, the out-of-contract players are stuck in limbo...waiting on a call that may never come.
Some players should have no problem attracting a new employer and we have compiled a starting XI, of sorts, containing players who are currently free agents.
1: Micheal Schlingermann
Departed Sligo Rovers halfway through the season after being displaced by Mitchell Beeney, but the goalkeeper's stock remains high following some impressive years with Drogheda United. Still only 27 years old, his best years are ahead of him and he would be a solid man to start building your defence from.
2: Conor Kane
With 28 League appearances clocked up for Drogheda United last season, it would be a surprise if The Boynesiders are not leading the charge to sign this talented defender back up again. Although he may be hoping to catch the eye of a Premier Division club in order to get a chance to impress at that level.
3: Luke Byrne
Injuries have ensured that Byrne's time at Shamrock Rovers had a stop-start feel to it towards the end, but people should not forget how good he can be. The left-back is composed on the ball, strong in the tackle, quick to make supporting runs, and has showed signs of maturity in the last year.
4: Sean Heaney
There wasn't much to shout about at Bray Wanderers last season, although Heaney can feel okay with how he performed. The young centre-back poses a threat in both penalty areas with his dominance in the air, but it is his man-marking and knack of stopping opposition forwards truly made him stand out.
5: Darren Cole
This wily Scot finished third on the appearances made chart for Derry City, but his two-year deal had run out. A new challenge may excite him and there should be many clubs interested in someone who brings the right amount of physicality and calmness to his game.
6: Gregg Sloggett
The Students are moving on up, but Sloggett might not be part of their 2019 Class. The hard-working midfielder was really impressive throughout the campaign - particularly in the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup semi-final against Dundalk - and was on stand-by for Republic of Ireland Under-21 squads.
7: Killian Brennan
He may not get around the pitch as much as he once did, but Brennan is a game-winner and his technical ability has not diminished. He did not feature as much for St Patrick's Athletic last season but the Drogheda native will feel that he still has plenty left to offer.
8: Ryan Connolly
A return to Galway United did not go according to plan as The Tribesmen struggled to live up to their favourites' tag in the First Division. Able to operate anywhere across the midfield, Connolly is a driving force that any team would be happy to have.
9: Mikey Drennan
Goals win games and Drennan provides plenty of those. Okay, there were only six in the League for Sligo Rovers, but one has to remember that he joined halfway through the season and The Bit O'Red were not exactly flying high at that time. He looks recharged and ready to lead the line for a team.
10: Danny Morrissey
It just didn't happen for Morrissey at Limerick. The promise that he showed at Cork City a few years back has waned somewhat due to injury, loss of form, and simply not being selected. Still, he has an eye for goal and would be worth taking a closer look at.
11: Dylan McGlade
It's amazing that no club has signed up this tricky winger yet considering what he did for Longford Town last season. Finally, he found some sort of momentum and he ripped it up by embarrassing full-backs and scoring vital goals.
