2017 was very much a tale of two seasons for Dundalk FC. The extended 2016 season, loss of three key players and a mounting injury list meant Dundalk ended the first series of games playing catch up on a rampant Cork City. The 3-0 loss to the le
2017 was very much a tale of two seasons for Dundalk FC.
The extended 2016 season, loss of three key players and a mounting injury list meant Dundalk ended the first series of games playing catch up on a rampant Cork City. The 3-0 loss to the league winners in June ended thier title hopes but it also proved to drive the team on to prove all was not over at that point.
Dundalk hit a very successful period following the mid season break with the emergence of Niclas Vemmelund and return of Sean Gannon saw Dundalk steady the defence. Coupled with the growing confidence in Dundalks attack line meant going into Europe against Rosenbourg they had scored 16 goals without concession.
There was no European odessy this season however with Rosenborg putting Dundalk to the sword following extra-time in Norway, but the game displayed that Kennys charges were not as far off the alumni of 2016 as much as people thought. Had Kilduff's effort not hit the bar who knows what would have happened?
Dundalk ended the season with just one trophy with the EA SPORTS Cup as the Aviva stadium proved more heartbreak with a penalty shoot out loss to Cork City in the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup final. Kenny will take lessons from last season and drive his players on to regain domestic power in 2018.
Star Player: Robbie Benson
A driving force in the midfield the precocious talent from Athlone will have a big season ahead with his vision and goal scoring attributes.
What They Need For 2018
Dundalk need to simply hit the ground running and ensure that minimum points are dropped in the first series of games. It's easier said than done however.
They need to ensure that strength and depth is ensured in defence. The arrival of Stephen Folan and Dean Jarvis will soften the blow of losing Niclas Vemmelund.
Realistic Targets For 2018
Dundalk fans love a league title as much as anyone but a FAI cup win is very much something Dundalk fans crave. The lilywhites have not won at the national stadium since 2015 and will want to banish that demon.
Being a seeded side in the Europa League will be a massive boost this year and if the draw is fair on Dundalk who knows what kind of run Dundalk could undergo?
Best Signing Made So Far
The return of Pat Hoban a fans favourite is music to the fans ears especially with the departure of David McMillan. However Ronan Murray is also a striker that excites and could with the right service flourish at Oriel Park.
