Shelbourne Expectations are always high at Tolka Park considering the rich history of Shelbourne FC. Owen Heary doesn't mind that because he also demands the best from himself and those around him. The only issue is that they have competition for th
Shelbourne
Expectations are always high at Tolka Park considering the rich history of Shelbourne FC. Owen Heary doesn't mind that because he also demands the best from himself and those around him. The only issue is that they have competition for their coveted final position.
Battling with UCD, Drogheda United and Longford Town for automatic promotion is not an easy task. Then add into the mix the fact that Finn Harps and Galway United still have ambitions of being part of it and you can see why Shels are constantly looking over their shoulder.
Still, they have performed well overall. Heary knows that they can still improve but he will be pleased that his team know how to close out a game when on top and their hunger will be important in the second part of the season.
Mid-Season Rating: B
A lot done, more to do. Shels have attacking flair, a solid backline, and a dependable goalkeeper - all of the ingredients needed to win a League. But do they have an X-factor? Someone who can be the difference in tight games? Sometimes that doesn't matter as long as they fight for each other as a team.
Best Player: David O'Sullivan
It's easy to point to the top scorer as being the best player but that is undoubtedly the case for Shels so far this season. The former Longford Town man has rediscovered his groove and that has resulted in 13 League goals netted before the break.
Most Promising Newcomer: Shane Farrell
A fresh-faced recruit from Finglas United, this nippy attacker has found it difficult to clock up game-time with the likes of O'Sullivan, James English and Jamie Doyle ahead of him in the pecking order. But if he keeps performing when called upon then he will get an extended run in the team sooner rather than later.
Area They Need To Strengthen: Midfield
It's not that the Shels midfield is weak - they actually have a nice balance in different types of players - it's that they simply need strength in numbers. If that means promoting players from their Under-19 team or bringing in new recruits, Heary needs to act in this area to ensure his team stays in the promotion hunt.
