Limerick FC continue preparations ahead of 2019 season

Limerick FC continued their preparations for the 2019 Airtricity League First Division season last weekend with a pre-season friendly defeat to Cork City. The final score was 5-0 to the Leesiders at the Farm in UCC as Limerick fielded a particularly young side. It was the Shannonsiders first game since the defeat to Finn Harps in the promotion/relegation playoff in November.

The returning Robbie Williams and Sean Russell started at centre-back and left-back respectively. Both players returned to the club from Galway United in December and will be the most experienced in what is shaping up to be a very youthful side this season. The youthful nature of the squad was epitomised by Killian Brouder’s appointment as captain for the Cork City game. Although it was the club’s first game, with Robbie Williams also involved in the coaching side, it is likely that it is an indication of Brouder’s permanent appointment as captain for the new season.

Due to well known financial restrictions, the club’s recruitment has been virtually non existent with a heavy reliance on signing players well known to Barrett from his time as under 19s manager while also handing trials to youngsters who have been involved with the under 17s and 19s in the last two years. Conor Ellis, Will Fitzgerald and Killian Brouder were under contract while the addition of Karl O’Sullivan was one of few positives so far. There were rumours of a return for striker Vinny Faherty but he has since signed for native Galway United for the fourth time in his career. The addition of experienced players is something Barrett knows he desperately needs but equally, the former Limerick captain knows his chances of adding significantly to the squad are slim to none.

Last week, turmoil engulfed the club once more as newly appointed general manager Breifne Earley resigned within four days of taking the role, citing the break down intalks between club representatives and a US based company who were looking to invest and clear the debt at the club. There have been widespread rumours of a local business becoming involved in the club but nothing concrete has come of it. One thing is for sure, if the club were to secure significant investment it would ease supporters worried about the short term future. However, it is certainly too late to improve the playing squad which will frustrate the Limerick management team.

When you consider the standard of player being signed by Shelbourne, Longford Town and even last year’s basement club Athlone Town, all three squads all look stronger than Limerick FC’s current pool. People must be realistic this season and realise that the chances of challenging for promotion are almost slim to none.

Another major issue which quickly needs resolving is the home venue for the club this season. The Super Blues have spent the last three and a half years at the Markets Field following their return in front nearly 3000 onlookers in 2015. Unfortunately, that support has gradually drifted away. Although there are no reasons to suggest the club wont be playing at the Garryowen venue this season, the lack of fincances has been cited as a reason for a possible move. Although the move back to the once named “spiritual home of Limerick soccer” brought about a lot of promise in the early days, a familiar feeling of worry is engulfing the hardcore support in the city.