Treaty United Player Profile: Marc Ludden and Charlie Fleming

Marc Ludden is one of the most experienced players in the Airtricity League as he enters his 14th season at this level. The 32-year old made a huge impression at Treaty United last season as he was an almost ever-present in the team’s push to the play-offs. Ludden only missed one game at home to Cork City through suspension in the league.

Manager Tommy Barrett was delighted to secure the services of Ludden in 2021 as the left-back was a free-agent when he left Galway United at the end of the previous season. John Caulfield wanted to keep Ludden with his hometown club but he could not commit to full-time football. Former team-mate Jack Lynch was instrumental in convincing Ludden to join the club and it proved to be an inspired signing.

He was vice-captain for the club’s maiden season at Airtricity League level and produced some quality displays in both defence and attack. For the majority of the campaign, his one to one defending was superb as well as his leadership skills to help the relatively young squad around him. However, it was his ability to support the attack with great fervor which impressed the Treaty faithful.

Ludden was instrumental at set-piece time as he produced six assists from free-kicks and corners. Set-pieces were a huge weapon for the club and the full-back also possesses a dangerous long throw in his arsenal. He was also in contention to win the goal of the season competition as he finished off a superb team goal in Athlone on one of his trademark runs forward.

Ludden was the first player to officially commit to another season on Shannonside and will be hoping to help the likes of Lee Devitt, Denzil Fernandes and close associate Enda Curran settle at the club. With the likes of Tadgh Ryan, Sean McSweeney and Anto O’Donnell departing, Ludden’s role in the dressing will be as important as ever to Barrett and new coach Brian O’Callaghan.

Charlie Fleming is another player with plenty of League of Ireland experience behind him at the young age of 23. The right-back had a tough start to life with the Limerick based side as he was shown a straight red card against his hometown club Cobh Ramblers in his third game.

Following his return from suspension, he went on a consistent run of games and form. Fleming had been openly critical about his treatment by Cork City in 2020 and had a point to prove. There are question marks over his concentration levels in defence over 90 minutes and this season with competition from aplenty in the squad, he will be eager to gain the starting berth once again.

Much like Ludden, Charlie can add plenty in attack but he has had a stop-start pre-season campaign due to injury and didnt feature in the Munster Senior Cup game against Waterford last week.