PREVIEW: the Eircom League starts here

Can Drogheda claim back their title? Chris Blake looks the top division sides for the coming season.

Bohemians
Pat Fenlon will be hoping to bring the glory days back to Dalymount Park in the 2008 season. Last year, the gypsies finished in 3rd place and will hope to be one of the main contenders for the league this time around. Midfielder Killian Brennan and centre half Ken Oman have been added to the squad. Bohs travel to Galway on the opening day of the season.

Top Scorer: Glen Crowe
Projected Finish: 4th

Bray Wanderers
The seagulls just managed to avoid the drop last season and will look to repeat that feat in the new campaign. They have captured Gavin Whelan from champions Drogheda to add some flair to their midfield. Bray travel to the resurgent Cork on the opening day of the season.

Top Scorer: Alan Cawley
Projected Finish: 10th

Cobh Ramblers
Cobh will be one of the favorites to drop straight back down to the first division. The ramblers won promotion after finishing champions in Ireland’s second tier. They have held onto their entire squad from last season, while adding Alan Kearney and Shane Guthrie to their side. They travel to fellow Premier division newcomers Finn Harps on March 7th.

Top Scorer: David O’Neill
Projected Finish: 12th

Cork City
New boss Alan Matthews will be hoping to bring instant success to Turners Cross. After a fourth place finish last season, the rebel army will want a much more consistent season and off the field. They have added some great talent to their squad including last season’s top scorer Dave Mooney and former favorite George O’Callaghan. They host Bray Wanderers in Matthew’s first game.

Top Scorer: Roy O’Donovan
Projected finish: 2nd

Derry City
Stephen Kenny has returned to the Brandywell and will be looking to win the title he almost won in 2005. They had a very poor season in 2007 finishing a lowly 7th, a whopping 31 points behind champions Drogheda. Derry travel to Sammon’s former team on the opening day.

Top Scorer: Kevin McHugh
Projected Finish: 5th

Drogheda United
Drogheda finished comfortable champions last season and are strong favorites to regain their title in 2008. Manager of the year Paul Doolin worked wonders to win his first league title. The Drogs have added the talented Shaun Maher from Bournemouth to their already strong squad. The champions host Shamrock Rovers in their opening fixture.

Top Scorer: Eamon Zayed
Projected Finish: 1st

Finn Harps
The newly promoted Finn Harps have added six new faces to
their squad to avoid falling back down the first division.
Even with these signings they will still be one of the favorites to be relegated. They have  added Gary Beckett from rivals Derry City to their attacking line. They are set to host Cobh Ramblers in their first game.

Top Scorer: Conor Gethins
Projected Finish: 11th

Galway United
Galway had a very solid season last year ending in an 8th place finish. Manager Tony Cousins will hope to build on this finish and push for a top 6 finish. The Tribesmen have added two talented youngsters in Jay O’Shea and Gary Deegan to their midfield. Galway host Bohemians in their opening fixture.

Top Scorer: Derek Glynn
Projected Finish: 8th

Shamrock Rovers
After a rollercoaster first season back in the premier division, Shamrock Rovers finished 5th. Pat Scully will be hoping for an improvement from last season with Europe a realistic aim. They have added Darragh Maguire to sure up the defense and
Dessie Baker to their depleted front line. Rovers travel to holders Drogheda on March 7.

Top Scorer: Tadgh Purcell
Projected Finish: 6th

Sligo Rovers
Rovers finished in a
decent 6th place in 2007 but were much closer to relegation
than a top 3 finish. They will hope to
gain some ground on the front runners in the upcoming season. Sligo Rovers have added Pat Jennings to be their number one keeper for 2008. Sligo travel to Richmond Park for their
opening game.

Top Scorer: Fahrudin Kudozovic
Projected Finish: 7th

St Patrick’s Athletic
Pats finished in second place last season and will hope to go one better and win their first title since 1999. Manager John McDonnell has appointed Dave Rogers as the club’s new captain. They have brought in the talented Joe O’Ceaurill, and will host Sligo Rovers in their opening game.

Top Scorer: Mark Quigley
Projected Finish: 3rd

UCD
The students narrowly avoided relegation last season after a battling campaign they finished 10th.
After losing Conor Sammon to Derry City they will be hoping to survive another tough season in the top flight. They have brought in John Reilly from Longford Town. UCD host Derry City to start their campaign.

Top Scorer: Paul Byrne
Projected Finish: 9th