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Galway United begin the new season with a tough opener against St. Patrick’s Athletic in Richmond Park this Friday night at 7:30pm.
The game has the added spice of Jeff Kenna facing the club he departed two months ago.

TOUGH CHALLENGES

Kenna’s successful effort in keeping Galway United afloat in the Eircom Premier Division meant he was a sought after man. He was linked to many clubs here in Ireland and across the water before opting to take the reigns at St. Patrick’s.

Kenna’s assistant at Galway United, Ian Foster, replaced the former Irish International as manager of the Tribesmen. Foster has wasted no time in building for the new season with a number of signings.

NEW FACES AT TERRYLAND

One necomer to the side is Gary Breen (no, not that guy!).The nineteen year-old centre-half was a member of the Manchester City Youth team which reached the final of the FA Youth Cup in 2006.

Another defensive acquisition was Sean Kelly who has been signed on a season long loan from Cork City. Kelly also has plenty of experience playing at a variety of under-age levels for the Republic of Ireland and he was also a member of the Arsenal youth academy.

Twenty-three year old midfielder Michael McGrath signs from Kidderminster Harriers on a one year contract. Another midfielder David Cooke has returned to the club he left in 2007.
 
Up front Stockport County striker Declan Edwards has joined United on loan until July. The 19 Year old Irishman previously played in the Republic of Ireland U18 Schools Squad.

A huge boost for the club was holding on to the highly rated Jay O’Shea. The talented Kerry man has been named the club captain for the season.

TESTING TIMES AT TERRYLAND

This year promises to be another tough season for the Tribesmen who avoided relegation last season by a solitary point. The club has re-averted to part-time football after high-profiled financial problems last season.

The Eircom league has been reduced from twelve to ten teams this season which means this season more than any other, it will be highly competitive. The bottom team will be automatically relegated with the second from bottom club having to play a two-game play-off against the second placed team in Division One.

TRAVELLING SUPPORTERS

Galway United Supporters Trust will be running a bus to Friday's Premier Division match against St. Pat's Ath, at Richmond Pk. The bus will depart from Fibber Magees, Eyre Square, at 3pm sharp. Seats can be booked by ringing Conor Holland at (087) 2184132, or Ronan Coleman at (087) 6972823.