East coast teams continue to rule the roost

GOODBYE to all that then for another close season, and heaven knows what the summer will bring. It's liable to be even more significant than events on the pitch in 1995-96, what with the continuing Wimbledon saga and a new long term format for the league to be agreed by August.

The force was undoubtedly with the Dublin clubs - save for the persistence of Sligo Rovers - with four of them occupying places in the top five. Worryingly, the map is liable to shift further eastwards; the promotion of Home Farm and Bray Wanderers takes the Dublin/Wicklow contingent to seven and leaves Cork 165 miles adrift of their nearest away venue, as Galway and Athlone join the sleeping (comatosed) giants' of Limerick and Waterford in the first division.

It's all very well the smaller clubs arguing for an expanded and more representative Premier Division of 16 clubs. A trimmed down 10 club division, which the bigger clubs want, lacks variety and could become tediously repetitive. But, against that, unless the likes of UCD, Cobh Waterford, Limerick, Longford Athlone, Kilkenny and Monaghan agree to significantly upgrade their facilities then an elitist division is the more credible option in this day and age.

In case the smaller clubs hadn't noticed a Dublin concentrated elite has been steadily developing these last few seasons. The 1995-96 campaign merely saw a continuation of that process whereby the more progressive clubs off the pitch profited on it.

St Patrick's - Ironically, it was almost an exact replica of their previous season, in that they scored the same number of goals, 53, and conceded only two less, 34. Crucially though, as pointed out here last season, they converted the three home draws which cost them the title into wins, and for good measure suffered two less defeats away from home.

Their 40 point haul at home was identical to that of last year's champions, Dundalk. Fittingly Richmond Park has become an almost impregnable fortress. The reverse to Galway in October stands out even more curiously now as their only home defeat in 32 contests since the opening game last season.

Bohemians - The search for their Holy Grail continues, Bohemians finishing runners up for the fourth time since their last title success in 77-78. They scored freely, were ruthless with the lower teams, accumulating a maximum 27 point haul from their nine games against the bottom three.

But all along you sensed something was missing a touch more football from the back, a creative spark in midfield and greater employment of the grossly under served Brian Mooney. Significantly, they won only three of 12 games against clubs in the top five.

Sligo Rovers - Just came up short in all three competitions. Strong on the flanks and at set pieces, but lacking through the middle, and their all for one philosophy was a tad excessive. Needed some new faces even before the end of season fall out improved on the road, thanks to their organisation and spirit, but couldn't prize open quite enough defences at the Showgrounds.

Shelbourne Ironically the sale of Vinny Arkins and the ensuing liberation of Stephen Geoghegan in 4-5-1 clicked thrillingly in October-November. But they were too reliant on him and John O'Rourke for goals, and became something of a big occasion team. Lost six of their last eight league games while continuing a Cup odyssey that will be one to tell their grandchildren about.

Shamrock Rovers - So near and yet so far again - there's little in between with this Rovers. Early season illnesses within the squad probably contributed, and Ray Treacy probably tampered too much - Derek McGrath not being employed in central mid field astounding many fellow players. Still haven't found a replacement for Stephen Geoghegan, though Mark Reid's 10 goals made him the closest yet.

Derry City - After wiping the slate clean with a liquidation and new board the previous Christmas, and enjoying a profitable end of season, curiously they were forced to cut their cloth this term and a transitional reduction in the squad's average age took its toll.

Dundalk - Not enough amendments were made to a venerable squad which went stale come the New Year, after which they won two of 17 league and Cup games.

UCD - injury enforced disruptions caused teething problems upon their return to the top flight and they were always too reliant on the brilliant Mick O'Byrne for goals. But on their day they were a match for most teams, winning regularly at Belfield and scalping everyone bar St Patrick's and Dundalk.

Cork City - in a different league, let's say the French, Cork would have been chucked out after the inevitable collapse of the previous board. Instead, geography and tradition ensured the FAI helped to save them. Meantime Galway, who got their pitch right and didn't spend money they didn't have (ditto Drogheda) went down. It still hardly seems fair.

Athlone Town - With the infusion of Tony Mannion, they almost pulled off one of their Houdini like escapes, retrieving 10 points on Drogheda by the last day, only to lose their Premier Division status to Home Farm in the penalty shoot out of a play off. Given that's how they survived last year, they can have few complaints.

Drogheda United - Too good for the First Division, not good enough for the Premier - it was ever thus. The never fully explained departure of Martin Lawlor as coach and Jim McLaughlin's illness must have contributed to a collapse which saw them win only twice since New Year's Day. Still had their destiny in their own hands until they blew it spectacularly against a dishevelled Sligo on the final day.

Galway United - Even when scraping draws early on Galway always had a threadbare look about them. An 11 game losing run at the turn of the year, culminating in nine games without a goal, was surely accentuated by the poorly handled dismissal of Tony Mannion.

Of the three promoted clubs, arguably Finn Harps look the best equipped to survive given their greater level of support, which might also benefit Sligo and Derry in a north west revival. Pat Devlin worked wonders with Bray Wanderers again, but by his own admission could be up to five players short of the requisite standard for next season.

Have a nice summer, and remember, it's our league.