Galway’s triumph in the promotion/relegation play-off over the Students hinted that last year’s second tier was quite strong.

THE arrival of Longford Town and Galway United in the Premier Division complicates the debate around the issue of relegation.

At last week's launch of the new campaign, Stephen Kenny proffered the view that the newcomers are stronger than the teams they have replaced - Athlone and UCD - and that seems like a sound assessment.

Galway's triumph in the promotion/relegation play-off over the Students hinted that last year's second tier was quite strong. Longford made the leap with a squad that wouldn't look out of place in the top flight with league winners such as Stephen Rice and Pat Sullivan in their ranks.

They should be well capable of steering clear of the drop this term. Galway do not have the same experience but if the city rallies around their comeback and their promising youngsters grow in confidence then they can keep their head above water.

There's no obvious weak side in the top flight, though. Limerick's winter was worrying and the delay in moving to the Markets Field is a real disappointment but the late addition of Aidan Price gives them a valuable defensive presence.

Shane Duggan and Paul O'Conor are decent midfield options and if they can get back to their spiritual home by their new May deadline then that should give them a significant boost.

Bohemians should have enough to reside in mid-table and that's where Derry City may linger this year too although they will be aiming higher.

This leaves us with Bray and Drogheda. Both clubs were the subject of speculation about their future over the winter.

Bray are under new ownership and have moved to Saturday evening kick-offs in an attempt to boost attendances. Alan Mathews' side were part of the relegation discussion in 2014 and they are likely to be engaged in a dogfight once more. Their rivals look better bets to improve across the season.

Drogheda boss John McDonnell has brought in some enigmatic performers on a tight budget and lost some important players. Staying up would represent a solid year and they might have to enter the play-offs to do so.

Who will come up? McDonnell left Shels after they finished ahead of Galway last season only to slip up in the play-offs. Under new boss Kevin Doherty, Shels have made some astute signings for this level.

Athlone shouldn't be too far away but a new structure at UCD is interesting with manager Collie O'Neill supported by director of football Pat Devlin.

Intriguingly, the return of Evan McMillan as player/coach means that the Students will have the best defender in the division. Michael Leahy has also come back to the club and that partnership is capable of ensuring that the Belfield boys push Shels all the way.

Irish Independent