The winter months for an SSE Airtricity League of Ireland manager are rarely smooth. Turbulence is generally experienced when trying to reach any destination. Players need to be targeted and deals agreed.
During the past couple of months Galway United boss John Caulfield has been busy stitching a squad together for the upcoming first division campaign.
Following a scouting trip to Europe last month Caulfield is optimistic about some of United’s recent recruits.
So far three new signings have been made with more expected to follow. Jordan Adeymo, Manu Dimas, and Diego Portilla are all set to feature in Sunday’s friendly against Finn Harps in Ballindereen.
“We were looking to bring in attacking options,” Caulfield explains. “Obviously Jordan has come in from Drogheda, he played a number of games in the premier division last season, a very explosive player, he got a few goals for them. Manu Dimas is a Spanish centre forward.
“We went over, we identified a couple of players we thought that might suit our league, he was a prolific goalscorer in Spain, it is just whether he will adapt to our league. I felt that by watching him a few times that he would. Then at the back we have Diego Portilla, a strong centre back, aggressive. Again another player I think will suit coming into our league.
“The two lads have been in Galway for a few days, they have got a fantastic reception and let us hope they do well for the club.”
Another source of encouragement is the fact that Francely Lomboto and Ronan Manning will remain with United following an injury ravaged 2021.
“I think the main thing is that both of the lads were desperately unlucky with Francely breaking a leg the week before the start of the season,” Caulfield says.
“That was a real blow considering he had been absolutely flying for pre-season. He was back training with us at the end of last season, but was just a few weeks short of being able to play. He is in again, he is looking great, thankfully he looks even stronger than he was last year. Hopefully he will have a fantastic season.
“Ronan, likewise, is back in, he will take a little bit longer, it probably will be April or May maybe before Ronan is back in contention. He is still a couple of months behind on rehab, but it is great to have the two lads back in.
“Obviously up front, attacking players, Francely with his power and pace he will be available from now which is great.”
Unfortunately Maurice Nugent, who developed into a key performer for United, will not be involved in the 2022 season for United.
It is disappointing to lose Maurice,” Caulfield responds. “Obviously I have known since last August, he got offered a very big job in London. He decided to take it, his girlfriend had moved over too. It was a career decision move for him, but he is a big loss for us for this season.
“He was one of the players who came through our underage, we had great time for him, he turned into a super centre back.
“We are disappointed to lose him, but it was part of the reason why we had gone out to try to find a replacement. That is where Diego Portilla came in because we had known for a while that Maurice was going moving to London.”
**Listen to the full interview with Galway United manager John Caulfield on this week’s ‘Cian on Sport’ podcast available on Soundcloud, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
