Change meets stability as the League of Ireland season kicks off at Tallaght Stadium this evening with Shamrock Rovers hosting St Patrick’s Athletic in the President’s Cup.
More than 5,000 fans will file into the Dublin 24 venue to watch the titleholders face the FAI Cup holders and last season’s league runners-up.
It’s been all change for the Saints, who have a new management team led by Tim Clancy following the resignation of Stephen O’Donnell just five days after the cup final.
There’s been extensive turnover on the playing side as well, with 14 of the cup-winning having departed over the winter.
Chief among those is player of the year Vitezslav Jaros, the Czech keeper having returned to parent club Liverpool with a medal in his pocket.
Robbie Benson, who scored the winning penalty at Lansdowne Road, John Mountney and Sam Bone have followed O’Donnell up the M1 to Oriel Park.
And defensive talisman Lee Desmond made the decision to end his eight-year spell at Richmond Park by signing for American side Sacramento Republic.
Among those in the door are former Rovers striker Eoin Doyle, who has signed a three-year deal after leaving Bolton Wanderers, and West Ham keeper Joseph Anang.
Defender James Abankwah will stay with the Saints on loan for the first half of the season after joining Serie A side Udinese.
Forward Tunde Owolabi and Mark Doyle have also arrived from Finn Harps and Clancy’s former side Drogheda United, replacing Derry-bound Matty Smith.
By contrast, it’s all been pretty consistent on the Rovers front for the second successive season.
After losing Jack Byrne to Cypriot side APOEL on a free at the end of 2021, the Republic of Ireland midfielder is back and raring to go in green and white hoops.
The sole other arrival is right-back Andy Lyons, a controversial capture from city rivals Bohemians after he had spent much of pre-season with the Dalymount Park outfit.
Joey O’Brien, who has retired to take up a role as Damien Duff’s assistant at Shelbourne, and Dean Williams, who has signed for Drogheda, are the only major departures.
The original away allocation of 1,600 (20% of capacity) has sold out, so Rovers have issued the Saints additional tickets.
And Rovers have sold out the South Stand, the home of the Ultras faction, meaning there is likely to be a raucous atmosphere in West Dublin.
A Dublin derby to prepare for next Friday’s league start - Rovers host UCD while the Athletic travel to Shelbourne - with a trophy on the line is the ideal way to start for both sides.
"We're all looking forward to playing in front of our fans in Tallaght,” Rovers boss Stephen Bradley said in advance of the game.
“Pre-season is pre-season, and a lot of the games have been behind closed doors, so it's going to be really good to be back in front of our supporters at Tallaght.
“It's a great game to have before the season kicks off. UCD is the important one, but Friday gives us a chance to go and win a trophy, which is always something you want to do.”
Clancy echoed Bradley’s sentiments, saying: “We are looking forward to the game in front of a good crowd in Tallaght.
“You can't beat competitive games and this one sees the FAI Cup winners against the league winners. There will be plenty of quality on show from both teams.
“We'll have a big away crowd in Tallaght and the lads can't wait to play in front of the St Pat's fans again in a Dublin derby.”
Rovers will be without Lyons and striker Aaron Greene after they picked up knocks in pre-season, while Pats also have a couple of niggles.
Paddy Barrett, one of Clancy’s key off-season re-signings, and Rónán Coughlan will miss out, while Sam Curtis and Adam Murphy are away with the Irish under-17s.
Kick-off at Tallaght Stadium is 8pm and the game will be available to watch free of charge on LOITV.com.
