The number of comings and goings at Oriel Park is an indication of the determination to avoid a return to the first division. Stephen McGuinness will add steel to the defence, Ciarβn Kavanagh guile to the midfield and James Keddy pace to the flanks.

In: Ciarβn Kavanagh (UCD), Stephen McGuinness (St Patrick's Athletic), James Keddy and Jonathan Prizeman (both Shelbourne), Bryan McCrystal (Newry Town), Stuart Connolly (Athlone Town), Mick O'Byrne (Kilkenny City), Justin O'Neill (Drogheda United).

Out: Eoin Mullen and Anto Reilly (Drogheda United), Padraig Gallogley, Ian Hill and Brian McKenna (all released), Tommy Byrne (USA), Greg O'Dowd (UCD).

Last five years: 10th, 6th, 12th, 4th (D1), 1st (D1).

Betting: 33/1.