Drogheda United : Next Year's Watchlist
The Drogs have produced multiple talents over the span of the last 5 years with the most successful being academy graduate Killian Phillips who made the switch from now Weavers Park to Selhurst Park in 2021. However, former loanees, particularly under Kevin Doherty have caught the eye of their parent club and muscled their way into the first team at their parent club, the best example in recent years is Sean Roughan. Now we have four players to watch out for next season.
Emmanuel Milongo
Manny Milongo has certainly had an impressive season between being a mainstay centre-back for league winning Drogs u20's he also played a half for the Drogs Senior Team in the first edition of the Trivela Cup earlier this year, in which Drogheda United defeated Walsall 4-3 on penalties following a close 1-1 draw. Manny has played for the Drogs u20 alongside Osaze Irhue at centre-back, Manny played a strong role for the Drogs u20 side and with the retirement of David Webster, the Drogs senior team could turn to a youngster to fill that gap or even hold the position of a strong impact sub. Manny also played a full 120 minutes for the Drogs against ST.Mochtas in this season's edition of the Leinster Senior Cup.
Aaron Harper-Bailey
Following his first season coming to a close Harper-Bailey will be on a high following clinching an FAI Cup Final and playing 4 times in all competitions including a full 90 minutes in the final Louth Derby of the season, however we are sure Aaron will be looking for more. With a gold medal around his neck and a massive gap left by David Webster in the defence, the towering no.5 will be eager to prove his point and cement himself at the heart of the Drogs backline. We can see Aaron playing a huge role for the Drogs next season, with Harper-Bailey being tall, strong and rapid it's clear that he's already making his case to taking over David Webster's former role. Harper-Bailey a former product of the West Brom academy has plenty of experience with top academy setups and coaches, information that will most likely stand to him as he develops into a top level centre-back.
Cameron Feehan
The Drogs have Cameron Feehan to thank for some of their silverware this year. Feehan would be the one to slot home the Drogs fifth and winning penalty to earn the first edition of the Trivela Cup which would earn the Drogs their second cup of the season following a win in the Jim Malone Cup to kick the season off. Feehan would play an instrumental roll in the u20's path to the league title, he even netted the second goal in a 3-0 win against Waterford u20's that would hand the Drogs a well deserved u20's league title. We are going to say this here and now, we believe Cameron Feehan is going to resemble the abilities Darragh Markey possesses next season and he will no doubt be a constant impact sub and could possibly start a few games for the Boynesiders as he looks to make his mark on the League Of Ireland.
Bridel Bosakani
The Drogs have had one particular starlet breakthrough into first team contention last year. He even won our young player of the season. Bridel Bosakani has been on fire for the u20's alongside Killian Cailloce. Bosakani managed to win three awards in the last two weeks of the season (goal of the month, u20 player of the year, FAI Cup). Bosakani struck a hat-trick in a rampant victory that saw the Drogs win 9-0 against Wilton United. Bosakani would also score an absolute beauty against Shels clinching the accolade of October Goal Of The Month. Bosakani had a tally of 4 senior goals last year, showing how impressive he truly is.
Overall this short Substack was to show 4 players that could truly be key players next year. We'd love to see our predictions come true but for now let's wait and see.