Pembroke Wanderers

Last Season: 1st; IHL, ISC, EuroHockey Club Trophy Winners, Mills Cup final

Player/coach: Craig Fulton (5th season)
Captain: Alan Giles

Players In: Andy McConnell (TRR), Patrick Good (YMCA), Adam Pritchard (Cork C of I), David Molloy (Waterford)
Players Out: Ronan Flannery (UCD), Scott Lowrie (Scotland), Stu Loughrey (Loughborough Uni)

Summary: The unprecedented success of 2008/09 has helped attract big name signings in Andy McConnell and Adam Pritchard, helping Pembroke to continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in Irish club hockey.

The biggest acquisition, though, could be the inclusion of Colin Stewart on the management ticket. His arrival as a specialist forward’s coach can also double as a very keen extra set of eyes on the sideline to help player-coach Craig Fulton.

Like Glenanne, their build-up to the EHL is far from ideal and UCD on Saturday represents the first and only chance for the full 2009/10 panel to get to grips with each other in a competitive environment ahead of Barcelona. Their group in that competition does offer a good opportunity to advance with Kelburne the obvious target.

On paper, the strength in depth should see Pembroke start the season as favourites for pretty much everything domestically but EHL campaigns have tended to disrupt league form as injury takes its toll in the long run. But Pembroke now have a large extended panel and will be better equipped than any other to deal with such eventualities.

First three games: Clontarf (h); Glenanne (date TBC); UCD (date TBC)
Prediction: 1st
IHL Prediction: Winners