Treaty United boss Tommy Barrett is hoping to rally support from the whole of the midwest for his new team after their solid start to life in the First Division.
In February, Treaty received a licence to compete in the division, with Shamrock Rovers II – who played in the division last season following the withdrawal of Limerick FC – dropping out.
Ex-Limerick boss Barrett took the reins but he had to assemble a squad in a very short period of time. Five games in, Treaty are fourth, four points off table-toppers Athlone Town.
"We're very happy, especially considering the short time frame we had to get the team together," Barrett told the RTÉ Soccer Podcast.
"We probably could be a few points better off but we said from the start we'd take it game by game. We're really happy with the first five games.
"[The squad] was mostly lads I knew already because we had such a short time to get them together. We had three days. We have nine or 10 players from Limerick, we have five players from Clare, five from Tipperary, we've two lads from Galway, two from Cork, two from Kerry and one lad from Dublin.
"There seems to be a really positive energy around the place, not just in Limerick but also in surrounding counties like Clare, Tipperary and Kerry – north Kerry in particular. We're delighted with the response. It's great. We can't wait to get fans in sooner rather than later."
Two wins and three draws so far represents a healthy return for the new boys but Barrett feels they've let a win or two more slip away from their grasp. With a trip to Shelbourne coming up this weekend, things won't get easier.
"The first three games particularly – Bray, Wexford and Cobh – we were still finding our feet. We were very defensive and we hung on – well we had to hang on because we'd three players sent off! We'd no other choice. I think against Galway we showed we can play a bit.
"We're going to be in a scrap every week. The games are going to be very tight but yeah it's definitely been more than we expected. That doesn't mean we can rest on our laurels. We have to be up for it again on Friday because it's a really difficult task. We're playing the best team in the league so far."
Reflecting on the really good support the club has received, Barrett added: "We're definitely a regional club. The whole of the midwest we look to tap into. There's no other senior club really between Athlone and Galway.
"We've always got supporters, even with Limerick FC, in from Clare and Tipp in particular and definitely west Limerick down towards Kerry. We look to get those supporters back in."
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