At the start of the season, few would have predicted that Drogheda United would be leading the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division after five games.
But we're at that juncture now and Kevin Doherty's side sit on top of the pile, defying all expectations.
Tonight they face Shamrock Rovers at Sullivan and Lambe Park in what promises to be a tight affair.
Rovers, fresh from a crucial win against St Patrick’s Athletic, will be desperate to put an end to Drogheda’s unbeaten streak and kickstart their own season.
But they will be wary—Drogheda were a tricky opponent for Rovers last season, and given their form, confidence and energy, they will be a difficult proposition once again.
Drogheda’s blistering start has shocked many, but perhaps it shouldn’t have.
Doherty has been achieving the improbable ever since he took over in 2021, having been assistant manager since 2017. With limited resources, he has consistently built competitive sides capable of frustrating even the biggest teams in the league.
Last season it took Drogheda 11 games to reach the points tally they have already matched this term, which highlights the scale of their improvement.
This is their first season in a long time as a full-time club, and while Doherty’s budget has improved, rumours suggest it’s still the lowest in the league.
A big factor in their success is Doherty himself. A manager widely regarded for his pragmatic approach, he has mastered the art of maximising his squad’s potential.
His ability to nullify opposition strengths while exploiting weaknesses is a rare trait in football.
Warren Davies’ spectacular goal against Shelbourne last weekend was a prime example of this - identifying Evan Caffrey playing out of position at right-back and Davies timing his press aggressively in that area.
The result? Davies won the ball high up the pitch and finished with a goal-of-the-season contender.
Drogheda have achieved this unbeaten start despite being without arguably their three best players—Josh Thomas, Elicha Ahui, and Douglas James-Taylor.
Their absences, in theory, should be crippling but Drogheda have navigated through it with remarkable resilience.
This is partly due to Doherty’s clever recruitment, particularly in the loan market.
Managers working with tight budgets often rely on loan signings to make the difference, and Doherty has consistently struck gold in this department.
Freddie Draper and Sean Roughan in previous seasons were prime examples of this, with both players now thriving in England.
Last season, Ahui and James-Taylor had a similarly transformative impact.
Doherty has an eye for identifying young talent, nurturing them, and providing a platform for them to develop—something that makes Drogheda an attractive destination for loan players.
But of course, overachieving comes with a downside.
Every time Drogheda impress, their best players are inevitably poached.
Over the past couple of years, they have lost key figures like Frantz Pierrot, Andrew Wogan (for a club-record fee), Evan Weir, Conor Keeley, and Dayle Rooney.
Yet, Doherty has always found a way to rebuild.
More impressively, when players do return—whether on loan or permanently—they often rediscover their best form under him.
Conor Keeley, Andrew Quinn and Conor Kane are just a few examples of players who have thrived in a Drogheda shirt after stints elsewhere.
Given his track record, it is no surprise that Doherty’s name is constantly linked with other managerial jobs in the league.
Cork City made a serious attempt to lure him away in the recent past, but he turned them down. Whenever a vacancy arises in the Premier Division, his name is inevitably mentioned.
It’s easy to see why. Doherty is not just an excellent man-manager—he is extremely capable tactically, adaptable, and knows how to get the best out of limited resources.
His teams are difficult to break down, well-organised, and disciplined, yet they also carry a significant attacking threat.
That balance is hard to find and it makes him one of the most highly-regarded coaches in the league.
Drogheda’s biggest challenge this season may not be about maintaining their form but rather holding on to their manager.
If they continue to punch above their weight, interest in Doherty will only intensify. But for now, the focus remains on tonight’s game.
Shamrock Rovers arrive in Louth with plenty to prove. Their slow start to the season has already seen them drop unexpected points, but their win against St Pat’s last Friday was a reminder of their pedigree.
They will be aiming to build momentum - but Drogheda will be relishing the challenge.
Last season, Drogheda gave Rovers all sorts of problems.
They know how to frustrate them, they know how to exploit gaps, and most importantly, they are a team full of belief right now.
Given the form they are in, Drogheda will see this as a real opportunity to make a statement.
Can they keep the fairytale going?
With Kevin Doherty at the helm, you wouldn’t bet against it.
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