Possible new signings

[minivan man]

Glynn is a very good signing, and i rated him higher than lower first division so to have him is a great addition. Cant say i would rate the athlone lads too highly, but then again, we're never gonna set the division alight.
I'd like to think we could hold on to some of last years players, I felt Hardy and Frawley were decent, Gallagher clearly the stand out player. Goughie did alrite, and i think Evan Connolly could be one to look out for with some games
great signing for ye. he'll definatly score goals in div 1.

[Martinho II]

information on the new signings:

www.galwayunitedfc.ie

Derek Glynn

Position:
Striker

Date of Birth:
08/04/1983

Place of Birth:
Castlebar, Co Mayo

Height:
5’7” / 1.70m

Weight:
11st 6lbs / 160lbs / 72.4kg

Joined United:
Jan. 2007

Previous Clubs:
Claremorris AFC

Honours won:
Connacht medals for Gaelic and Soccer at underage level. Mayo League top scorer for 3 years.

www.sligorovers.com
gary curran
Date of birth: 22.09.1987
Position: Central Midfield
Previous Clubs: Real Tubber
Another local and product of the under age system, Gary has full under 18 and under 21 international honours. Composed on the ball, his incisive passing make him a real asset in the centre of the park

[Rocky77]

Add to that, Glynn won an MNS Goal of the Month award, I think for July, for his goal against Cork at Turners Cross.

[johnnyc299]

he won player of the month and 2 goal of the month awards

[brianw82]

Couple of handy signings for Longford, I must say. If ye can get a midfield grafter to partner Curran (and if he plays to his potential) then ye'll have a good midfield. Glynn will score goals, we know he can. Galway fans seem gutted that he's gone.

[Town Legend]

So whats the chances of getting Kirby, Freeman and Paisley back in the fold with 'De Town'? If no club comes in for them they'll have to lower their wage demands and then thats when Gough will strike!! I hear McKenna gave a definite 'NO' to Gough when he was asked to rejoin. Any truth in that?

[Massop 10]

I wouldn't have Paisley back to clean the seats or toilets in the Flansiro !!!!!

[Town Legend]

Well I only wanted Paisley back so we could throw that cheap toilet roll at him and then hopefully we could get some andrex or kitten soft in there!! :p Exactly how many of our ex players are without a club for next season?

[Rocky77]

I'd gladly take Paiso back because he's a quality defender (when fit) and is always a threat on set-pieces. Although there's virtually no hope of him or Kirb coming back. Mostly cos they'd get better offers from other clubs, Alan is a full-time student and planning for a wedding, the €150 or so a week we'd only be able to offer wouldn't take him too far.

[Longfordian]

Wouldn't be rushing to take Freeman back but I could forgive and forget as regards Paiso, though I think I heard something about him being off to Fingal in any event. Kirbs would be welcome back any time and I wouldn't be surprised to see him back before he finishes his career anyway given that he's going to be living in Longford, possibly is already I don't know.

[Town Legend]

Has any players been re-signed yet from last years panel? Who would ye have back? Not too many I'd say!! Is Wexler coming back to us? There's a bench seat there with his name on it!! :p We might loan him out to Athlone if he does!!

[hollocaine]

I think it's important to re-sign some of the more "local" players such as Murphy, Brennan, O'Riordan, Garry and Rushe. Some of these mightn't have set the world on fire last year but we need some sort of foundation to start the new season on (and not completely be a brand new squad and Bermingham). Other than Gallagher, I wouldn't be too pushed on making big efforts in bringing certain other players back. The levels of apathy that existed during the second half of the season is not something I'd like to see again. Wouldn't mind Luke Hardy coming back as he appeared more committed than most but he mightn't be bothered with the trips up and down from Portlaoise. However the likes of McKenna, Doyle, Frawley, Douglas and Oladele didn't seem to have the heart for it the more the season went on.

[Longfordian]

I think Daire Doyle might be staying on, not 100% sure but that's what I heard. He wouldnt be inundated with offers anyhow. Haven't heard anything on the rest but I suppose Gough will be in contact with them at some point. As hollocaine says Gallagher and Luke Hardy would be two of the better ones to hold on to.

[RockofGibraltar]

interesting to see that eamon zayed and gary o'neil have dropped down a division and signed for sporting fingal..im sure that money had a lot to do with this with fingals large budget but is this a sign that some of the released,un-contracted so called "premier division" players are looking at first division clubs as an option to reestablish themselves due to many of the cash-strapped premier division clubs not looking like their going to be challenging for anything this season except survival? bring back ALAN KIRBY!

[Longfordian]

I think it's more of a sign that there might not be as huge a gap as there used to be between the wages on offer in the Premier and the First. That's all anybody's thinking about right now. Guaranteeing themselves a steady wage, that they know they'll get every week.

[Martinho II]

heard on the grapevine at the weekend that stephen brennan defintitely has not received the call to stay. the person that i was speaking to his father used to be involved with the club big time.. so i trust his judgement:):)

[Longfordian]

I'm not sure Stephen would be good enough week in week out anyhow but we need to be getting a squad together and he wouldn't be too expensive I'm sure. I wonder how much Gough knows about the players we had last year, is there anyone to advise him as to who'd be worth having or not as he wouldn't have seen much of them himself?.

[RockofGibraltar]

apparently we are trying to sign a goalkeeper called Brendan Murphy...

http://www.eleven-a-side.com/eircomleague/news.asp?n=35485

[sparkey]

Meath’s Murphy confirms soccer return

Brendan Murphy
13 January 2009


Meath goalkeeper Brendan Murphy has effectively ended his intercounty career by hooking up with soccer outfit Longford Town.

The former Wimbledon, Bradford and Republic of Ireland underage goalie has long been linked with a return to the rival code, and he told Meath boss Eamonn O’Brien that he’s made his decision due to time restrictions:

"I was finding it tremendously difficult to motivate myself for the amount of training you have to do as an intercounty footballer. People don’t realise what lads have to go through training-wise.

"Your whole life has to be dedicated to gaelic football and there’s a lot more to it than playing at Croke Park. Of course it will be difficult to watch the Meath lads playing Dublin, but it’s more a time issue for me at this stage.

"Also, you have to be hungry and fresh to keep going in the GAA and that’s probably a bit easier for the younger lads.

"I gave it 110% while I was with Meath and, don’t get me wrong, it was not an easy decision. At the same time, I still feel I have a lot to offer in sports in general, but I just can’t be as committed to the gaelic side of things."

Source:http://www.hoganstand.com/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=105598

[Longfordian]

He's a good keeper from what I've seen of him. Another decent signing.

[Rocky77]

He's an excellent keeper

[atfconline]

Just a pity he makes it sound like he's going to be having a kick around in the park, compared to the mighty GAA. :rolleyes:

[Rocky77]

I'm cutting down on fast food as my new year's resolution, so you'll pardon me if I give that chip on your shoulder a wide berth ;)

[Martinho II]

heard the news about brendan murphy last night from a prominent poster on foot.ie! didnt realise that he is 33. he has bein on the go a long time . i would have heard of him in the mid 90s when he was at wimbledon. when he came home to ireland from the uk he had numerous offers to come back but only now he has made it.. a brill signing... :D

oh by the way stephen gough has left us to go back to bray for the third time so no confusion for next season! will miss his power drivers like against monahgan utd at home last season...:(

[Redkenrover]

Keep an eye on Matthew Judge. Has been let go by Sligo and would be a good signing. Himself and Glynn could be worth 30-35 goals a season between them

[Rocky77]

Keep an eye on Matthew Judge. Has been let go by Sligo and would be a good signing. Himself and Glynn could be worth 30-35 goals a season between them

I'm a big fan of his, I'd be amazed if he'd come near us though

[sparkey]

Was listening to Brendan Murphy on Newstalk last night, he said that the main reason that he is leaving the Meath set up is that they train three nights a week and that he could not commit to that. He said that he has joined LTFC on "his own terms", and he has an understanding with the manager that he will only have to travel to training one night a week. His wife is expecting their first child this year and he said that he wants to spend more time with his family and concentrate a little less on football. These were his reasons for taking "a step back" to LOI football.

Based on the above First division soccer players can never again claim to be on a par with their GAA cousins. I mean Murphy wouldn't get on the Longford GAA panel with "commitment" like that.

In saying all that I was talking to my cousion in Trim who is a good friend of Murphys and he said he is decent and genuine guy and should do very well for us and that he is looking forward to going back playing soccer. Also told me that one of the reasons that he left soccer behind him in England was that he was ****ed off playing reserve team football and getting released by his clubs. His final club in England was Solihull Borough, and he is 34 in August.

[Longfordian]

I'm sure he'd be dedicated enough to do his own training on whatever nights he isn't there. Goalkeepers usually do nothing much in training anyway!. It'll be interesting.

[Titan]

Met him for the first time last night he seems like a nice bloke turns out he lives a few doors down from me! Small world! We'll be car pooling to longford so I hope he's not a nervous passenger :)

[Martinho II]

Met him for the first time last night he seems like a nice bloke turns out he lives a few doors down from me! Small world! We'll be car pooling to longford so I hope he's not a nervous passenger :)

have you a bit of insider knowledge there titan??;)

[Martinho II]

heard today from a close friend of alan gough livin in co longford that brian mccarthy is signing from bohs onloan for the season...he was also with athlone two years ago and is an ex irish underage international

another name the longford news have said is signing for us possibly next week is robbie hamm current athlone town player..


the new signings are coming in thick and fast :D

[Rocky77]

Brian Shelley has signed for Bohs so it's possible. Although they've only a squad of 13 at the moment... let's see what happens. I didn't think he was too impressive for Cobh last year but I'd say he'd do well in the First

[Town Legend]

2 centre backs am I right in thinking that? So whats our first 11 looking like at the moment?

[Martinho II]

http://www.meathchronicle.ie/articles/2/34802

Royal County loss is Longford’s gain


Brendan Murphy has opted out of the Meath GAA football panel and will play with Longford Town in the League of Ireland this year.

Pic by: John Quirke
Meath senior football manager Eamonn O’Brien has been hit with his first major setback after goalkeeper Brendan Murphy confirmed on Sunday afternoon that he was withdrawing from the panel and that he will be playing soccer with Longford Town this season.

Murphy expressed his desire to leave the panel because he no longer felt that had the appetite required to give the commitment that would be necessary if Meath are to return to the top table of Gaelic football.

The Trim net minder announced that his wife Sharon is expecting a baby in July and that, coupled with his lack of hunger and changing circumstance in his personal life, contributed to his decision.

“It was a very tough decision to make, but I feel I’m making it for the benefit of Meath football,” Murphy told the Meath Chronicle.

“I didn’t feel the same hunger when I went back training this year, and that is not like me. Normally I’m bursting down the door of the gym and raring to get going, but this year I was dreading training and my heart wasn’t in it.

“I could have stayed on the panel and went through the motions because being involved with Meath brings great pride, but I felt I would have been doing the new manager, the team and the supporters a dis-service.

“My decision has nothing to do with what happened last year. After the Limerick game I couldn’t wait to get back into it, but when I started training the motivation just wasn’t there.

“It is better that I have withdrawn from the panel as it allows Eamonn O’Brien to work with David Gallagher and Paddy O’Rourke. Both men are great goalkeepers and Paddy will learn a lot from 'Gally’ and he really is a great prospect for the future.”

Murphy also announced that he will be signing for League of Ireland soccer club Longford Town for the new season and is glad of the opportunity to keep playing in goals, while cutting back on the huge commitment necessary with Meath.

Longford Town have made it clear that Murphy will only have to train once a week and play a game at the weekend. Murphy views that as the perfect compromise.

“There is a big difference in the commitment needed with Longford Town compared to Meath,” stated Murphy who has under-age international honours with the Republic of Ireland.

“I would have commitments on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday with Meath, but it will be a lot less demanding with Longford.

“The main difference now is that I will be able to spend four or five nights at home instead of just one or two, I will miss being with Meath, but it is best for all concerned.

“It will be difficult to sit back and watch the game against Dublin in June, but that’s the decision I’ve made.

“I mightn’t get to play a whole lot with Trim either, but I’ll have to see what I can do with Longford, they might let me play a bit,” concluded Murphy.

Murphy will be the second former Meath goalkeeper involved with a League of Ireland club. St Ultan’s player Gary Rogers is still under contract to Premier Division side Galway United, despite rumours linking him to Sporting Fingal.

In Murphy's absence at Newbridge last Sunday, O’Brien stuck with Skryne net minder Paddy O’Rourke as his number one.

David Gallagher was listed as substitute goalkeeper and he is sure to figure is some of the inter-county challenges that will take place prior to the NFL Div 2 opener against Cork in three weeks time.

Sunday’s 1-8 to 1-10 loss to Kildare was a disappointing result for the O’Brien as he was hoping for some more competitive games ahead of the leagues, but he can take heart from the commitment and endeavour produced by his charges in deplorable conditions.

Joe Sheridan’s sparkling 20-metre goal boosted Meath to a 1-6 to 0-5 interval lead.

However, after the turn around Kildare took full advantage of the strong wind and punished Meath’s inability to grab the crucial scores when needed in the opening half.

Navan O’Mahonys David Bray picked up a yellow card late in Sunday’s game at Newbridge, but he wasn’t the only Meath man to receive his marching orders under the new disciplinary rules.

Kevin Reilly saw yellow during DCU’s 0-11 to 0-5 win over DIT. The O’Mahonys player lined out at midfield for the Dublin college and he was joined by Seneschalstown’s Brian Sheridan at full-forward and Longwood’s Rory Maguire, who will have his transfer request to join Wolfe Tones heard by the Co Committee next week, at right-half-forward

[Rocky77]

Hamm's a left back I think. He scored against Galway in the Cup last season.

[Town Legend]

Just in this article linking Carmine Russo to the Town as well.

http://www.westmeathindependent.ie/articles/2/34608

[Massop 10]

Why don't Longford Town just merge with Athlone ! Would be easier in the long run than just bringing the players in one by one. Is being a retirment home or whatever for ex-athlone players what it has come down to ?
And before someone jumps up and down on their keyboard, I know some players have came from other clubs too !!!!!

[Town Legend]

Yeah it just reminds me of the great Mickey O'Connor era when all the Athlone rejects followed him over!! At least their not as rubbish as some of the lads he brought over but then again some weren't far off!! Whatever about the 2 lads we signed and Hamm I don't think Athlone fans think too much of Russo although I could stand to be corrected!!

[Longfordian]

It's kind of predictable though that when you're going to be training in Longford (presumably) and you don't have a lot of money you'll be looking at lads who are within driving distance and are pretty cheap. It's just more noticeable now because ourselves and Athlone are now in the same division, we've been training in Longford again after about five or six years of training in Dublin and neither of us have a lot of money. The natural catchment area is players from Sligo, east Galway, Roscommon, Westmeath. A lot of those players that we can afford at the moment will have been with Athlone at some point. I don't know much about any of these individual players and whether they're any use, it's just a general point.

[daithi]

Yeah it just reminds me of the great Mickey O'Connor era when all the Athlone rejects followed him over!! At least their not as rubbish as some of the lads he brought over but then again some weren't far off!! Whatever about the 2 lads we signed and Hamm I don't think Athlone fans think too much of Russo although I could stand to be corrected!!

Bring back Frank Darby and Ronnie Murphy too.........;)

[Longfordian]

Just as we're talking about ex Longford and Athlone players I came across this article about Anthony "Jelly" Keenan while looking at the article linked to above. Sad to see he's not at all well.

http://www.westmeathindependent.ie/articles/1/34605/

[Dillo]

Heard from the horse's mouth that Gougher contacted ex Dundalk midfielder Paul Crowley on Tuesday evening. Crowley's reluctance to spend another year in the graveyard that is the First Division in addition to Gough wanting to base his coaching in Longford means a deal is highly unlikely. If it's a thing we did manage to sign him, it would represent a major coup for the club as this lad is quality and is really a Premier Division player. Crowley was instrumental in last season's Lily White's promotion campaign to the Premier Division chipping in with ten goals from midfield (striker Robbie Farrell only managed 11!). 19 players were given their P45's at Dundalk after acheiving promotion, absolutely disgraceful on O' Connor's part. Let's hope Dundalk's losses might be our gain though as there are a lot of good players now out of contract.

Any more updates or rumours on possible transfers?

[Magicme]

Just as we're talking about ex Longford and Athlone players I came across this article about Anthony "Jelly" Keenan while looking at the article linked to above. Sad to see he's not at all well.

http://www.westmeathindependent.ie/articles/1/34605/

Yeah saw that, a real gentleman. Hope he will be ok.

[Dillo]

http://www.dundeeunitedfc.co.uk/index.asp?tm=2&nid=3127&cd=2009

[Martinho II]

Yeah saw that, a real gentleman. Hope he will be ok.

when did jelly keenan play for magic mons magicme??

read in longford leader yesterday about jelly keenan. jelly was a well known character from his two spells with the club ( 88-91 and 97-98 seasons). he was one of the few players that i built an affinity with on the sidelines and I like to wish him well in his recovery.

see there is going to be a sports table quiz in athlone at the end of the month as a fundraiser for him. just wondering would anyone that posts here be interested in going down to the sports quiz ie enter a ltfc team.. its what he deserves. anyone interested in takin part in the quiz give me a pm...

[Martinho II]

Just in this article linking Carmine Russo to the Town as well.

http://www.westmeathindependent.ie/articles/2/34608

does carmine russos dad own a sports shop in longford anyone??

[atfconline]

Doubt it, they live in Offaly. Though you couldn't imagine there being that many Russo's in the Irish Midlands!

As for Anthony Keenan, a fiver from every ticket sold in the upcoming Athlone Town Legends game is being donated to his fund as well. Ash or someone will confirm this, story has disappeared off the iStat website.

[Martinho II]

Doubt it, they live in Offaly. Though you couldn't imagine there being that many Russo's in the Irish Midlands!

As for Anthony Keenan, a fiver from every ticket sold in the upcoming Athlone Town Legends game is being donated to his fund as well. Ash or someone will confirm this, story has disappeared off the iStat website.


why what sort of match is this? maybe where I have got confused is the sherlock lad that plays for ye???

[atfconline]

As part of the fundraising ideas brought about after the recent public meetings. Teams to be managed by Turlough O'Connor and Liam Buckley.


Following lots of hard work from iSTAT members we can now confirm that the much anticipated Athlone Legends Match will go ahead on the 31st January in Athlone Town Stadium with a kick off time of 7pm

Some of the players already confirmed to take part in the match are:

* Eugene Davis
* Roddy Collins
* Andy Myler
* Danny Oleary
* Padraig Nicholson
* Jan Fitzell
* Stephen Gavin
* Fran Hitchcock
* Brendan Place
* Tom Silke
* Damien Rushe
* Shane Curran
* Tommy Hewitt
* Jim Grace
* Paugie Moran


Player Update ... Player Update ... Player Update ... Player Update

We are delighted to announce that more Legends have confirmed to take part ...

* Rod De Khors
* Barry Murphy
* Val Keenan
* Eric Lavine
* Adrian Carberry

[Longfordian]

Eric Lavine an Athlone Legend. Hmm.