Transfer Rumours 2016 season

[Dunny]

Chris Shields who was being linked with Rovers, signed a 2 year contract yesterday with Dundalk.
I only seen him linked to Rovers by one person.You know who i mean? otherwise nothing ;)

[Dodge]

I was the person here but plenty of others had mentioned it elsewhere. Good move by Dundalk as he's a terrific player

[Olander]

Great news for Galway United, Colm Horgan and Ryan Connolly have signed new contracts. If we could keep Jake Keegan then that would be a good base to start from but he will have offers I'm sure.

[El-Pietro]

Chris Shields who was being linked with Rovers, signed a 2 year contract yesterday with Dundalk.
Arguably Dundalks best player. Hopefully Kenny continues to drop him in favour of O'Donnell whenever O'Donnell is available.

[Ezeikial]

I was the person here but plenty of others had mentioned it elsewhere. Good move by Dundalk as he's a terrific player

I suspect Dunny was relating to a well known local journalist who often speculates on rumours that he has created himself.



Arguably Dundalks best player. Hopefully Kenny continues to drop him in favour of O'Donnell whenever O'Donnell is available.

Chris Shields is well appreciated at Dundalk and was a triple award winner last season

Players' Player of the Year
Supporters Player of the Year
Travel Club Away Player of the Year


Chris has regularly displaced Stephen O'Donnell to the bench this season - it remains to be seen who is selected for the cup final

[dundalkfc10]

Arguably Dundalks best player. Hopefully Kenny continues to drop him in favour of O'Donnell whenever O'Donnell is available.

O'Donnell is better than any of Corks midfielders. O'Donnell has been sensational for us this season.

[White Horse]

O'Donnell is better than any of Corks midfielders. O'Donnell has been sensational for us this season.

Dundalk are lucky to have the three best central midfielders in the league.

[Charlie Darwin]

I'd have thought it was Finn who was keeping Shields out, even though O'Donnell plays in the deeper role when Finn is in the team.

[dundalkfc10]

I'd have thought it was Finn who was keeping Shields out, even though O'Donnell plays in the deeper role when Finn is in the team.

Finn is/has been fantastic for us this season aswell. I really don't understand how Fenlon let him leave (although, some players and managers don't go together)

Only player to have started every league game this season!

[Charlie Darwin]

I think Finn was going to leave anyway. He was great for the first three years with us but was worse than most under Croly. Like Kenny, maybe just wasn't the right fit but has obviously flourished in a different environment.

[Nesta99]

It helps when a player is played in their preferred position week in week out regardless of the manager. Maintaining the hunger in the squad that will be largely unchanged for 3 seasons will be a minor challenge for Stephen Kenny.

[oriel]

I'd have thought it was Finn who was keeping Shields out, even though O'Donnell plays in the deeper role when Finn is in the team.

The selection headache in central m/f started when Finn arrived, as it was expected that Towell would move, he didn't so Kenny had to rotate who was best suited for certain games. Finn plays the no 10 role, and Towell is obviously the attacking MF, leaves one spot and that is usually between O'Donnell and Shields in the middle. Shields plays deeper and mops up with an incredible work rate, O'Donnell in comparison is the better passer and get things ticking quicker, scoring important goals, but gaps sometimes are left behind. Another feature of Shields huge improvement is when he comes on, he goes straight into his role, this was seen v Rovers at home, 1-0 up, but they were getting on top, Shields came on after 60 mins and changed the game.

For the cup final, I can see O'Donnell getting the nod ahead of him, but having quality on the bench is as important as your starting xi, also O'Donnell with his injuries probably will miss 5-10 games per year.

I would say possibly Shields finest display in a Dundalk shirt, was in the game v Cork in TC last April. I'm not sure there is a better player in the country now in the role he plays, but his displays in 2012 were so poor, it was almost a shock to hear SK had offered him a deal. I also can't think of a more improved player.

[sulywaterfordfc]

On the managers front Cobh Ramblers announced Stephen Henderson signed a three year contract extension with Cobh Ramblers. Good statement of intent for the future of the club.

On a surprising note second first division club this year to tie there manager to a contract longer then a one year. With the other club been Waterford (Roddy signing a two a half year contract and local coach and previous senior and U19 manager Tommy Griffin signing a new two and a half year deal as head of football operations).

[jinxy lilywhite]

Arguably Dundalks best player. Hopefully Kenny continues to drop him in favour of O'Donnell whenever O'Donnell is available.

O'Donnell is twice the player shiels is. I like shiels, he is a good solid option for us and is excellent at winning the ball and breaking up the oppositions play but his main weakness is when he has the ball and his passing is very poor and limited. other midfielders have to be within 10 metres of him so we play deeper as a result.
O'Donnell can do what shiels does and is 10 times a better passer of the ball too. So this allows Towel, Horgan & Meenan to push up

[El-Pietro]

O'Donnell is twice the player shiels is. I like shiels, he is a good solid option for us and is excellent at winning the ball and breaking up the oppositions play but his main weakness is when he has the ball and his passing is very poor and limited. other midfielders have to be within 10 metres of him so we play deeper as a result.
O'Donnell can do what shiels does and is 10 times a better passer of the ball too. So this allows Towel, Horgan & Meenan to push up
Who is Shiels?

[dundalkfc10]

Who is Shiels?

You stated you hoped Kenny kept dropping Shields instead of SOD V Cork!

This season Stevie O hasnt started 1 game Vs Cork! Shields started all 3!

Last time O Donnell started V Cork, was last October, think he won us the league that night :)

[El-Pietro]

You stated you hoped Kenny kept dropping Shields instead of SOD V Cork!

This season Stevie O hasnt started 1 game Vs Cork! Shields started all 3!

Last time O Donnell started V Cork, was last October, think he won us the league that night :)
I actually said "whenever O'Donnell is available", I never specifically mentioned Cork. O'Donnell has been out injured a lot this season and last. He was just returning from injury when we played in July.

O'Donnell is quality. Shields is better. The most convincing performance I've seen from Dundalk in the past couple of seasons (I wasn't at either of the 4-0 defeats at Oriel) was the 2-1 game at Turners Cross this season. Shields was monstrous in that game.

The game last October was very close to be fair. Dundalk won 2-0 but it could easily have been 1-1.

[dundalkfc10]

I actually said "whenever O'Donnell is available", I never specifically mentioned Cork. O'Donnell has been out injured a lot this season and last. He was just returning from injury when we played in July.

O'Donnell is quality. Shields is better. The most convincing performance I've seen from Dundalk in the past couple of seasons (I wasn't at either of the 4-0 defeats at Oriel) was the 2-1 game at Turners Cross this season. Shields was monstrous in that game.

The game last October was very close to be fair. Dundalk won 2-0 but it could easily have been 1-1.

O Donnell has not been out most of this season. Id safely say he played in about 80% of our games!

The only game we lost this season, Shields started ahead of O Donnell V Bohs!

To say Shields (very good DF, and thats it) is better than O Donnell is laughable! Id say Kenny knows more than yourself or me and O Donnell always starts when he is fit (didnt play V you on Friday as if he was booked he would miss the final)

[Olander]

Cork fans used to call O'Donnell "Sideways Stevie" when he played for them. They didn't rate him. Enough said.

Now one of their lot is claiming that Chris Shields is better than him. Behave

[Roo69]

see in todays Irish Independent that we are linked with Bray Wanderers Niall Cooney. Anyone any opinions on him as I wouldnt know anything about him!

He has had a much improved season for us, serious lack of pace though

[Nesta99]

Cork fans used to call O'Donnell "Sideways Stevie" when he played for them. They didn't rate him. Enough said.

Now one of their lot is claiming that Chris Shields is better than him. Behave

He was was at Cork during a rough old time at Turners Cross - a young Liam Brady would have been hard to rate then (never mind adding in the notorious Cork annual fall guy player) and with Matthews and Doolin for a short while as manager too.... More games and 10 goals the following season in a ridiculous Sean Connor Galway side was very impressive return!! He is currently better all round than Sheilds but one day that might change.

[Ezeikial]

More games and 10 goals the following season in a ridiculous Sean Connor Galway side was very impressive return!!

Stephen O'Donnell provided a real presence in what was a very poor Galway side under Sideshow Seannie.

Along with Towell, both O'Donnell and Shields are among the top 3 most influential midfielders in the country - I expect that both of them will be involved against Cork in the Cup Final

[The Donie Forde]

Stephen O'Donnell provided a real presence in what was a very poor Galway side under Sideshow Seannie.

Along with Towell, both O'Donnell and Shields are among the top 3 most influential midfielders in the country - I expect that both of them will be involved against Cork in the Cup Final

Are you actually suggesting Dundalk only have three midfielders among the top three? More, surely!

[White Horse]

Akinade stays at Bohs for 2016.

[mcgonigle]

O'Donnell is twice the player shiels is. I like shiels, he is a good solid option for us and is excellent at winning the ball and breaking up the oppositions play but his main weakness is when he has the ball and his passing is very poor and limited. other midfielders have to be within 10 metres of him so we play deeper as a result.
O'Donnell can do what shiels does and is 10 times a better passer of the ball too. So this allows Towel, Horgan & Meenan to push up

While I think O'Donnell is our best player I also think you are doing Shields a massive disservice in this post. O'Donnell is not twice the player Shields is, overall slightly better right now but Shields game is improving all the time. Also to say Shields passing is very poor and limited is outrageous, while his passing is not at the same level as O'Donnell, Towell and Finn it is not a million miles off and constantly improving, you are comparing him to 3 of the best passers in the league.

O'Donnell can play DM alright but not to the same level as Shields and when he does I believe he is wasted, his attacking attributes outweigh his defensive, whereas Shields is the opposite. Both are important though

[White Horse]

Shields is perfect in games where the midfield is stretched and he has to cover a lot of ground. In games where the midfield is congested, he is prone to losing possession when pressed.

O'Donnell has quicker feet and holds on to the ball better. However, he can drift into wide areas and leave the back four exposed. With Shields out of the team we are more vulnerable to counter attacks.

[nigel-harps1954]

Richie Towell linked to Bristol Rovers, their manager has supposedly confirmed his interest in Towell.


Bristol Rovers are struggling in English League Two. Dundalk are after winning the league and looking to push further and have a go in Europe next season. He's the poster boy of League of Ireland football and his girlfriend due to give birth to a child, or something of the like posted here recently.

Am I the only person who thinks he'd be mad to take such a move?

[White Horse]

Richie Towell linked to Bristol Rovers, their manager has supposedly confirmed his interest in Towell.


Bristol Rovers are struggling in English League Two. Dundalk are after winning the league and looking to push further and have a go in Europe next season. He's the poster boy of League of Ireland football and his girlfriend due to give birth to a child, or something of the like posted here recently.

Am I the only person who thinks he'd be mad to take such a move?

Towell is quoted as saying that he wouldn't consider League 1 or 2. He is on a good contract at Dundalk and says that he wouldn't be financially better off in League 1 or 2. He said that he would consider a move to the Championship as that would give him the opportunity to get into the Irish squad.

As for Bristol Rovers, all the manager has said is that they'll send someone over to Ireland "in the future" to have a look at him. They don't sound very committed.

[Nesta99]

It would be nuts to go to Bristol Rovers, Bristol City on the other hand are going somewhere. A struggling League 2 club saying they might send someone over to have a look at him, with 2 games left of a season is exactly the sort of attitude the Towell will tell where to go!

[Longfordian]

Richie Towell linked to Bristol Rovers, their manager has supposedly confirmed his interest in Towell.


Bristol Rovers are struggling in English League Two. Dundalk are after winning the league and looking to push further and have a go in Europe next season. He's the poster boy of League of Ireland football and his girlfriend due to give birth to a child, or something of the like posted here recently.

Am I the only person who thinks he'd be mad to take such a move?

Jaysus hopefully it's a child she's giving birth to.

[Dunny]

I suspect Dunny was relating to a well known local journalist who often speculates on rumours that he has created himselfl

100%.He has a Towell exclusive on his timeline since 7.30 this morning.

https://twitter.com/LiveatOriel/status/659633250302877696

[seand]

Are you actually suggesting Dundalk only have three midfielders among the top three? More, surely!

O'Donnell, Shields, Towell, Finn, Horgan, Mountney, Meenan..... I make it 7 in the top 3

[The Donie Forde]

O'Donnell, Shields, Towell, Finn, Horgan, Mountney, Meenan..... I make it 7 in the top 3

That's more like it.

[avvenalaf]

Richie Towell linked to Bristol Rovers, their manager has supposedly confirmed his interest in Towell.


Bristol Rovers are struggling in English League Two. Dundalk are after winning the league and looking to push further and have a go in Europe next season. He's the poster boy of League of Ireland football and his girlfriend due to give birth to a child, or something of the like posted here recently.



Am I the only person who thinks he'd be mad to take such a move?

Is she from Drogheda ?

[placid casual]

I'm struggling to remember if Sligo fans were this blinkered & self obsessed when they had their couple of seasons in the sun.

[Louth4sam]

After 7 long years in the graveyard we more than deserve it. Imagine what the Limerick lads will be like when they win the league!!

[bluewhitearmy]

After 7 long years in the graveyard we more than deserve it. Imagine what the Limerick lads will be like when they win the league!!

Dead.

[Ezeikial]

I'm struggling to remember if Sligo fans were this blinkered & self obsessed when they had their couple of seasons in the sun.

I'm struggling to remember a time when Shamrocks fans were not blinkered & self obsessed

[Dalymountrower]

I'm struggling to remember if Sligo fans were this blinkered & self obsessed when they had their couple of seasons in the sun.
No comparison.

[patrickccfc]

After 7 long years in the graveyard we more than deserve it.

I'd agree, if only it wasn't at our expense :sad:

[strikeforce]

Towell is quoted as saying that he wouldn't consider League 1 or 2. He is on a good contract at Dundalk and says that he wouldn't be financially better off in League 1 or 2. He said that he would consider a move to the Championship as that would give him the opportunity to get into the Irish squad.

As for Bristol Rovers, all the manager has said is that they'll send someone over to Ireland "in the future" to have a look at him. They don't sound very committed.
Love him or hate him, he is the one player every club in this Country would love to have on their panel. Brilliant player.

[patrickccfc]

Love him or hate him, he is the one player every club in this Country would love to have on their panel. Brilliant player.

For sure. That's something we're lacking, someone like towell that gets plenty of goals from midfield, because as talented and experienced as our midfield may be, they don't provide enough goals

[Nesta99]

I'm struggling to remember if Sligo fans were this blinkered & self obsessed when they had their couple of seasons in the sun.

When our golden patch is over we shall move on to the league is a much lower standard than it was phase!!

[placid casual]

When our golden patch is over we shall move on to the league is a much lower standard than it was phase!!
Never a truer word spoken..

[Azrob Spooh]

Barry Corr to Dundalk rumour at the pre-bonfire meeting last night

[Jofspring]

Barry Corr to Dundalk rumour at the pre-bonfire meeting last night

From Cambridge United? Isn't he their top scorer in League 2.

[Ezeikial]

Barry Corr to Dundalk rumour at the pre-bonfire meeting last night

No way - we already have Jim Corr

[shep]

From Cambridge United? Isn't he their top scorer in League 2.
Hopefully he is as successful as Barry Conlon during his brief spell under Mc Caffrey

[Nesta99]

No way - we already have Jim Corr

So thats where the anti-Dundalk conspiracy theorists have come from...

[Longfordian]

Pat Sullivan played his last LOI game tonight apparently, he's retiring. Presumably why he was let score a peno!