2018 Transfers

[El-Pietro]

Perhaps, in the sense that he has been ineffective against Cork, who inevitably will be our rivals for the major honours.

But he has been immense in his time with Dundalk and is the leagues most talented player since Paddy McCourt mark 1.

His departure leaves Dundalk and the league less entertaining as a result
I disagree that hes the most talented. He might look fancy at times, but there have been lots of better players. Maguire for one. Forrester for another. Finn, Towell and O'Donnell for Dundalk over the past few years.

I suppose that comes down to a disagreement on the definition of talent but for me it doesn't just mean "skill" in one element. Sean Maguire is the most talented forward I've ever had the pleasure of watching for example, but I don't see him doing step overs or dancing around defenders.

[Ezeikial]

I disagree that hes the most talented. He might look fancy at times, but there have been lots of better players. Maguire for one. Forrester for another. Finn, Towell and O'Donnell for Dundalk over the past few years.

I suppose that comes down to a disagreement on the definition of talent but for me it doesn't just mean "skill" in one element. Sean Maguire is the most talented forward I've ever had the pleasure of watching for example, but I don't see him doing step overs or dancing around defenders.

It goes without saying that you disagree - you have nailed your colours to the mast many times over regarding McEleney.

Out of the 5 players that you listed, I would say that each of them have had more impact and have been more effective or influential in their respective clubs winning trophies.

When it comes to defining "talent" I am thinking more of players who entertain and are capable of producing outstanding moments of skill. For me, Patrick McEleney is the best this league has seen since Paddy McCourt in his prime

[SwanVsDalton]

Bohs have signed striker Ryan Swan from Cabo, formerly of UCD and a brief spell with Exeter.

Interestingly, his dad also played for Bohs in the 90s.

https://www.thesun.ie/sport/football/1952839/bohemians-sign-son-of-club-legend-as-ryan-swan-joins-from-cabinteely/

Just need Tim Dalton's son to emerge as a goalie and my username will be back in business.

[Bunny Kelly]

It goes without saying that you disagree - you have nailed your colours to the mast many times over regarding McEleney.

Out of the 5 players that you listed, I would say that each of them have had more impact and have been more effective or influential in their respective clubs winning trophies.

When it comes to defining "talent" I am thinking more of players who entertain and are capable of producing outstanding moments of skill. For me, Patrick McEleney is the best this league has seen since Paddy McCourt in his prime


McEleney has more talent but the others more effective over a season I think is fair. McEleney for me is a chap who could win one or two players of the month in a season but not win player of the year as he goes hot & cold, this lack of consistency is why he has stayed in Ireland so long & ultimately joining such a low ranked side in Oldham

[total hoofball]

Karl Moore signs for a 2nd spell with Bohemians from Bray

[oriel]

McEleney has more talent but the others more effective over a season I think is fair. McEleney for me is a chap who could win one or two players of the month in a season but not win player of the year as he goes hot & cold, this lack of consistency is why he has stayed in Ireland so long & ultimately joining such a low ranked side in Oldham

Yeah strange move in a way for McEleney, but he was also a strange type of player at times, excellent in games v Drogs / Pats last year and goals too but not so consistently against the bigger clubs and he was disappointing against Cork in most. He had some brilliant games in Europe, at home to Rosenborg especially in the first half sticks out, and he did very well in the second half of the 2016 league winning season, but his inconsistency will be the frustration that a lot of Dundalk fans will also remember.

His move will offer a good opportunity now for Jamie McGrath who was very good in the no 10 role when McEleney was injured in the cup semi final replay away to Rovers.

Dundalk will be getting a new MF and another striker in, that might complete the squad then, but I`d also be taking back Georgie Poynton. He had a fine season on loan last year with Bohs.

[dundalkfc10]

Yeah strange move in a way for McEleney, but he was also a strange type of player at times, excellent in games v Drogs / Pats last year and goals too but not so consistently against the bigger clubs and he was disappointing against Cork in most. He had some brilliant games in Europe, at home to Rosenborg especially in the first half sticks out, and he did very well in the second half of the 2016 league winning season, but his inconsistency will be the frustration that a lot of Dundalk fans will also remember.

His move will offer a good opportunity now for Jamie McGrath who was very good in the no 10 role when McEleney was injured in the cup semi final replay away to Rovers.

Dundalk will be getting a new MF and another striker in, that might complete the squad then, but I`d also be taking back Georgie Poynton. He had a fine season on loan last year with Bohs.

Kenny has stated he wants to keep him, I could see him ending up out on loan. Played RB for Bohs if I remember correctly, so if he cant get into Bohs Midfield, I cant see him getting in ahead of SOD/Shields/Benson plus whoever we sign

[Philosophizer]

Kenny has stated he wants to keep him, I could see him ending up out on loan. Played RB for Bohs if I remember correctly, so if he cant get into Bohs Midfield, I cant see him getting in ahead of SOD/Shields/Benson plus whoever we sign

He might have done a job at RB if Bohs were stuck, but every time I saw him for Bohs he was in midfield. Sometimes he was on the right-side, but more of a tucked in RM than a winger. He always performed very well imo. A tireless worker, physically strong, good baller and good attitude too it seemed - real team player. Also seems to have freakishly deceptive speed. He's fairly chunky to look at so you wouldn't think he's all that fast but when he gets going the chap is like a rocket!

While he'd be an improvement on Clifford, he should probably try to get another year or two under his belt at a mid-table team instead of sitting on the Dundalk bench.

[Dalymountrower]

Poynton is very well regarded in Dalymount.For his sake I would like to see him getting his chance in Dundalk, but he would be welcome back on loan if not.
Played RM for Bohs , Worth looking at CM role for him.Wouldnt see him as RB

[Ezeikial]

Dundalk will be getting a new MF and another striker in, that might complete the squad then

Depending on how the loan situations pan out, Dundalk have only 16 or 17 currently. Kenny likes a small squad, but I expect 4 - 6 additons

[HarpoJoyce]

UCD AFC
Simon Power winger OUT
moves to Norwich City development squad.
http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/12/22/report-norwich-city-to-sign-irish-winger-simon-power/

Rumours for a few months he was going to Bohemian, but the Player and UCD didn't blink. I hope everything goes well for him over there.

Ian Ryan Assistant Manager IN
Evan McMillan Coach OUT

Ex-Mount Merrion FC Evan, former defender with UCD and Sligo Rovers, former defender and striker with Bohemians brother of David McMillan, finally finally breaks his formal ties with UCD. I expect he won't be a stranger and will be a regular to The UCD Bowl as a Fan.
Ian Ryan, defender with UCD as a mature Player, as Manager of the U19s brought the Championship to Belfield in 2016, kept his hand in with some UCD (LSL) duties. Just after winning the Interprovincial Schools with Leinster. He's s now named as Asst Manager at UCD by Manager Collie O'Neill which hopefully reduces O'Neill transfer rumours over the darker months.

[patrickccfc]

Will be interesting to see how Mceleney gets on over at Oldham after his move was confirmed today. The talent is there for all to see, consistency has been an issue at times. Hope to see him do well.

[nigel-harps1954]

Finn Harps out: Damien McNulty (Carrick Rangers)

[ToberonaTornado]

drip drip drip drip talent from the league....

Sule joins barnet :mad:

barnet!

https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2017/1230/930201-bohs-star-sule-completes-move-to-barnet/

[Philosophizer]

drip drip drip drip talent from the league....

Sule joins barnet :mad:

barnet!

https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2017/1230/930201-bohs-star-sule-completes-move-to-barnet/

Shame, he was a lovely player. We didn't even get to see him have a whole season in the league.

[Bunny Kelly]

Sule I can actually understand quicker, younger player & gets full time deal he doesnt have at Bohs but McEleney at this stage of his career I'm not sure i see the point. Gannon got a 3 year contract at Dundalk so I'm guessing he could have gotten something similar, do Oldham pay that much more?

[ToberonaTornado]

McEleney had contracts galore on the table here in Ireland.He's trying to break England.Dosn't go he'll never find out.Good luck to him.

[sulywaterfordfc]

In fairness, if McEleney goes and hits the ground running has an excellent 6 months. He’s more likely to have bigger interest in him from higher up English clubs. More likely to earn a better contract playing for Oldham then he would Dundalk especially at his age. What he’s on at Oldham might be the what he was getting offered off Dundalk but signing for Oldham he has the opportunity to earn bigger contracts. Whereas what he’d be on at dundalk would be the best he’d get in Ireland but playing for Oldham it could lead to him earning a contract worth multiple times that of the best deal on offer here. People have to think of life outside of football too. Completely understandable imo. He probably got a signing on bonus from Oldham too as an incentive to sign on.

[Bunny Kelly]

I think the idea of someone signing him after a gd 6 months is unlikely, Forrester had a great start at Peterborough & never got the move, lower champ sides are unlikely to pay for him & higher up clubs will go for bigger names. All these clubs who scouted him in the champ & could have signed him for free are not going to pay money 6 months later

I agree people have a life outside football & that is why I think he would have been better off staying in Ireland for the same money as moving to somewhere like Oldham, it's not exactly a glamorous place to live!! I know he is moving from Dundalk but he'd have family & friends nearby which makes a difference to your general well being.

[nigel-harps1954]

I can understand McEleney more than I can understand Sule.

Signing for a side likely to get relegated from the English League is hardly a career progression? If it was just full time football he was after he could have gone a few miles down the road and had a shot at European football with someone like Shamrock Rovers.

[Bunny Kelly]

Did Sule have that offer though?

[Ezeikial]

. What he’s on at Oldham might be the what he was getting offered off Dundalk but signing for Oldham he has the opportunity to earn bigger contracts.

Money and ambition to try UK football.

Vastly superior contract at Oldham compared to the substantial deal on offer at Oriel Park.

[disgruntled]

Money and ambition to try UK football.

Vastly superior contract at Oldham compared to the substantial deal on offer at Oriel Park.

Without knowing contract details its hard to say what McEleney was offered either here or over in the UK.
I don't blame him for having a go over there.
If he impresses he will get a larger contract with Oldham or a move elsewhere.
Either way he will still be better off than here in Ireland.
He definitely has the ability. Its just the consistency in big games which is missing.

At 25 he has to try now.
If he fails to make it at least he will have tried & can always come back to the LOI.

[thebronze14]

I think the idea of someone signing him after a gd 6 months is unlikely, Forrester had a great start at Peterborough & never got the move, lower champ sides are unlikely to pay for him & higher up clubs will go for bigger names. All these clubs who scouted him in the champ & could have signed him for free are not going to pay money 6 months later

I agree people have a life outside football & that is why I think he would have been better off staying in Ireland for the same money as moving to somewhere like Oldham, it's not exactly a glamorous place to live!! I know he is moving from Dundalk but he'd have family & friends nearby which makes a difference to your general well being.
I'd imagine he'd live in the bright lights of Manchester...Even if he was living in Dundalk for a few years Oldham as a place is a step down and that is saying something!

[patrickccfc]

http://www.corkcityfc.ie/home/2017/12/30/graham-cummins-returns-to-city/amp/

Graham Cummins #Signedfor2018

[Nesta99]

Cork have really laid down a statement of intent with their signings so far. Wait for the debate on Cork's wage budget, it cant be one of the 4th highest budget gang at this point!

[sbgawa]

Cork and dundalk are on a different planet budget wise, but that is a result of success on and off the park , it's up to everyone else to step up

[mcgonigle]

Cork have really laid down a statement of intent with their signings so far. Wait for the debate on Cork's wage budget, it cant be one of the 4th highest budget gang at this point!

Is this a big signing for Cork? A player surplus to requirement. Could work out but could easily go the other way, like Hoban with us I guess

[Martinho II]

Is this a big signing for Cork? A player surplus to requirement. Could work out but could easily go the other way, like Hoban with us I guess

easy to forget that Cummins was part of the Waterford Utd side that should have got promoted in 09 season under Stephen Henderson. also had a spell with Cobh Ramblers before hand.

[Comic Book Guy]

easy to forget that Cummins was part of the Waterford Utd side that should have got promoted in 09 season under Stephen Henderson. also had a spell with Cobh Ramblers before hand.

Had 4 seasons with us, he started off in 2005 with us and had a few games but established himself in 2006 and played up to the end of the '08 season.

[oriel]

Cork have really laid down a statement of intent with their signings so far. Wait for the debate on Cork's wage budget, it cant be one of the 4th highest budget gang at this point!

Cummins is decent, but I don’t think he is any better than Dooley. Barry and McNamee are probably Cork’s best two signings so far.

[Longfordian]

Town sign Darren Meenan from Shamrock Rovers and Evan Galvin from Cabinteely. Obviously wasn’t worth Meenan’s while going over to Belgium. He was on trial with us back in Alan Mathews’ first spell in charge (2006 or 2007 I’d say) but wasn’t offered a contract at the time. Good signing for us now though.

[nigel-harps1954]

Town sign Darren Meenan from Shamrock Rovers and Evan Galvin from Cabinteely. Obviously wasn’t worth Meenan’s while going over to Belgium. He was on trial with us back in Alan Mathews’ first spell in charge (2006 or 2007 I’d say) but wasn’t offered a contract at the time. Good signing for us now though.

Just spotted that on Twitter alright. Truly a #greatestleagueintheworld moment.

947467103027777536

[Longfordian]

Unless he’s been sorted out with a handy job somewhere it wouldn’t seem to make a lot of sense.

[disgruntled]

Is this a big signing for Cork? A player surplus to requirement. Could work out but could easily go the other way, like Hoban with us I guess

Cummins is a very good signing for City compared to Hoban to Dundalk.
He was in St Johnstones match squad throughout this season & has made a total of 53 appearances since signing for them in 2015.
Hoban hasn't played a game for anyone for a while now & he's been back over here since the end of the last UK season.

Now at the end of the day that might not be worth a lot but I think City will be the happier of the two clubs.

[sulywaterfordfc]

I can understand McEleney more than I can understand Sule.

Signing for a side likely to get relegated from the English League is hardly a career progression? If it was just full time football he was after he could have gone a few miles down the road and had a shot at European football with someone like Shamrock Rovers.

Sule was under contract for 2018 with Bohs, we’re Rovers 1, interested in signing him and 2, were they willing to pay a fee one that was probably higher then the norm for LOI clubs? If No, how is he better off doing something that wasn’t an option?

[oriel]

That's correct on Hoban not being with a club for a bit, his last team was Mansfield Town at the end of the 2016/17 season. I think he had an ankle injury though, so the obvious hope is he has got himself back fit and can return to his 2014 league winning form.

Anyone know if Cummins played up top on his own for St Johnstone or part of a 2?

Not even sure how Kenny will use Hoban, on his own or changing to two upfront with Ronan Murray or maybe the latter a little behind. Dundalk are also after another striker. Be interesting to see who he gets in.

[Ezeikial]

Cummins is a very good signing for City compared to Hoban to Dundalk.
He was in St Johnstones match squad throughout this season & has made a total of 53 appearances since signing for them in 2015.
Hoban hasn't played a game for anyone for a while now & he's been back over here since the end of the last UK season.

Now at the end of the day that might not be worth a lot but I think City will be the happier of the two clubs.

It didn't take long for the "our new signing is better than your new signing" rubbish.

Maybe wait for few weeks into the season 'till one or both have actually played?

[micls]

Cummins is decent, but I don’t think he is any better than Dooley. Barry and McNamee are probably Cork’s best two signings so far.

Strange comparison given the different positions. Sadlier is the Dooley replacement, not Cummins. And he's a better player.

Cummins is the badly, badly needed forward of some sort. From that sense, he's the most important signing so far, by far. We literally have no other options there you'd want to be starting. How he'll do it's hard to know. But he's a typical JC player. Hard working, holds the ball well and will harry defenders. Not sure how many he'll score, but if he can bring Shep, Sadlier and McNamee into the game and create chances for them it could work well.

[total hoofball]

Just spotted that on Twitter alright. Truly a #greatestleagueintheworld moment.

947467103027777536

http://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/soccer-news/former-league-winner-poised-make-11759045

From Belgium on unbelievable money to Longford staring at rotting in mid-table First Division hell in the space of 3 days!?

I've always wondered in the LOI do players with their agents hype-out 'potential' moves to media likes in order to secure better T&Cs with LOI clubs. This might be one of the best examples of it

[Longfordian]

http://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/soccer-news/former-league-winner-poised-make-11759045

From Belgium on unbelievable money to Longford staring at rotting in mid-table First Division hell in the space of 3 days!?

I've always wondered in the LOI do players with their agents hype-out 'potential' moves to media likes in order to secure better T&Cs with LOI clubs. This might be one of the best examples of it

I don't think our offer would have increased dramatically based on the speculation since we don't really have any money. I'd expect us to be higher up than last year but Galway and Harps will be strong. Shels will be better too.

[oriel]

Strange comparison given the different positions. Sadlier is the Dooley replacement, not Cummins. And he's a better player.

Cummins is the badly, badly needed forward of some sort. From that sense, he's the most important signing so far, by far. We literally have no other options there you'd want to be starting. How he'll do it's hard to know. But he's a typical JC player. Hard working, holds the ball well and will harry defenders. Not sure how many he'll score, but if he can bring Shep, Sadlier and McNamee into the game and create chances for them it could work well.

Can Sadlier really be seen as the replacement for Dooley though? Who will take the role that Sadlier did then? I suppose it’s similar with McEleneny with Dundalk, Jamie McGrath might go in there, but McEleneny will still need to be replaced.

I’m fully aware Dooley played out wide on the left, my comparison was on player talent, I still say Dooley was better than Cummins, I agree though you obviously needed a centre forward.

[total hoofball]

I don't think our offer would have increased dramatically based on the speculation since we don't really have any money. I'd expect us to be higher up than last year but Galway and Harps will be strong. Shels will be better too.
If Meenan had any 'offers' from Premier Division clubs on the table I would find it very hard to believe he would sign straight away with a part-time mid-table First Division team within a couple of days of his Belgian move collapsing knowing you's are not spending buckets

Bad move from Fenn IMO, Meenan didn't kick a ball in the second half of the season for Shamrock Rovers for no reason

[Longfordian]

I’m not naive enough to think he’s signing for any great belief in “the project”, don’t get me wrong. I would have expected he’d have some other offers though. I wouldn’t underestimate the drop in standard between the Premier and First, he could really stand out but then again I’ve thought that about others dropping down previously.

[micls]

Can Sadlier really be seen as the replacement for Dooley though? Who will take the role that Sadlier did then? I suppose it’s similar with McEleneny with Dundalk, Jamie McGrath might go in there, but McEleneny will still need to be replaced.

I’m fully aware Dooley played out wide on the left, my comparison was on player talent, I still say Dooley was better than Cummins, I agree though you obviously needed a centre forward.

Yes, Sadlier replaces Dooley. When both were fit last year, only one started. Usually Dooley. Sadlier didn't start the last few games or the cup final. They played the same position. I'm not sure what position you're talking about for Sadlier apart from that.

For me, Dooley was too inconsistent. Moments of magic but a very frustrating player a lot of time. Plenty of talent there but its Sadlier for me every day. The Cummins thing is a separate situation altogether.

[ToberonaTornado]

If he gets back the form he displayed in his first season and a half here in Dundalk he'll prove to be an excellent signing for Longford.

Really Likes his social life - and i'll end my comment there. ;)

[Nesta99]

Hoban had signed a pre-contract at the end of English summer transfer window so was unable to sign for anyone else.........................
even if there had been interest.

[Nesta99]

Bad move from Fenn IMO, Meenan didn't kick a ball in the second half of the season for Shamrock Rovers for no reason

He had a great chance to kick on as a senior player among a bunch of kids. The last year to 18 months his head hasnt been focused on his football thats for sure!

[patrickccfc]

Hoban had signed a pre-contract at the end of English summer transfer window so was unable to sign for anyone else.........................
even if there had been interest.

Kenny kept that one quiet so yeah?

[Nesta99]

No the player was up front with things!