2020 season arrivals and departures

[Martinho II]

Whats a dinner dance, is that the plate chucking malarkey the Bubble and squeaks do.

alternative word for it is awards night with dinner to serve too and music..

[Olander]

He has had a few bad injuries and started less than 10 games this year, plus it looked like Sloggett was signed on Fri as his replacement, hes 4 years younger than Robbie, but he will still do a good job for Pats, be a great player to watch plus he learnt from the master, O’Donnell. Also heard he will soon return to his day job, so maybe this is the start of moving into that.I'm not sure Sloggett will be his direct replacement. Sloggett plays a lot more like Shields than Benson - in terms of his style of play, and the position.

Sloggett is generally a 6. that sits infront of the back four and mops things up. He's got a great engine, plays simple passes and keeps the game ticking over. I would consider Benson more an 8.

Sloggett is a great signing for Dundalk and a huge loss to Derry City.

[pineapple stu]

Yeah, Sloggett and Benson are not the same player by any stretch of the imagination.

[oriel]

Yes, I got that wrong, Sloggett def a 6, and will challenge Shields, which was the one position we didn't have cover for. DFC def need a replacement like for like for Benson, may have to look outside the league though.

[Nesta99]

Flores is closer to a Benson type player. If he gets an injury free run could be a real gem of a player from the bits we have seen. Also seems to have the right attitude though looked to be a joker in the pack initially. Wasnt it said that Pats started training in the evening under O'Donnell? That can change by preseason but the manager might be using the slower building type job bit like Dundalk 2013 than jumping in with marquee full time signings regardless of budget. Surprised by a a couple of players that are rumoured to be on the move, new broom and all that but the likes of Drennan I'd have thought would be worth another punt and keeping with the general shortage of strikers and as mentioned Clarke. Madden never seemed the type of player whose attitude would have been off, still only 31, and some experience in a side is always good. All round it will be an interesting close season. Byrne starting tomorrow night really has him in the shop window. Also seeing what Shels statement of intent is if they change the promotion squad much. Any word on Ollie Horgan extending his stay at Finn Park?

[D24Saint]

No question about Maddens attitude he is a good pro but reckon injuries are starting to take their toll on him, not much left in the tank I reckon. As for Drennan I’m not too disappointed to see him go , he was awful for the vast majority of the season and a perpetual moaner.

[Longfordian]

Town have signed Rob Manley from Cabo. Joins up with his brother Joe. Cracking signing if he can repeat his form of last season.

[Nesta99]

Yeah Drennan would have been a risky one, just thought maybe O'Donnell could have worked on him as there is bound to still be some potential there and at only 25. Would Rovers fans have him back - he'd be an upgrade on Cummins regardless of any baggage. Fair point on Madden, (still perplexed Sean McCaffrey(RiP) saying he wasnt good enough for Dundalk in 2012 lol). He is probably Shels bound now.

[Jack B]

I felt sorry for Drennan for much of the season as the way we were playing made it a thankless task for any striker to be a success and he obviously has a lot of quality about him. Seems more like his attitude was an issue though, as was said always moaning on the pitch (which got him two red cards) and when O'Donnell came in he barely featured when you would've thought it was his chance of a fresh start.

Given how the season went I'm not gutted to see him go but at the same time I can see him scoring plenty for whoever gets him.

[sbgawa]

Drennan was excellent for us before his issues and I thought we had made a mistake when he banged in a few early for pats. He looked very out of condition in the matches I saw him. Couldn't see o Donnell putting up with that.
Saying that I hope he gets another club and another chance.

[pineapple stu]

Town have signed Rob Manley from Cabo. Joins up with his brother Joe. Cracking signing if he can repeat his form of last season.
That's an interesting one. Will there be a break-up at Cabo? Presume they're continuing in the league

[Nesta99]

Drennan was excellent for us before his issues and I thought we had made a mistake when he banged in a few early for pats. He looked very out of condition in the matches I saw him. Couldn't see o Donnell putting up with that.
Saying that I hope he gets another club and another chance.

That's what I was thinking and O'Donnell could have sorted it out. Maybe he got away with it prior. Pats have been out of sorts for the last 2 seasons and it wasnt really to do with lack of quality. Seemed more lack of interest, coaching (though that would be a surprise under Buckley), and in some cases at least S&C. Considering he still has ability to be a decent LoI striker of which there are few as it is, then offering him a contract conditional on him meeting targets on fitness, might have been a way to go. Maybe he was given a chance and turned it down of course. He will get another club but its a shame if he is still being held back by mental health issues.

[joey B]

Any word on Ollie Horgan extending his stay at Finn Park?

Discussion's held on Monday night,nothing agreed and to continue later on in the week,Horgan understandably wants extra funds to compete but equally understandably the board are probably telling him there isnt any,we scrapped by last season and there's nothing to suggest we'll be able to raise extra money from anywhere so I'd prefer the board not write cheques we can't cash rather than gamble and be caught out............

[Longfordian]

That's an interesting one. Will there be a break-up at Cabo? Presume they're continuing in the league

Yeah wasn't expecting that. Seemingly he had been expected by many to head to Cork, not that I'd been paying an awful lot of attention to any rumours about him really. Dean Byrne who was great for us last year has signed back now too. He had offers from Premier clubs too apparently. They could be a great partnership potentially.

[Nesta99]

Longford look to be getting back at it. Playoff experience this season, good workout in the cup, early work getting done with signings. Drogheda will be favoured as the team to beat but there is a buzz about Longford that has been missing in previous years. Could be a good value punt for automatic promotion!

[Dalymountrower]

Pats are full time.
How is that sustainable next season without European football?

[Longfordian]

Longford look to be getting back at it. Playoff experience this season, good workout in the cup, early work getting done with signings. Drogheda will be favoured as the team to beat but there is a buzz about Longford that has been missing in previous years. Could be a good value punt for automatic promotion!

We were missing a reliable goalscorer so hopefully Manley can be that. We have lost Breslin though who was really good for us, and I'm not sure what Conor Kenna is doing so we might need to bring in a couple of defenders.

[Nesta99]

In the past (mid 2000s) the was argument often made that there wasnt a huge difference between PT and FT wages (only) when clubs were paying a players tax and other contributions on their combined PT + FT income. Say Benson is earning 80k for the day job and 20k from Pats. He could be on a deal where the full highest bracket income tax is payed on fooball earnings and some of his day job. A teacher on 40k + 15k in actual cost to a club for the player to take home all of the football wage wouldnt be miles off 25k. If things are the same now then it isnt massively more expensive relatively bar wages inflating like mid 00s (25k probably wouldbt be considered enough for FT football these day!?). Train in the evenings and a squad can be a mix of FT and PT players but still be putting in FT training hours. A big cost of training during the day aside from wages would be looking after the players eg training facilities and catering which you could get away with in evening training. If a club has a benefactor on top then it keeps the show on the road. I reckon Kelleher felt Pats had a squad and manager that would finish top 3/4 and qualify for Europe last season so pushed the boat out a bit. A quick answer though is it's not sustainable at all but not terminal either in short to medium term.

Getting in to Europe seriously inflates the wage bill - consider Dundalk's 2014 budget to 2016 and beyond especially with players who have been there for the whole haul - scary if there is a bad year down the line as even with regular European money its arguable on how sustainable things are without a run to the group stages. Next season is possibly the biggest for the top LoI sides with EL2 and the possibilities for the 2020 champions!

[Nesta99]

We were missing a reliable goalscorer so hopefully Manley can be that. We have lost Breslin though who was really good for us, and I'm not sure what Conor Kenna is doing so we might need to bring in a couple of defenders.

A few former St Pats players are kicking their heels at the moment - get in ahead of Shels...

[marinobohs]

We were missing a reliable goalscorer so hopefully Manley can be that. We have lost Breslin though who was really good for us, and I'm not sure what Conor Kenna is doing so we might need to bring in a couple of defenders.

Rumoured to be signing for Shels but haven't heard it confirmed.

[outspoken]

Rumoured to be signing for Shels but haven't heard it confirmed.

Will be gutted if true, one of the best centre Half's we've ever had

[Martinho II]

Will be gutted if true, one of the best centre Half's we've ever had

I was looking at Conor Kennas stats career wise when I had nothing on. It shows the longivity of Kennas career that he started with Shels in 03. I have no idea of if he had any first team appearances or not.

[Martinho II]

Confirmed online that Daniel OReilly has left Finn Harps to go to Shels.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Will be gutted if true, one of the best centre Half's we've ever had

Didn't know Kenna played for Dundalk ;)

[joey B]

Confirmed online that Daniel OReilly has left Finn Harps to go to Shels.

Was a good signing for us and its a good move for Dan close to home,the season of premier division football will stand to him aswell.

[Ezeikial]

I was looking at Conor Kennas stats career wise when I had nothing on.

Maybe the strangest fetish yet revealed on foot.ie?

[nigel-harps1954]

Confirmed online that Daniel OReilly has left Finn Harps to go to Shels.

Gutted by that. Cracking signing for Shels.

Things looking pretty bleak for Harps already.

[marinobohs]

Maybe the strangest fetish yet revealed on foot.ie?
Sadly, not even close 😁

[Martinho II]

Heard that hugh douglas has left bray. would love it if he joined us! class player. As one of the other Section O lads said to me earlier hes the new Ginger Jesus love that!

[marinobohs]

Heard that hugh douglas has left bray. would love it if he joined us! class player. As one of the other Section O lads said to me earlier hes the new Ginger Jesus love that!

He announced himself he was leaving. Bray are his hometown club (think he still lives there) so must have a decent offer to leave.

[Longfordian]

He announced himself he was leaving. Bray are his hometown club (think he still lives there) so must have a decent offer to leave.

Looks like it wasn't his choice, he was told he isn't needed.

[total hoofball]

New regime, same old Bray. Total Bray thing to do deeming your player of season as surplus to requirements

[wexfordned]

In the past (mid 2000s) the was argument often made that there wasnt a huge difference between PT and FT wages (only) when clubs were paying a players tax and other contributions on their combined PT + FT income. Say Benson is earning 80k for the day job and 20k from Pats. He could be on a deal where the full highest bracket income tax is payed on fooball earnings and some of his day job. A teacher on 40k + 15k in actual cost to a club for the player to take home all of the football wage wouldnt be miles off 25k. If things are the same now then it isnt massively more expensive relatively bar wages inflating like mid 00s (25k probably wouldbt be considered enough for FT football these day!?). Train in the evenings and a squad can be a mix of FT and PT players but still be putting in FT training hours. A big cost of training during the day aside from wages would be looking after the players eg training facilities and catering which you could get away with in evening training. If a club has a benefactor on top then it keeps the show on the road. I reckon Kelleher felt Pats had a squad and manager that would finish top 3/4 and qualify for Europe last season so pushed the boat out a bit. A quick answer though is it's not sustainable at all but not terminal either in short to medium term.

Getting in to Europe seriously inflates the wage bill - consider Dundalk's 2014 budget to 2016 and beyond especially with players who have been there for the whole haul - scary if there is a bad year down the line as even with regular European money its arguable on how sustainable things are without a run to the group stages. Next season is possibly the biggest for the top LoI sides with EL2 and the possibilities for the 2020 champions!

How a player's tax credits are split is irrelevant to what it costs the club. The only effect is the split between what the player receives into his bank account and what the club pays in tax. Total cost to the club remains the same. The only possible benefit to the club is if contracted wages are agreed on a net basis eg, Pats agree to pay a player €1k a week into his bank account and cover the tax themselves. That however can lead to all sort of costs for the club should a player decide to transfer all his credits to his wife leaving Pats with ridiculous tax bills.

Getting into Europe adds €250k approx to a club's income for the year, but no club (I hope) is stupid enough to spend it all on player salaries. While players will receive more bonuses for progressing through a few rounds the prize money would more than cover the costs.

[joey B]

Ethan Boyle to Linfield
Aaron Barry to Bray Wanderers

[D24Saint]

Rory Feely signed back today.

[Charlie Darwin]

Rory Feely signed back today.
Weird place to get an autograph.

[joey B]

Gary Shaw to Bray Wanderers,red panty time back in North Korea!

[marinobohs]

Gay Shaw to Bray Wanderers,red panty time back in North Korea!
Sure, what could go wrong 😂🤣😂🤣

[Dalymountrower]

Rory Feely signed back today.

Quality player. Another blow to Waterford. Pats seriously looking to better their trophy haul from last season.

[dundalkfc10]

How a player's tax credits are split is irrelevant to what it costs the club. The only effect is the split between what the player receives into his bank account and what the club pays in tax. Total cost to the club remains the same. The only possible benefit to the club is if contracted wages are agreed on a net basis eg, Pats agree to pay a player €1k a week into his bank account and cover the tax themselves. That however can lead to all sort of costs for the club should a player decide to transfer all his credits to his wife leaving Pats with ridiculous tax bills.

Getting into Europe adds €250k approx to a club's income for the year, but no club (I hope) is stupid enough to spend it all on player salaries. While players will receive more bonuses for progressing through a few rounds the prize money would more than cover the costs.


Pats paying 1000 into bank and sorting tax out is whats called net pay arrangement.

Not allowed by Revenue since 1st Jan of this year

[White Horse]

Will Patching (ex Man City Academy and Notts County) signed by Dundalk.

https://www.dundalkfc.com/patching-joins-lilywhites/

[trevy]

Walter Figueira signed for Derry City. He was good with Waterford in his half season with us so another loss on top of Rory Feely who was our player of the year. Fans not happy at loss of these players and no signings so far.

[brendy_éire]

It does seem like a bit of a clear-cut at Waterford. You'd be right to be concerned

Happy with that signing now, though it implies that Junior is going back to England.

[D24Saint]

https://www.the42.ie/will-patching-dundalk-4900811-Nov2019/
Will Patching (ex Man City Academy and Notts County) signed by Dundalk.

https://www.dundalkfc.com/patching-joins-lilywhites/

The next Jack Byrne.

[Ezeikial]

https://www.the42.ie/will-patching-dundalk-4900811-Nov2019/

The next Jack Byrne.

A new darling of the media? I think not

There are similarities with their respective most recent UK experiences , in that they both seem to have struggled with the physicality of the UK lower leagues.

Let's wait and see if he can grow into the pace of this league.

[Charlie Darwin]

They both played for Manchester City I suppose. And Burke played for Notts County. Tallaght man Vinny knows good pedigree when he sees it!

[Nesta99]

They both played for Manchester City I suppose. And Burke played for Notts County. Tallaght man Vinny knows good pedigree when he sees it!


True! being a St Pats fan and all ;)

[Charlie Darwin]

Even Alex Ferguson made mistakes.

[trevy]

George Poynton signed for Shelbourne during the week so another gone from the Waterford squad.

[SeanDrog]

mcNally confirmed gone from Drogs - I can only presume it’s back to Pats.

Is Ciaran Kelly gone from Pats?

What are Pats doing to have some great centre backs coming through such as Kelly and McNally? Youths system ?