2021 Season , Arrivals and departures

[Charlie Darwin]

Think Dundalk looking to use him out wide, if he signs.
He played out wide any time I saw him play for Sligo last year, with Coughlan and De Vries preferred down the middle.

[redobit]

He played out wide any time I saw him play for Sligo last year, with Coughlan and De Vries preferred down the middle.

That was his preferred position with us. There was plenty of games where it wasn't working for Coughlan and there was an opportunity to chance the formation and to play Junior up front. It would have been worth trying but it didn't happen for whatever reason.

He's a good addition to any LOI team imo. Skillful, always gives 100%, set up chances, tough in the tackle, doesn't go down easy and doesn't seem to get injured (playing through an injury for us in one cup game). Bit of a Boco vibe to him in that he is a good player that gives you everything but goes where the money is season after season.

[DCWA]

He was absolutely fantastic at Derry I have to say a real fan favourite.

[DCWA]

Will Patching will be joining Derry City for the season.

EDIT: Quite late on to be editing but don’t want to clutter up the place with 3 posts in a row. Also signing Marc Walsh from Swansea.

[Kiki Balboa]

Peter Cherrie to Dundalk. A cult hero at Dundalk, played well when he first came, but seems to have declined around the league since leaving. Another senior Goalkeeper is due in as well (which is worrying).

[DCWA]

Peter Cherrie to Dundalk. A cult hero at Dundalk, played well when he first came, but seems to have declined around the league since leaving. Another senior Goalkeeper is due in as well (which is worrying).

If he is your first choice (I assume he isn’t?) you would be in trouble based upon his performances with Derry last year. First season not too bad mind.

[D24Saint]

I was hoping he would sign for Pats as backup keeper. Our squad has some decent players in it but depth wise is very thin.

[Kiki Balboa]

If he is your first choice (I assume he isn’t?) you would be in trouble based upon his performances with Derry last year. First season not too bad mind.

Not at the moment. The Albanian lad has got the no.1 jersey, while an u23 goalkeeper from England is also rumored. Both are unkown quantities, so hence Cherrie is brought in.

[Nesta99]

With sentiment in mind i'm glad to have Cherrie back. Even at his age he'd benefit from full time training with the 'keeper coach. Reasonable backup (even 3rd choice depending on how the young keeper is) and an experienced player that should benefit the squad in general, maybe help out with GK coaching if he is doing his badges. With a 6'5 centre half maybe we wont panic at any high balls or crosses in to the box...

[oriel]

I`m not overjoyed by either GK at the minute, and heard a 3rd one due from Barnsley soon, not like they didn't know Rogers was into his twilight years. For now, I`d be swaying towards Cherrie.

Will still need to be convinced, but it was clear this was an area that needed to be water tight last season, even with GR there, amazed they have not gone for better quality. I`ll hold my hand up if either prove to have a brilliant season, and maybe I`m being a little harsh, both deserve a chance to prove themselves but if you are going for a league title, just think a more solid GK is required. We'll find out soon enough who is up to it, and if they can maintain the level required.

[pineapple stu]

Not at the moment. The Albanian lad has got the no.1 jersey, while an u23 goalkeeper from England is also rumored. Both are unkown quantities, so hence Cherrie is brought in.
You don't go signing an experienced (maybe past it) keeper just because you haven't done proper scouting on the keepers you've signed surely?

[Martinho II]

Will Patching why does that name ring a bell? Remind me..

[pineapple stu]

Patching was with Dundalk last season

[oriel]

I was hoping he would sign for Pats as backup keeper. Our squad has some decent players in it but depth wise is very thin.

Cherrie was meant to be going to Pats as back up earlier in the week I heard. Seemed to change quite quick with his move back to DFC.

[Nesta99]

You don't go signing an experienced (maybe past it) keeper just because you haven't done proper scouting on the keepers you've signed surely?

Rhetorical question? We shall see. Rovers were practically transformed overnight by Mannus signing so agree with Oriel on having a solid keeper just to be in the mix!

[Yossarian]

Rhetorical question? We shall see. Rovers were practically transformed overnight by Mannus signing so agree with Oriel on having a solid keeper just to be in the mix!

Yes a solid keeper is crucial if you expect to challenge for the title, but in my opinion Cherrie does not meet that criteria. He’s a decent keeper but he’s a down grade on Rogers, who had his own flaws. Like everyone else, I’ve no idea how the Albanian keeper will do, but I hope we’ve only signed Cherrie purely to have a decent keeper with LoI experience in the squad, I’ll be worried if he is the first choice.

[pineapple stu]

Rhetorical question? We shall see. Rovers were practically transformed overnight by Mannus signing so agree with Oriel on having a solid keeper just to be in the mix!
Not rhetorical. Kiki suggested Dundalk signed Cherrie because the Albanian fella and the underage target are "unknown quantities"

Gambling on unknown quantities to the extent of having a Plan C signed just in case isn't a great transfer policy for a side who'd expect to be serious title contenders and to do well in Europe.

[Nesta99]

Yes a solid keeper is crucial if you expect to challenge for the title, but in my opinion Cherrie does not meet that criteria. He’s a decent keeper but he’s a down grade on Rogers, who had his own flaws. Like everyone else, I’ve no idea how the Albanian keeper will do, but I hope we’ve only signed Cherrie purely to have a decent keeper with LoI experience in the squad, I’ll be worried if he is the first choice.

Im presuming that Cherrie is the experience on the bench and if needed can fill a gap. We've had well rated keepers in reserve the last while, little game time to really see their ability. From Sava to McCarey, have had gaffs that damaged us but then so did Rogers - is any keeper gaff free? Didnt see much of Tracey either. Looking back at the Bratislava game, thats the standard of keeper we'd all like!! Similar to this Albanian chap thats coming in I hope.

[Sonny]

Im presuming that Cherrie is the experience on the bench and if needed can fill a gap. We've had well rated keepers in reserve the last while, little game time to really see their ability. From Sava to McCarey, have had gaffs that damaged us but then so did Rogers - is any keeper gaff free? Didnt see much of Tracey either. Looking back at the Bratislava game, thats the standard of keeper we'd all like!! Similar to this Albanian chap thats coming in I hope.

What on earth are you seeing that would suggest this lad would be anywhere near the standard of Slovan Bratislava's keeper??? One is a 23 year old Slovakian international with around 100 appearances for Slovan Bratislava; the other is a 24 year old who has played one season finishing in the bottom half of the Albanian league and couldn't get a sniff in the Italian lower leagues. As far as I can see they are both non-Irish goalkeepers, and that's about where the similarities end.

[sbgawa]

Im presuming that Cherrie is the experience on the bench and if needed can fill a gap. We've had well rated keepers in reserve the last while, little game time to really see their ability. From Sava to McCarey, have had gaffs that damaged us but then so did Rogers - is any keeper gaff free? Didnt see much of Tracey either. Looking back at the Bratislava game, thats the standard of keeper we'd all like!! Similar to this Albanian chap thats coming in I hope.

I think this is the key phrase

[DCWA]

What on earth are you seeing that would suggest this lad would be anywhere near the standard of Slovan Bratislava's keeper??? One is a 23 year old Slovakian international with around 100 appearances for Slovan Bratislava; the other is a 24 year old who has played one season finishing in the bottom half of the Albanian league and couldn't get a sniff in the Italian lower leagues. As far as I can see they are both non-Irish goalkeepers, and that's about where the similarities end.

Every goalkeeper east of Berlin is the exact same.

[Sonny]

I think this is the key phrase

In the same way that I hope I will wake up tomorrow to 35 degree heat with the sun splitting the trees; it would be nice, but all available evidence points to another miserable day of ****ing rain in never-ending lockdown.

[sbgawa]

In the same way that I hope I will wake up tomorrow to 35 degree heat with the sun splitting the trees; it would be nice, but all available evidence points to another miserable day of ****ing rain in never-ending lockdown.

i hope you are wrong;)

[ontheotherhand]

Rhetorical question? We shall see. Rovers were practically transformed overnight by Mannus signing so agree with Oriel on having a solid keeper just to be in the mix!

Ah Nesta...while I agree that having an experienced keeper ready to step in is a good thing.....Mannus and Cherrie aren't similar in terms of ability nor was Mannus signed to be in the mix...Rovers waited for him because they knew he was going to be the number 1. It was a painful wait...

[Nesta99]

Ah Nesta...while I agree that having an experienced keeper ready to step in is a good thing.....Mannus and Cherrie aren't similar in terms of ability nor was Mannus signed to be in the mix...Rovers waited for him because they knew he was going to be the number 1. It was a painful wait...

If thats the impression I gave apologies as no way do I consider Mannus and Cherrie as similar in ability! I was more suggesting that there is worry (and uncertainty on how well they have been scouted - hence the rhetorical question question to Stu) about the keepers coming in, not knowing if the unknowns will be good enough so will Cherrie be in the mix for the number 1 jersey. Also that Rovers improved significantly on the back of re-signing Mannus alone never mind other squad improvements.

At least we know what we are getting with Cherrie in comparison to these other lads, if he is to be No 1, whether he will be good enough to do a job is a wait and see and hope that he is if he is in the mix. He has a league winners medal from 2014 as first choice keeper but Kenny didnt seem to rate him though he had a good if unspectacular season with a solid back 4 in front of him. Is he past it now or has improved some weak points with experience I dont know yet and will reserve judgement irrespective of performances at other clubs. He is prone to poor decision making as Cork found in Europe, he was a good shot stopper but didnt command the box - hesitant coming for crosses. I hope that he is not considered as a first choice signing but as back-up, that having an experienced keeper in the squad could be a benefit the younger lads coming in. He is unlikely to be on top wages and that he may be reasonable value for money to have in reserve.

To clear up on what Sonny thought I was saying - The Bratislava keeper is the level of player that I believe is needed especially if there is ambition to improve significantly and consistently in Europe, maybe this Albanian lad has the potential, I hope he has and we have picked up a diamond in the rough. Again, time will tell!

[oriel]

Solid keepers win doubles, and in our case as far back as Richie Blackmore (79), Alan O'Neill (88) and Rogers (15 +18), all three won league titles on their own also (2 for Blackmore, 3 more for Rogers and 1 for O'Neill).

Others can play in a league winning side and end up with a single league title and that's how I would rate Cherrie, and lesser extent Van Boxtel (95), in that mental season of 94/95, one more week we could have finished 3rd, and his plight obviously took on a whole different story !

Point is, you need a massive presence in a GK to win things consistently, and to give that confidence / comfort feel to your defenders, as was mentioned in an earlier post by Nesta, Manus transformed Rovers, and almost overnight. Amazed DFC didn't go for other GK's who were of more ready made quality, now as I said before I could be very wrong on Abibi and Cherrie, I hope I am, and will gladly hold my hand up and say I got it wrong if so.

Granted both deserve a chance, but just why we are taking a chance on GK's is my worry.

[Nesta99]

Solid keepers win doubles, and in our case as far back as Richie Blackmore (79), Alan O'Neill (88) and Rogers (15 +18), all three won league titles on their own also (2 for Blackmore, 3 more for Rogers and 1 for O'Neill).

Others can play in a league winning side and end up with a single league title and that's how I would rate Cherrie, and lesser extent Van Boxtel (95), in that mental season of 94/95, one more week we could have finished 3rd, and his plight obviously took on a whole different story !

Point is, you need a massive presence in a GK to win things consistently, and to give that confidence / comfort feel to your defenders, as was mentioned in an earlier post by Nesta, Manus transformed Rovers, and almost overnight. Amazed DFC didn't go for other GK's who were of more ready made quality, now as I said before I could be very wrong on Abibi and Cherrie, I hope I am, and will gladly hold my hand up and say I got it wrong if so.

Granted both deserve a chance, but just why we are taking a chance on GK's is my worry.

Keep on hoping...

Listened to the podcast interviews with Abibi, Cherrie and new goal keeper coach Graham Byas there's a few things of note. Cherrie had been training with Dundalk and was offered a contract subsequently, from what he was saying the impression is he wont start as first choice. Byas talked up Abibi which is to be expected, but I'd have liked there to be more preseason games for Abibi and defenders to bed in communication so there could be some hairy moments early season until thigs settle. The new academy cropped up a few times with Byas so he's not just in a senior coach role. His experience with youth player development played a significant in why he was picked for the job imo, with the growing focus on youth development at the club Rovers fans willing to comment on how he was regarded at Tallaght? If most of his experience is with youths Cherrie's experience could be invaluable. It's planned to stream the friendly with Bohs so it will be interesting to get a first look.

[Charlie Darwin]

Rhetorical question? We shall see. Rovers were practically transformed overnight by Mannus signing so agree with Oriel on having a solid keeper just to be in the mix!
To be fair, we were transformed overnight when 16-year-old inexperienced Bazunu stepped into the team. Mannus was supposed to sign six months earlier but he came at the right time with Bazunu leaving.

[trevy]

Waterford have signed Josh Collins ex UCD and Oscar Brennan ex Shelbourne and Bohs in last week. Any thoughts on these 2 from fans of his previous clubs?
We also have a lot of younger players some from UK on trial at moment. Squad is looking a bit thin so far.

[pineapple stu]

Josh is decent; I'd have expected him to move onto a PD team in due course. Played alongside Liam Scales who's done quite well for himself. Brother is Nathan Collins at Stoke

[2 Year Contract]

Brother is Nathan Collins at Stoke

The two lads uncle is former pats manager Eamonn Collins and their own father also played across the water too

[Nesta99]

To be fair, we were transformed overnight when 16-year-old inexperienced Bazunu stepped into the team. Mannus was supposed to sign six months earlier but he came at the right time with Bazunu leaving.

Yeah thats fair enough, i'd forgotten about Bazunu in this context probably as its was a short term fix knowing he was leaving. He did bridge the gap. So much of a teams overall performance is based on how comfortable a defense is with their keeper.

[Martinho II]

The two lads uncle is former pats manager Eamonn Collins and their own father also played across the water too

Who was those two lads father? Name rings a bell think he made his debut aged 15 across the water.. He was a child prodigy but injury ended his career early. Think he was at Blackpool?

[Burnsie]

Who was those two lads father?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_...er,_born_1971)

i believe he manages CYM Beechwood in the LSL these days

[ontheotherhand]

If thats the impression I gave apologies as no way do I consider Mannus and Cherrie as similar in ability! I was more suggesting that there is worry (and uncertainty on how well they have been scouted - hence the rhetorical question question to Stu) about the keepers coming in, not knowing if the unknowns will be good enough so will Cherrie be in the mix for the number 1 jersey. Also that Rovers improved significantly on the back of re-signing Mannus alone never mind other squad improvements.

At least we know what we are getting with Cherrie in comparison to these other lads, if he is to be No 1, whether he will be good enough to do a job is a wait and see and hope that he is if he is in the mix. He has a league winners medal from 2014 as first choice keeper but Kenny didnt seem to rate him though he had a good if unspectacular season with a solid back 4 in front of him. Is he past it now or has improved some weak points with experience I dont know yet and will reserve judgement irrespective of performances at other clubs. He is prone to poor decision making as Cork found in Europe, he was a good shot stopper but didnt command the box - hesitant coming for crosses. I hope that he is not considered as a first choice signing but as back-up, that having an experienced keeper in the squad could be a benefit the younger lads coming in. He is unlikely to be on top wages and that he may be reasonable value for money to have in reserve.

To clear up on what Sonny thought I was saying - The Bratislava keeper is the level of player that I believe is needed especially if there is ambition to improve significantly and consistently in Europe, maybe this Albanian lad has the potential, I hope he has and we have picked up a diamond in the rough. Again, time will tell!

Makes sense. I think signing Cherrie is good for Dundalk. Nothing wrong with having that kind of experience as backup and he may help the Albanian learn the ropes or ensure he stays sharp.

That said, I think the keeper situation might be Dundalk's only real weak area at the moment. The new signings may or may not turn out well but they also might not be needed much. If you can put out the cup final team or close to it, you'll win most games. Rovers will have to be as good and consistent as they were last season to win the league again, which is a big ask without the driving force of McEneff and the creative spark of Byrne. I'd have Dundalk as favourites if the one of the keepers turns out to be solid. A few at Rovers might step into the gaps and I trust Bradleys confidence in the likes of Watts to do so...but it will be a lot closer this season.

[oriel]

I think Dundalk still have 9 who were involved in the cup final still there, Hoban and Murray injured so call that 11 minus the GK of course. Gannon is the only big loss in my view, as Rogers was coming to the end regardless, and Hoare had dropped to 4th pick from the centre halfs. Flores was brilliant in ET in the cup final and two big goals in EL group, but he wasn't consistent

The Latvian international, Jurkovkis who can play left or right full prob has the best chance of the new joins to make the starting xi, seems a lot expected of Sonni Nattestad, the big 6f 6 centre half, but Gartland-Boyle-Cleary won't be easily disposed. Up front plenty of choices with 3 strikers, and out wide well served in Duffy and Kelly, and maybe Junior if he signs. Centre mid, not sure we have strengthened, a lot will depend if Murray can keep fit, McEleney needs to do much more as he has the talent, then the new Scottish player Sam Stanton, again seems a lot expected from him, so we'll see.

All roads pointing towards the GK, that's still the one I`m worried about. But.......even without Jack B and McEneff, Rovers have that settled look about them.

[DCWA]

Derry sign Will Fitzgerald from Waterford. Any opinions on him ?

[sadloserkid]

Derry sign Will Fitzgerald from Waterford. Any opinions on him ?

He looked a very, very good prospect when he came through at Limerick. I don't really know how Waterford went for him.

[DCWA]

Will Patching will be joining Derry City for the season.

EDIT: Quite late on to be editing but don’t want to clutter up the place with 3 posts in a row. Also signing Marc Walsh from Swansea.

Both now confirmed.

[nigel-harps1954]

Both now confirmed.

Marc Walsh isn't signed from Swansea. He has been back from there since the start of last summer. He was signed to Harps last season. Played one game in the Ulster Senior League and that was about it. He's very, very light.

[DCWA]

Marc Walsh isn't signed from Swansea. He has been back from there since the start of last summer. He was signed to Harps last season. Played one game in the Ulster Senior League and that was about it. He's very, very light.

Right you are. I wasn’t aware of that but no odds really, Marc Walsh has signed.

Being very, very light seems to be one of our transfer criteria this season so he will fit in well.

it is a very young and light looking squard particularly in midfield.

[nigel-harps1954]

Right you are. I wasn’t aware of that but no odds really, Marc Walsh has signed.

Being very, very light seems to be one of our transfer criteria this season so he will fit in well.

it is a very young and light looking squard particularly in midfield.

I know the likes of Hodge and Parkhouse are good signings there, but is there any worry among Derry fans going into this season?

As you alude to, the squad doesn't look particularly strong, and lacking a bit of experience in there.

[sbgawa]

Derry sign Will Fitzgerald from Waterford. Any opinions on him ?


He had some injuries at Waterford that held him back, he was excelent at Limerick
I remember him being name checked as a transfer target for both Dundalk and Rovers at one stage when Limerick were going bust.....if im getting my timeline right, but either way he is an excelent player for Derry

[ToberonaTornado]

He had some injuries at Waterford that held him back, he was excelent at Limerick
I remember him being name checked as a transfer target for both Dundalk and Rovers at one stage when Limerick were going bust.....if im getting my timeline right, but either way he is an excelent player for Derry

Dundalk were defo after him back in SK's time.Played for him in ireland U21's too. Only 21 though so could be a good signing once staying injury free.

[DCWA]

I know the likes of Hodge and Parkhouse are good signings there, but is there any worry among Derry fans going into this season?

As you alude to, the squad doesn't look particularly strong, and lacking a bit of experience in there.

I suppose I can speak only for myself but it is a bit of a concern certainly. I think some of the signings are exciting in their own right too and we know what are going to get from Parkhouse and Danny Lafferty.

All the hype with Hodge aside because he arrives from Man City our most impressive signing, and as good a business as I have seen anywhere in the league (admittedly I am not paying much attention to others) is signing Parkhouse on a 3 year contract. He will be the best striker in this division in that period of time imo.

There are a few obvious concerns. Midfield is very light, we are going with Gartside as our #1 who has never played regular football before, we still lack options on the wings and creative depth and the manager has plenty to prove after last year.

[sbgawa]

Lafferty is a great signing for Dundalk , was super for Rovers and scored a decent few goials as well.
I can see why he was let go becasue we have Kavanagh coming back from best part of a year out and Farrugia who can both play wing back and are younger.
From word around the club he is a model pro as well , Derry are lucky he is from Derry and happy to come home

[Nesta99]

Lafferty is a great signing for Dundalk , was super for Rovers and scored a decent few goials as well.
I can see why he was let go becasue we have Kavanagh coming back from best part of a year out and Farrugia who can both play wing back and are younger.
From word around the club he is a model pro as well , Derry are lucky he is from Derry and happy to come home

Obsessed! :p

[sbgawa]

Lol , bad typo there

[Kiki Balboa]

Was told that Will Patching was the best 'footballer' at Dundalk... bags and bags of talent..... Only problem was he is so laid-back... very very 'laid-back'.

[2 Year Contract]

Alfie Lewis has signed for Pats on loan from West Ham