2021 Season , Arrivals and departures

[2 Year Contract]

Seen that in one of the papers how long ago did he win an Ireland cap?

He won 3 caps in 2009.

I noticed while looking him up that he hasn’t played a league game since December 2019. His only 2 appearances since then have come in the EFL trophy. He was loaned out to Motherwell in February just gone and again didn’t make any appearances. Not sure if all of that is to do with injury or an off field issue etc

[ontheotherhand]

It's fairly straightforward despite what anyone else says . Bohs offer him a contract even if they know he is going . He declines it and any Irish club have to pay up a year's salary. In this case on a 42 week contract a little north of 20k would be correct.Its something that the tapping up club cannot shy away from.
The only reason it would have to go to FAI is rovers arrogantly refusing to pay up to Bohs .
If there was no contract or letter of retention Rovers wouldn't have to pay a penny and it wouldn't have even got to the FAI.


If it was straightforward it wouldn't have been put to the Dispute Resolution Committee....despite what any bohs fan says.

Thankfully Danny is in a happier place now and some portion of 20k in exchange for his talent isn't a bad deal for me.

[Dalymountrower]

Thankfully Danny is in a happier place now.
Has he gone back to Dubai with his ladyfriend?

[ontheotherhand]

Has he gone back to Dubai with his ladyfriend?

Better than Beirut with bees.

The bee thing has to be a windup is it?

[Dalymountrower]

Better than Beirut with bees.

The bee thing has to be a windup is it?
That would be a botanical matter.

[ontheotherhand]

That would be a botanical matter.

Some buzz about the place I'd say?

[Dalymountrower]

Some buzz about the place I'd say?
Yep, looking to re-sign Aviary John.

[Eminence Grise]

Apiary John, but I don't want to drone on.

[sbgawa]

Is there to be another reveal from your sources.?Surely they are celebrating their stunning legal victory ?

Seems my sources were right, i'm sorry you doubted me ;)
Bohs got substantially less than they were looking for and less then the amount in the Press article re Mandriou compensation fee.
According tp the FAI committee who ruled on it the Bohs paperwork was "sloppy and error Strewn" hence why Rovers disputed it.
Given Bohs got less then the rules for compensation (which are set in stone) id say Rovers were pretty happy with the result meaning they had to pay substantially less.
What amazes me is that Bohs fed this journo the story when they had to expect that Rovers could simply quote the report, if what Rovers said is not true then either Bohs could publish their copy or the FAI would deny it??
Maybe it was loose lips by a dope rathar than official.
Whoever does the paperwork for Bohs must have a red arse from kicking.
Bad enough screwing up a compensation case in general but when it saves Rovers money it must sting

[Dalymountrower]

Yep, am gutted that Rovers had to pay a fee for a player they thought they had tapped up for free.
If you take your Rovers goggles off for a minute you should observe that the whole episode reflects poorly on both clubs.

[DCWA]

Among endless rumours locally is that Patching could stay with Derry in exchange for Gartside moving to Oriel. Rumour mill in Dundalk is in overdrive these days on everything, but could be a decent piece of business done by the club if there is any substance to it. It'd be a real shame not to have Patching get a proper chance with us but could he pick us up more points than pinching Derry's keeper?? It will certainly be interesting to see who leaves with supposed cuts to the playing budget happening. Hopefully Perez and Dogan are on a good wedge and that's 'cutting the budget', release a keeper if agreeing a full contract doesnt have to be paid up. Cant see any other obvious members of the squad that could or would go next month.


I know this is a few days ago now so may have subsided but we would take the hand and all off you as they say for that exchange!

[sbgawa]

Yep, am gutted that Rovers had to pay a fee for a player they thought they had tapped up for free.
If you take your Rovers goggles off for a minute you should observe that the whole episode reflects poorly on both clubs.

No goggles needed Rovers and any other club would have been entitled to talk to mandroiu who was within 6 months of the end of his contract. That's the way it works. The minimal fee bohs got was their own fault not rovers and was less than rovers expected given the rules on compo are clear

[Nesta99]

I know this is a few days ago now so may have subsided but we would take the hand and all off you as they say for that exchange!

Shields leaving now means Patching is probably wanted back. Could work out in Zahibo also being a defensive midfielder and both Shield and Zahibo when available were in the first 11. I prefer Shields to be the one to stay but Patching and Zahibo/Shields would be a better combination. Perth isnt the type to shirk away from these things so players may put their ego in their pocket and go with the flow until November. The keepers though...

[mcgonigle]

Shields leaving now means Patching is probably wanted back. Could work out in Zahibo also being a defensive midfielder and both Shield and Zahibo when available were in the first 11. I prefer Shields to be the one to stay but Patching and Zahibo/Shields would be a better combination. Perth isnt the type to shirk away from these things so players may put their ego in their pocket and go with the flow until November. The keepers though...

Zahibo doesn't look like a defensive midfielder to me, hope he is not the replacement for Shields. Slogett isn't up to it either

[El-Pietro]

I would say, from my own viewpoint, that two years ago Chris Shields was probably the most underrated player in the LOI, arguably the best player in the league.
Has been steady since, but not standing out.

Not getting any younger, and probably taking a nice handy few years to wind down at Linfield. Think he lives up the north somewhere too?
I'd say hes probably been the standout player of the last 6-8 years, maybe even the decade. Other players have had better seasons, but not as consistently high as him over as long a period, whether that be due to age, injuries, lack of form, or moving out of the league.

[Nesta99]

He doesnt nearly have the influence that Shields has but having both in the team, especially when the jury is out on Zahibo, isnt working obviously. If Shields leaves its plugging a big hole, maybe Sloggett could step up and with runs of games can improve. But there is too much trying to fit square pegs in round holes across the squad - a big squad at that, yet we struggle to cover injuries and suspensions.

[kksaints]

Surprised with how poor Leahy has been since he moved to Dundalk.

[Dalymountrower]

Surprised with how poor Leahy has been since he moved to Dundalk.

Agreed.But he seems to have been used as an impact sub this season for whatever reason.

[Yossarian]

Agreed.But he seems to have been used as an impact sub this season for whatever reason.

“Non-impact” sub

[sulywaterfordfc]

Bircham confirms the club are in talks with Eddie Nolan. He also reiterated he’s looking to bring in six players. https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-40318277.html?type=amp&fbclid=IwAR15WGVl8sle42KLPmM0wqrFcO0v4-896FV0WeF-abSyDW2JMwtd2myXwlU

[Longfordian]

I have literally no recollection of him playing for Ireland. But he sounds like he has a good pedigree.

[joey B]

Mark Russell left us and signed back with Greenock Morton.

[Calcio Jack]

Rovers holding a trial match tonight with Anthony Stokes involved and are considering offering him a contract - this week we signed up our 600th member ( highest ever membership) if we sign Stokes and the baggage that accompanies that number will quickly drop to at least 599

[Bucket]

He's better than any striker currently at the club. If he was signed on a pay-as-you-play type contract, what's the harm?

[Dalymountrower]

He's better than any striker currently at the club. If he was signed on a pay-as-you-play type contract, what's the harm?


Would certainly help stealing a few points alright

[Nesta99]

He's better than any striker currently at the club. If he was signed on a pay-as-you-play type contract, what's the harm?


Rovers holding a trial match tonight with Anthony Stokes involved and are considering offering him a contract - this week we signed up our 600th member ( highest ever membership) if we sign Stokes and the baggage that accompanies that number will quickly drop to at least 599


Not a player that Id want around my club, but if it meant avoiding relegation for my club maybe id temper my disapproval in the short term...,maybe. Its blatantly obvious Rovers need a striker, the title defence is rattled, Europe pending and you cant afford not to convert chances with the finances on the line and with Gaffney or Greene etc its more likely to be a miss than a hit. Dont know whether Stokes is an answer, is he fit, can he be ready in a matter of weeks, baggage aside. Bit of a rock and hard place decision but I get your concerns CJ. Hint of a hail mary signing, you'd think there'd be someone out there that could have been enticed to Tallaght that would do the job by now - I'm sure Dundalk would have a few telephone numbers, Tagbajumi would be a super signing!!!

[placid casual]

McMillan should be available in a few weeks anyway, but not sure he'd go to Rovers

[wexfordned]

Would certainly help stealing a few points alright

Stokes certainly not afraid to use his head either

[Nesta99]

Sheilds leaving officially confirmed.

[joey B]

Sheilds leaving officially confirmed.

How big a loss you think that will be Nesta? Has he dropped off performance wise this season or has the situation there just made it appear that way?

[D24Saint]

End of a era. He was a great player for Dundalk over the past few years.

[EalingGreen]

End of a era. He was a great player for Dundalk over the past few years.Just signed a 3 year contract with Linfield - the *******s:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57571021

[D24Saint]

Just signed a 3 year contract with Linfield - the *******s:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57571021

:o:o:o

[Demesne Lad]

The heart of De Town :-(

[Martinho II]

I think it would be a poor move from Shamrock Rovers if they sign AS. What was the last club he played for was that the Iranian club? So much bad press about him with the courtcase I wouldnt touch him with a bargepole but hey what do I know. We signed Keith Gillespie. Sad to see CS leave Dundalk but with him living up north now it makes sense for him and his family.

[Nesta99]

How big a loss you think that will be Nesta? Has he dropped off performance wise this season or has the situation there just made it appear that way?

He is a huge loss, even out of form he is effective, He is a player that can drag you over the line so what is saved in a budget could be lost by multiples not having him pull midfield strings against Welsh minnows...

[sulywaterfordfc]

Mark Russell left us and signed back with Greenock Morton.

Did Harps get any part of fee for him?

[joey B]

Did Harps get any part of fee for him?
I’ve no clue tbh,but I’d guess probably not…

[joey B]

He is a huge loss, even out of form he is effective, He is a player that can drag you over the line so what is saved in a budget could be lost by multiples not having him pull midfield strings against Welsh minnows...

Yeah he always seemed like the one setting the tone,the small things that don’t show up in stats but every team that’s successful needs,shame for the league he’s gone……

[sbgawa]

I think it would be a poor move from Shamrock Rovers if they sign AS. What was the last club he played for was that the Iranian club? So much bad press about him with the courtcase I wouldnt touch him with a bargepole but hey what do I know. We signed Keith Gillespie. Sad to see CS leave Dundalk but with him living up north now it makes sense for him and his family.
Can't see Rovers signing him unless it's a pay for play basis

[pineapple stu]

Dunno if this has been answered already, but what's the craic with Shields leaving? Budget cuts/past his prime/non-football reasons? No slight on Linfield, but it's a very sudden departure from a successful club where he was well-established

[sbgawa]

From the outside looking in its hard to understand with DFC being seeded for probably 3 rounds of the ECL
I dont get it

[Nesta99]

Yeah he always seemed like the one setting the tone,the small things that don’t show up in stats but every team that’s successful needs,shame for the league he’s gone……

Where are all those soft frees going to come from now...

[Nesta99]

From the outside looking in its hard to understand with DFC being seeded for probably 3 rounds of the ECL
I dont get it

3 year contract at a club that is closer to his home. Was always on the cards with the change in contract policy. But yeah, the key role he plays he could get a side over the line against Welsh 'minnows' and Estonians so whatever the minimal fee in, it weakens the possibility of Euro money in so possibly short sighted. He isnt a centre half but considering the injuries we have in that position he was an option to fill in. I think its a not standing in the way thing as undoubtedly any manager would want Chris Shields on the books. The expediting of the transfer is due to Linfield being worried about their rival clubs stealing in with big money in November. Get their man now even if there is a nominal fee involved and he will add to their European squad. It is what it is:(

His farwell statement is spot on - bitter sweet.

[Steve Bruce]

Dunno if this has been answered already, but what's the craic with Shields leaving? Budget cuts/past his prime/non-football reasons? No slight on Linfield, but it's a very sudden departure from a successful club where he was well-established

He's not exactly going to a club that struggles to win trophies.

Linfield is now a full time club, we've got a healthy bank balance to sustain full time football & we are able to offer him 3 years of stability.

Not that I follow dundalk or know much about it, but it appears they are marching towards financial instability which unfortunately is far too often a problem in the LOI football (shelbourne, Cork, derry City, drogheda, sporting fingal etc etc)

So the proposition at Linfield could be very attractive to a lot of players.

[pineapple stu]

No, but it is a step down from the Dundalk of old. Linfield won't be appearing in the group stages of Europe any time soon for example.

I agree with you on where Dundalk seem to be headed, and if that has played a part in Shields' decision, then that would be quite worrying as a Dundalk fan. Hence the question though.

[placid casual]

Financial stability, near to family life, chance to win trophies - I'd call that the holy grail for any pro footballer on this island. Linfield is a step up for Shields from the clown car he's exiting.

[lofty9]

Dunno if this has been answered already, but what's the craic with Shields leaving? Budget cuts/past his prime/non-football reasons? No slight on Linfield, but it's a very sudden departure from a successful club where he was well-established

I wouldn’t call it a sudden departure, its been common knowledge that he’s been going to Linfield since April. Sudden would be McEleney joining him this window!

[Steve Bruce]

No, but it is a step down from the Dundalk of old. Linfield won't be appearing in the group stages of Europe any time soon for example.

I agree with you on where Dundalk seem to be headed, and if that has played a part in Shields' decision, then that would be quite worrying as a Dundalk fan. Hence the question though.


Financial stability, near to family life, chance to win trophies - I'd call that the holy grail for any pro footballer on this island. Linfield is a step up for Shields from the clown car he's exiting.

We where an away goal away from it 2 summers ago vs qarabag. We lost 5 important players this season so im not expecting anything this year but our goal is to be in the group stages in the near future.

As for Dundalk of old, if linfield where to build on quicksand like many other clubs who have had success in the LOI, im sure we could have been a higher standard much sooner. But thankfully our board has built up our revenue, kept the expenses well in budget & built a large amount of reserves so that if we do fail to qualify for Europe we can afford the hit.

[pineapple stu]

Ironically the initial Dundalk success doesn't appear to have been built on quicksand. The first EL group stage qualification was quite genuine. They've failed spectacularly to build on things since then of course.

Anyways, this is away from the point of why Shields has left exactly.