2022 Season, Arrivals and Departures

[nigel-harps1954]

Please tell me you're taking the píss.

If you actually think Galway United are offering players 52 week contracts in the First Division, then you're completely off your rocker.

From the horses mouth, per se.

[Olander]

From the horses mouth, per se.
As Abraham Lincoln famously once said, "Don't believe everything you read on the internet".

[gufct]

James Finnerty signed on loan from Bohs .

[Longfordian]

Ryan Graydon signed for Derry from Longford on a 2.5 year deal. He's a decent enough player on his day but I'd have thought Derry could do better to be honest. Especially on a lengthy contract.

[nigel-harps1954]

As Abraham Lincoln famously once said, "Don't believe everything you read on the internet".

It's not from the internet.

[gufct]

Ryan Graydon signed for Derry from Longford on a 2.5 year deal. He's a decent enough player on his day but I'd have thought Derry could do better to be honest. Especially on a lengthy contract.

Gufc had a deal done before Derry stepped in.

[Longfordian]

Dan McDonnell says another Premier club wanted him too. I'm assuming we didn't get any money out of it. He has talent definitely but he didn't jump out as someone that could definitely do well at Premier Division level. But I'm no expert.

[RealJohn91]

Haven't seen Graydon in a few years but I didn't think he was up to much when he got a chance at Bohs. Very surprised Derry have given him such a long deal.

[total hoofball]

Graydon was teammates with Kavanagh and Maher last season at Bray so maybe some connection there led to his move. He looked a raw winger with potential for his age in the games against Shels last season, I wouldn't have thought him or Kavanagh would have been anywhere near ready for playing in a team the next season pushing for the premier division title or in Europe

Maybe some clubs like Derry are looking at the sketchy hit rate of young UK/foreign imports from full-time setups and are deciding to shift back towards giving young part-time Irish players in the first division a chance to develop

[Jd2793]

Graydon was teammates with Kavanagh and Maher last season at Bray so maybe some connection there led to his move. He looked a raw winger with potential for his age in the games against Shels last season, I wouldn't have thought him or Kavanagh would have been anywhere near ready for playing in a team the next season pushing for the premier division title or in Europe

Maybe some clubs like Derry are looking at the sketchy hit rate of young UK/foreign imports from full-time setups and are deciding to shift back towards giving young part-time Irish players in the first division a chance to develop


kavanagh is a lot better than graydon imo. 2.5 year deal for a guy who is essentially going to be a sub seems mad to me. theyd have been better off going for patterson. graydon was impressive against cork this season but he didnt stand out enough to say hes good enough to be a squad player on a team who want to challenge for the title in the tier above.

[De Town]

The Graydon move is a mad one to me. He has talent for sure but he's only been decent for us this season, no better than that. Think he only has 2 goals & 4 assists so far, not amazing output in a largely rubbish division. He's also very inconsistent. Can have 1 good game followed by 2 not so good ones. Best of luck to the lad, not sure how he's managed to get a 2.5 year deal out of it but fair play to him. The full time set up and playing with better players should bring him on further but I'd be surprised if he ever becomes a regular starter in a PD team, never mind one hoping to challenge for silverware and play in Europe every year.

[El-Pietro]

Barry Coffey signs with City until the end of the season. Was linked with a move to Galway, no idea how realistic that ever was, but great to have him and his goals back in our team. He'll have to fight hard to get his starting place back though as Srbely has been playing well in his absence.

[joey B]

30 k the fee for Mandriou,measly sum that for one of the better players in the league…

[ger121]

30 k the fee for Mandriou,measly sum that for one of the better players in the league…

Sign of the times really. Players have agents who are inserting these release clauses, in order to get the player to sign longer term contracts. Mind you €30,000 has got to be one of the lowest ones I’ve seen mentioned.

[2 Year Contract]

Sign of the times really. Players have agents who are inserting these release clauses, in order to get the player to sign longer term contracts. Mind you €30,000 has got to be one of the lowest ones I’ve seen mentioned.

In this case the agent getting such a low release clause put into the contract has actually gone against his client. Reported below by Dan McDonnell that a Bundesliga club were interested in signing him but we’re actually put off by how low his release clause was.

https://m.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/danny-mandroiu-to-lincoln-imminent-as-hoops-boss-stephen-bradley-confirms-forward-has-played-final-game-for-club-41811976.html

Of course it’s hard for LOI clubs to put the foot down in regards to release clauses but for rovers to see themselves as the most attractive option for a player to sign for in this country, coupled with the fact that they paid Bohs €20k for Mandroiu surely they could’ve negotiated something like €100k at a minimum

[2 Year Contract]

That Ryan Grayson transfer is mad by the way, there’s good reason a 23 year old who's spent his entire senior career in the LOI only has 3 premier division starts. Saw a Longford fan on twitter mention that they’ve got €40k out of the move too

[RealJohn91]

That Ryan Grayson transfer is mad by the way, there’s good reason a 23 year old who's spent his entire senior career in the LOI only has 3 premier division starts. Saw a Longford fan on twitter mention that they’ve got €40k out of the move too
40k!?! Surely you'd be able to get someone like Patterson from Waterford for around the same or less than that.

[2 Year Contract]

40k!?! Surely you'd be able to get someone like Patterson from Waterford for around the same or less than that.

Yeah Patterson or Junior Quitirna is who I’d be going for if that fee is to be believed. No idea if it is or not though

[Kiki Balboa]

Would Graydon have been out-of-contract at the end of the season? That looks like one of the most bizarre moves in LOI for a long time- to pay a fee for an unproven at this level First Division player. Are Derry expecting him to make an impact straight away?- because it would be a big jump up. He is a left winger, the same position as Mickey Duffy, so long term you paid a fee to compete with one of the leagues best?


Maybe the full-time set up means he can make the leap. But just... strange...

[sbgawa]

Jaysus Derry could have got Danny Mandroiu and had 10k change :mad:

[sadloserkid]

In the long, proud history of LOI stories I don't believe, "a Bundesliga club decided not to buy Danny Mandriou because he was too cheap" just might top the list.

[Nesta99]

In the mad world of football never mind LoI its that bizarre it could actually be true! We like that player but we're not going to sign him because he is too cheap, whack 100k minimum on to the transfer fee and we'll talk....

[Longfordian]

If they'd just left it at "they thought there was something wrong with him" they might not have been far wrong. On Graydon, I saw that 40k tweet but I don't know if the lad was taking the pee. He likes to do that on Twitter but he posts on here too so he can let us know himself if he wants to.

[Nesta99]

Sign of the times really. Players have agents who are inserting these release clauses, in order to get the player to sign longer term contracts. Mind you €30,000 has got to be one of the lowest ones I’ve seen mentioned.

Really frustrating the whole release clause thing, sign a multi year deal but knowing they can walk is really hedging the bets for players. Its a tendency that needs to be broken by clubs with means to not be desperate enough to allow 1 season contracts or those with exit clauses. Then again if an employee of a club gives statutory notice to leave is any contract of value?

[WeAreRovers]

Mandriou out of contract at the end of the season anyway and was intent on running it down, was going to walk then regardless.

Assume we’d have rather kept him around until the end of the season and foregone the tiny buyout fee but it is what it is.

[ontheotherhand]

We recouped the money we had to pay bohs and his goals won us a league so it's hard to be too upset here. Any club in the league would be happy enough with that return even if the fee is laughably small when you see how much Pats got for Burns. Generally we've done really well in the market though and this isn't a trend but a once off. Good luck to him. Rovers was good for him and he was good for Rovers.

I'm more worried about going into Europe without Byrne, Burke and now Mandroiu. If he wasn't injured I'd guess we would have kept him for at least the first tie. Now we look very light on creativity.

[D24Saint]

Disappointing to lose Burns especially before a European match. The new lad Timmermans played for the u-19’s yesterday. Hopefully he turns out to be a decent signing.

[TonyD]

Disappointing to lose Burns especially before a European match. The new lad Timmermans played for the u-19’s yesterday. Hopefully he turns out to be a decent signing.

Think we’ll need him to be if the rumours about Adam O’Reilly going to Italy are true. He would be a huge loss in my opinion.

[D24Saint]

Think we’ll need him to be if the rumours about Adam O’Reilly going to Italy are true. He would be a huge loss in my opinion.

I’ve heard a few rumours on O’Reilly. The first was that he is out of contract soon the other was that he is due back at Preston soon. He is a vital player for us this year , his work rate is fantastic.

[joey B]

Bolton in for Eoin Toal per Dan McDonnell..

[Nesta99]

We recouped the money we had to pay bohs and his goals won us a league so it's hard to be too upset here. Any club in the league would be happy enough with that return even if the fee is laughably small when you see how much Pats got for Burns. Generally we've done really well in the market though and this isn't a trend but a once off. Good luck to him. Rovers was good for him and he was good for Rovers.

I'm more worried about going into Europe without Byrne, Burke and now Mandroiu. If he wasn't injured I'd guess we would have kept him for at least the first tie. Now we look very light on creativity.

Beyond this weeks game for sure its a worry not having the preferred 1st 11 lads available. But really against Hibs Malta the players that are there should be good enough. If there are lads that feel they are senior players, but dressed up as 2nd team of equals, brought in 'cause others are unavailable - the likes of Towell isnt the sort of team player that would accept being considered a lesser player than An Other. Unlike Greene eg who is undoubtedly a squad man that just steps in when selected. no complaints. Mandroiu will be a loss at face value but him leaving could improve things with the overall squad mood.

[joey B]

Beyond this weeks game for sure its a worry not having the preferred 1st 11 lads available. But really against Hibs Malta the players that are there should be good enough. If there are lads that feel they are senior players, but dressed up as 2nd team of equals, brought in 'cause others are unavailable - the likes of Towell isnt the sort of team player that would accept being considered a lesser player than An Other. Unlike Greene eg who is undoubtedly a squad man that just steps in when selected. no complaints. Mandroiu will be a loss at face value but him leaving could improve things with the overall squad mood.

Watching Rovers on Friday I’d say Watts and Gaffney will be the 2 they’ll need to play well to progress ,seemed to be the 2 running the show for them….

[brendy_éire]

Bolton in for Eoin Toal per Dan McDonnell..

Bid turned down. I wonder what the amount was.
Toal is out of contract at the end of the year. I'd expect him to be playing abroad next year.

[D24Saint]

Bid turned down. I wonder what the amount was.
Toal is out of contract at the end of the year. I'd expect him to be playing abroad next year.

I though Bolton we’re broke so probably chanced their arm with a paltry bid. The clubs in league one seem to have realised that the Loi is a good source for players. Once the bids are appropriate it could be a good thing for clubs going forward.

[ontheotherhand]

Beyond this weeks game for sure its a worry not having the preferred 1st 11 lads available. But really against Hibs Malta the players that are there should be good enough. If there are lads that feel they are senior players, but dressed up as 2nd team of equals, brought in 'cause others are unavailable - the likes of Towell isnt the sort of team player that would accept being considered a lesser player than An Other. Unlike Greene eg who is undoubtedly a squad man that just steps in when selected. no complaints. Mandroiu will be a loss at face value but him leaving could improve things with the overall squad mood.

Not sure about that Nesta but I wish I shared your optimism. Towell seems altogether too happy at times to be a bit part player and I haven't seen much evidence that Mandroiu was causing any issues within the squad. It'd be one thing if we were just losing him but having no Jack Byrne or Graham Burke is rough.

[placid casual]

Beyond this weeks game for sure its a worry not having the preferred 1st 11 lads available. But really against Hibs Malta the players that are there should be good enough. If there are lads that feel they are senior players, but dressed up as 2nd team of equals, brought in 'cause others are unavailable - the likes of Towell isnt the sort of team player that would accept being considered a lesser player than An Other. Unlike Greene eg who is undoubtedly a squad man that just steps in when selected. no complaints. Mandroiu will be a loss at face value but him leaving could improve things with the overall squad mood.
I've no idea what your $hiteing about in regards to mandriou affecting the mood of the Rovers camp, but whatever you think you've heard, it's utter rubbish.
The reason this Rovers team are going to win 3 leagues in a row is because of the togetherness of the squad.
All that being said I agree with your assertion that the loss of the 3 main players shouldn't detract from the belief that Rovers should be beating these Maltese lads. No excuses.

[WeAreRovers]

Watching Rovers on Friday I’d say Watts and Gaffney will be the 2 they’ll need to play well to progress ,seemed to be the 2 running the show for them….

Bang on, our two in-form players at the moment and both would walk into any other LOI side so no need to panic (hopefully!)

[pineapple stu]

The reason this Rovers team are going to win 3 leagues in a row is because of the togetherness of the squad
In fairness, the rest of the league being ****e has probably helped too there.

Anyways, Hibs are missing players too so should really be no excuses for this one. But not ideal to be losing key players for the important games ahead alright

[Nesta99]

I've no idea what your $hiteing about in regards to mandriou affecting the mood of the Rovers camp, but whatever you think you've heard, it's utter rubbish.
The reason this Rovers team are going to win 3 leagues in a row is because of the togetherness of the squad.
All that being said I agree with your assertion that the loss of the 3 main players shouldn't detract from the belief that Rovers should be beating these Maltese lads. No excuses.

Bit cranky PC, stressed about tonights game? You should be better settled after that 3rd goal! Regardless of what I have heard it is simply common sense that unsettled players, refusal to consider new contracts, leaving mid season and so on, can and does unsettle a squad. Its disruptive especially if an important player, more so if carrying a few injuries. The reason rovers are going to win 3 in a row is not because of togetherness, there's a little more to it than that as i'm sure you will agree.

As for what I have heard, not what I thought I heard, is that there are few unsettled players. Not actually name checked but oth above has made the observation that Towell seems too happy to be a bit part player, which i presume is inferring a lack of form or disinterest, hence maybe isnt the happiest at not being an automatic starter. Its actually another player that was said to be having a few issues; Its hardly unusual in a squad that there will be a couple of lads that dont get on but maybe Rovers are the exception:rolleyes: Not every post is an attack on your sensitivities PC - what also could be taken from my post, Rovers should win even with missing players, players not being happy with game time, Greene just gets on with things and steps up when asks, a want away player that that the club would want to keep, when leaves might be minimise disruption, (gets other players games) and a morale boost...

[ontheotherhand]

I was actually saying Towell is altogether too happy Nesta... I'd like to see him demand to be the main man and step up a bit but I'm not sure he has it in him. He works hard but he looks a bit out of sync with the team at times.

[Nesta99]

I was actually saying Towell is altogether too happy Nesta... I'd like to see him demand to be the main man and step up a bit but I'm not sure he has it in him. He works hard but he looks a bit out of sync with the team at times.

He doesnt seem to have settled in as easily as was expected. But either way and as Ive said above, this is the sort if issue that could get under the players skin and rub off on others. Maybe he is putting a shift in but not effectively for the team.

[Jd2793]

towell isnt technically as good as the others in the rovers side. he got to england on his insane physicality, he was battering the league to death around 14/15. hes what 30 now? that just isnt going to last as you get older, i cant see him adjusting him game much.

[exiled_gufc_fan]

Rob Manley signs for Galway United from Bray

https://galwayunitedfc.ie/rob-manley-signs-for-galway-united/

[nigel-harps1954]

Harps sign 21 year old centre half Harry Nicolson from Inverness.

[trevy]

Waterford signed striker Wassim Aouachria in last few days. He was with Charlton under 23's and is French but played underage for Algeria. His surname could be tricky to pronounce!

[Mr A]

Waterford signed striker Wassim Aouachria in last few days. He was with Charlton under 23's and is French but played underage for Algeria. His surname could be tricky to pronounce!

You're not joking. Less a transfer, more a vowel movement.

[Shinkicker]

You're not joking. Less a transfer, more a vowel movement.
Bohs have signed striker Ethan Varian from Raith Rovers?? Anyone any knowledge of him

[Nesta99]

towell isnt technically as good as the others in the rovers side. he got to england on his insane physicality, he was battering the league to death around 14/15. hes what 30 now? that just isnt going to last as you get older, i cant see him adjusting him game much.

I'd agree, his energy, work rate and an ability to score from midfield are his strengths to varying degrees. I dont think at 30 that he'd be fading unless a bunck of injuries have added up. From what Iv seen he runs around plenty but doesnt use that energy well. He also was able to break up attacks - if he was 33-34 id put performances down to his age. Maybe he doesnt suit or like the system used, or he is going through the motions as there;d be little doubt that he would think his name should be first on a team sheet.

[2 Year Contract]

Bohs have signed striker Ethan Varian from Raith Rovers?? Anyone any knowledge of him
He was capped for Ireland 21s in a friendly against Wales in March last year. He’s a striker but his goal return of 3 in 43 games in all competitions for Raith Rovers wouldn’t fill many with confidence

[Martinho II]

Read in Longford leader tonight that Joe Doyle has left us due to work commitments. No mention of a club?