2023 Season, Arrivals and Departures

[oriel]

Yes it was much better than anyone could have expected, the P6 handover**, left 1.4M in the bank at back end of Nov 2021. With no euro monies paid in 2022, I would say a small loss this year, maybe I'm wrong, as gates were decent and budget was modest.

No debt is a the big one too, but to be fair Statsports led current owners had sounded out that Europe was essential to get as its a huge budget gap not having 250k- 500k or so incoming.

Only my own view that the pot is probably down to around 1m now, more details here.

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/louth/sport/soccer/dundalk-fc-accounts-show-a-profit-after-peak6s-loan-write-off-42093045.html

On seeding DFC will start on 8.5 coefficient, that will be enough for 2 rounds seeded, possibly 3 but I don't it will, 2 should be max, still it helps.

**Plus they effectively wrote off a loss, the least they could do !

[ger121]

It would appear that Emakhu has played his last game for Rovers.

https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/soccer-news/exclusive-aidomo-emakhu-played-last-28431450

[Martinho II]

I heard that our sponsors Bishopsgate are focusing elsewhere on sponsorship and are going to sponsor London Irish instead. What that means for us is the unknown and a uncertain future. I wouldnt be surprised that it would lead to more locals playing for us next season as I think we will find it hard to match the outgoing sponsors and a vastly reduced budget. Watch this space is all I say.

[sulywaterfordfc]

healy deal finally done, hopefully we can motor on now signing much needed reinforcements. massive task ahead of us staying up next year, at least the manager signing back on has been sorted early doors. fingers crossed waterford capitulate in the play offs, wouldnt mind nicking a few lads off them.

Out of curiosity whom from Waterford would you like to take?

The last time Cork signed a player at the end of his deal, it worked hugely in our favour. We went on to sign a far better player then Britton, whom also went on to outscore Britton too.

[Kiki Balboa]

Sligo is in an interesting place this offseason.


There seems to be an emergence of a 'Top 4', with them being cut well adrift. At this stage, I would be surprised if that gap was closed by next year as those teams have solid cores and are looking to expand and improve with bigger budgets (St. Pats might change depending on the cup final).


However, they have possibly one of the best players and top goalscorers in the league in Keena. Dan McDonnell has said that Rovers and Derry are interested in breaking the leagues' transfer record to get him - plus there probably will be interest across the water for him. They probably are the best place team at the moment to catch the top 4, considering the bit of a mess at Bohs, and the anti-football at Shels (who might be in Europe next year though), both are far behind in my opinion.


So do they look to win now since they have a really important piece to get back into Europe and push the boat out looking for new players to surround Keena with some quality (but possibly lose him to an English club triggering his release clause) by increasing their playing budget to be more competive with the top 4, or do they be more conservative with it, play it safe with there budget and possibly cash-in with Keena? In what might be a very compeitive league, that might also flirt with relegation too if they go down that route.

I would say, only by keeping Keena would Sligo have a chance of getting into Europe through the league, which is worth 250k. That should be the calculation of what the fee for Keena should be based on for them.

[Philosophizer]

Sligo is in an interesting place this off-season.
They probably are the best place team at the moment to catch the top 4, considering the bit of a mess at Bohs.
Looking at the final table, I was struck by Bohs only finishing 3 pts behind sligo, and with a better goal difference. Even after a shambolic season Bohs could easily have finished 5th. IMO that’s the clearest evidence of the top 4 pulling away. And those mid table prem teams will be the hardest bit by the new wage rules. Not looking easy for any of them to get closer to the top 4 any time soon.
I would say, only by keeping Keena would Sligo have a chance of getting into Europe through the league, which is worth 250k. That should be the calculation of what the fee for Keena should be based on for them.
Can’t argue with your valuation on Keena. He seems a level above any time I saw him. I was at Bohs v Sligo on Sun and was sitting beside a scout from Cheltenham town who was looking at Keena and Burt. He’ll have suitors no doubt. Hopefully his release clause is a decent sum.

[pineapple stu]

I think it's reasonable enough - quite comparable with the guys who left in the summer for places like Lincoln, Fleetwood and MK Dons. We still need a few players to really justify higher price tags before they'll be paid more regularly.

[oriel]

Things can change very quickly season to season in LOI so you never know what can happen. What's probably only guaranteed is the top 2 will be Rovers / Derry, it will be quite hard to dislodge Dundalk and Pats too for top 4, so would agree with KB's summary.

Also it will take a double whammy of a bad season by either Dundalk or Pats, then Sligo to have a much improved one to get into top 4, so it won't be easy for them, but they banked 850k gross from europe with only one long trip to pay, so they'll be in a good position regardless.

From the chasing pack i don't see any other club for now being able to challenge for top 4, but again things can change quickly, a lot of player movement for starters and that will start soon enough

[pineapple stu]

You could have said the same a couple of years ago though when Sligo/Bohs were in Europe getting good runs. And Pat's aren't even in Europe as things stand so they'll be crossing fingers for Derry on Sunday.

[The Bowler]

The league is being rinsed of its top young talent again and the season is only a few days over. Jamie Mullins to Brighton, Aidemo Emaku tbc, I hear Tommy Lonergan wanted by several teams, Dylan Duffy to Lincoln.

It's really great to see the league providing the platform for the top young players to get the moves, but IMHO the quality of the league is in serious decline, outside of a handful of teams, everyone is in reverse in terms of quality of players, and the 1st Division is getting worse each season and won't get any better any time soon.

[Another Bohemia]

Sligo is in an interesting place this offseason.


There seems to be an emergence of a 'Top 4', with them being cut well adrift. At this stage, I would be surprised if that gap was closed by next year as those teams have solid cores and are looking to expand and improve with bigger budgets (St. Pats might change depending on the cup final).


However, they have possibly one of the best players and top goalscorers in the league in Keena. Dan McDonnell has said that Rovers and Derry are interested in breaking the leagues' transfer record to get him - plus there probably will be interest across the water for him. They probably are the best place team at the moment to catch the top 4, considering the bit of a mess at Bohs, and the anti-football at Shels (who might be in Europe next year though), both are far behind in my opinion.


So do they look to win now since they have a really important piece to get back into Europe and push the boat out looking for new players to surround Keena with some quality (but possibly lose him to an English club triggering his release clause) by increasing their playing budget to be more competive with the top 4, or do they be more conservative with it, play it safe with there budget and possibly cash-in with Keena? In what might be a very compeitive league, that might also flirt with relegation too if they go down that route.

I would say, only by keeping Keena would Sligo have a chance of getting into Europe through the league, which is worth 250k. That should be the calculation of what the fee for Keena should be based on for them.


I'm interested in what the Sligo fans think of Russell as thier manager. I can't say I was impressed with them on Friday vs Bohs (A nothing game for them). To me they seemed like a team that relied on the brilliance of Keena to have any chance of actually scoring while also being a bit suspect at the back. I'd have some questions about their fitness as well. These were all warning signs toward the end of Longs reign and if as you say Derry and Shams are opening the coffers to pry Keena away it could be a ropey season for Sligo next year if they don't get the replacements right.

[Kiki Balboa]

The league is being rinsed of its top young talent again and the season is only a few days over. Jamie Mullins to Brighton, Aidemo Emaku tbc, I hear Tommy Lonergan wanted by several teams, Dylan Duffy to Lincoln.

It's really great to see the league providing the platform for the top young players to get the moves, but IMHO the quality of the league is in serious decline, outside of a handful of teams, everyone is in reverse in terms of quality of players, and the 1st Division is getting worse each season and won't get any better any time soon.

Jesus, nearly every u-23 player is getting snapped up. Some talent drain.


I wonder what kind of deals these players are getting and how much they are earning compared to LOI offers?


There is still this mentality of getting over to England as soon as possible, whether its the best option for the player or not. A lot of these lads would be better off staying a year or two longer and getting 30+ more senior games.

[The Bowler]

Reality is that unless they are going to Prem (super rare) or Championhsip (rare) then the deals in League 1 and 2 are about what they might get at Rovers or Derry. But why wouldn't they go for even less, the dream is to make it as a footballer, and with the exception of a proportion of the UCD team, many arent in college, and sure you can always do college anither time if you want to. I dint know what the stats are on percentages of LOI transfers to EFL getting a second contract and/or playing a meaningful amount of games, a stato job there for someone to pursue Also, there has been a real acceleration in the last 3 or 4 years, so will probably take another year or two for these to filter thru compared to prior generations where there wasn't anything like the level of activity (pre Brexit if course when the best kids moved at 16 and lots never played LOI, or never olayed EFL for that matter, just got spat out by the system)

[sbgawa]

Brexit turned out to be the best thing to ever happen to irish football. We don't have dozens of 15 and sixteen year old kids going over every year with no chance of making it anymore.
The UK clubs have to wait until they are 18 and have to offer them decent terms now not 100 a week apprentice terms.
The extra investment needed means only the best are going now .
The Irish under 16s won z tournament last week against Scotland Wales and Northern Ireland....all loi players bar 1

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

I'm interested in what the Sligo fans think of Russell as thier manager. I can't say I was impressed with them on Friday vs Bohs (A nothing game for them). To me they seemed like a team that relied on the brilliance of Keena to have any chance of actually scoring while also being a bit suspect at the back. I'd have some questions about their fitness as well. These were all warning signs toward the end of Longs reign and if as you say Derry and Shams are opening the coffers to pry Keena away it could be a ropey season for Sligo next year if they don't get the replacements right.

We were missing loads on Friday so probably a bad example and as you said meant nothing but in general there hasn’t been a huge difference pre and post Buckley. Having said that he got us through 2 rounds in Europe. Keena will be gone to the UK you’d imagine and Russell will get a chance to bring in his own players and see how he gets on. Certainly disagree that the top 4 this year are pulling away. Things change so much in this league.

[Another Bohemia]

We were missing loads on Friday so probably a bad example and as you said meant nothing but in general there hasn’t been a huge difference pre and post Buckley. Having said that he got us through 2 rounds in Europe. Keena will be gone to the UK you’d imagine and Russell will get a chance to bring in his own players and see how he gets on. Certainly disagree that the top 4 this year are pulling away. Things change so much in this league.

Cheers for the reply. Yeah it was always going to be hard for me to judge on a nothing game especially when your keeper was 17 or 18 and the same for your right back(at least I think it was your right back).

[joey B]

https://finnharps.ie/ollie-horgan-departs-finn-harps/

Ollie Horgan departs Harps,end of an era for us….

[D24Saint]

https://finnharps.ie/ollie-horgan-departs-finn-harps/

Ollie Horgan departs Harps,end of an era for us….

A sad day for harps but the era had to end after this season.

[Jd2793]

should have been pushed out the door in june.

[joey B]

should have been pushed out the door in june.

Definitely still a mixed reaction today,I thought his time was up but plenty would have taken him back….

[Glen Of Aherlow]

Definitely still a mixed reaction today,I thought his time was up but plenty would have taken him back….

you'd think he'd be glad of the rest himself at this stage , can't have been easy

[joey B]

you'd think he'd be glad of the rest himself at this stage , can't have been easy

It’s been a tough couple of months for Ollie,he lost his mum in August which is hard for anyone,I think a break will do him good ,he put his heart and soul into it ,no one can doubt that……

[Martinho II]

It’s been a tough couple of months for Ollie,he lost his mum in August which is hard for anyone,I think a break will do him good ,he put his heart and soul into it ,no one can doubt that……

Do you reckon he will be out of loi footie long Joey B? Somehow I cant see it happening!

[joey B]

Do you reckon he will be out of loi footie long Joey B? Somehow I cant see it happening!

Who knows tbh,I'm sure he'll want to get back in eventually,he has a full time job so he'll be kept busy im sure....

[ger121]

Next stop..Galway…You heard it here first folks!

[culloty82]

It really is the silly season, folks - Jimmy wasn't winning matches in Beijing, so Ballybofey's unlikely to be much different!

1590623293568352257

[joey B]

Genuinely don’t think there’s much in it,seems to be putting 2+2 together and getting 5….

[outspoken]

It would be great PR for harps locally no? That's not to say he should get the job if he hasn't got the skills

[joey B]

It would be great PR for harps locally no? That's not to say he should get the job if he hasn't got the skills

I’m sure it would popular in some places but I don’t think it would be that popular among Harps fans from what I’ve seen,who knows though ,definitely needed freshening up in the football side of the club in my view…..

[brendy_éire]

Genuinely don’t think there’s much in it,seems to be putting 2+2 together and getting 5….

Agreed. He was rumoured for the Derry job too sure.

[ger121]

He’d be a great manager of the soccer ball team Finn Harps and would have them scoring 2-16 in no time at all.

[pineapple stu]

Surely be to God he'd sort the goalkeeping problem out at least, seeing as he's used to playing with 15 of them.

[Straightstory]

In that odd sport he managed in, apparently the goalkeepers are allowed handle the ball OUTSIDE the penalty area! Weird...

[sbgawa]

I think Harps have been practising putting the ball over the bar all season so no big change needed:rolleyes:

[joey B]

I think Harps have been practising putting the ball over the bar all season so no big change needed:rolleyes:

Everyone apart from the goalkeeper’s!

[Another Bohemia]

Adam McDonnell signed for Bohs from Sligo. Nice to see signings being made early. Last couple of seasons it felt like new faces were coming into the club later and later

https://twitter.com/bfcdublin/status/1591101991417417730

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

McDonnell no loss from our point of view. Spent most of last season passing the ball backwards.

Paddy Kirk has said his goodbyes also.

[Jd2793]

kirk is very good , big loss for sligo

[Jd2793]

pats fans have any word on this? ben curtis , mccormack and corbally all open to leaving?

[kksaints]

pats fans have any word on this? ben curtis , mccormack and corbally all open to leaving?

Ben Curtis and Kyle Robinson have both left. Both would do a job for a 1st division club or in Robinsons case Drogheda. Haven't heard anything about McCormack or Corbally.

[Another Bohemia]

McDonnell no loss from our point of view. Spent most of last season passing the ball backwards.

Paddy Kirk has said his goodbyes also.

Honestly if he can put in a shift for the full 90 and maybe put in a tackle or 2 he'd still be better than the vast majority of our midfield options from the last 2 seasons.

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

He definitely works hard and looked good last season but very frustrating this season watching him

[Martinho II]

kirk is very good , big loss for sligo

Wonder will Kirk return to us?

[joey B]

Wonder will Kirk return to us?

Bohs Id say....

[ger121]

Bohs Id say....

I was thinking that too.

[Longfordian]

He was very good for the season he was with us.

[joey B]

I was thinking that too.

I heard Derry were interested too but I think they are well served at LB already.....

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

Had heard Derry as well

[outspoken]

Ben Curtis and Kyle Robinson have both left. Both would do a job for a 1st division club or in Robinsons case Drogheda. Haven't heard anything about McCormack or Corbally.

Corbally was extremely underwhelming during his loan a with us. Way too easy to push off the ball. Didn't offer much

[outspoken]

Wouldn't be too excited about the McDonnell signing if I was a Bohs fan. If Kirk does come back he'll add some much needed bite to the team. He was excellent for Sligo this season. Good honest lad too