2024 Season, Arrivals and Departures

[TonyD]

I'll eat my hat if keating does well for Pats. Think he'll struggle if hes expected to play against low lying defences, hes poor with his back to goal.
B.Kav is a cracker of a get IMO. Bolger surely only a depth option aswell. Lennon one of the best mids in league last year, couldnt believe how good hes after getting.

We don’t have a great record with signing high profile strikers (Eoin Doyle the latest example) so I would also have concerns about Keating. If he does click though, or Kavanagh, then we could be contenders.

[Neish]

]I'll eat my hat if keating does well for Pats. Think he'll struggle if hes expected to play against low lying defences[/B], hes poor with his back to goal.
B.Kav is a cracker of a get IMO. Bolger surely only a depth option aswell. Lennon one of the best mids in league last year, couldnt believe how good hes after getting.

Yeah he was with Harps for 3 loans spells, 2 in first division and 1 in Premier. Did well for us in First Division but seemed to struggle to make an impact whilst we were in the Premier. Granted the was several seasons ago now so maybe he has matured

[Jack B]

New deal for Joe Redmond incoming. Huge.

[2 Year Contract]

New deal for Joe Redmond incoming. Huge.

Great news to tie him down for the long term. If he stays the full length of the contract then great, but if he leaves during it it means the club should now be able to commend a decent fee

[joey B]

Wilson Waweru joined Sligo,looked decent any time I seen him last season which of course had the usual caveat of a crap league,could be a decent pick up for Sligo though…

[sbgawa]

Kieron Cruise and Freddie Turley sign for Bray from Rovers. (Turley on loan) great young players looking for game time

[Martinho II]

Karl Chambers has resigned for us from Wexford.

[total hoofball]

Am I right that these Rovers players are out of contract and still not yet re-signed? Lopes, Grace, O'Neill, Farrugia, Watts, Kavanagh, Greene

[sbgawa]

Not 100% but I think all of these are resigned. The people that were leaving have been announced

[2 Year Contract]

Yeah I think Dan McDonnell said towards the end of last season that the only major uncontracted players (aside from Mannus/Finn/loanees) was Gaffney and Byrne who have since signed new contracts

[culloty82]

Seán O'Connell is the latest Kerry re-signee, so now just need to work on a few new arrivals in January.

[The Bowler]

Dara Keane UCD to Dundalk. Was an outstanding player 2 or 3 seasons ago, huge engine, box to box, but shocking injury record last few years. Super lad, and if he can stay fit, he will be a fan favourite for his attitude and work rate alone.

[Shearer]

Colin Conroy and Corey Chambers (CC & CC) both back with Treaty.

Chambers is a good keeper, umpteen times better than Hallahan and Winn, but has some headloss moments.

Conor Winn can not and should not be re-signed by any League of Ireland club.

[culloty82]

All appears rather quiet at Dundalk - Ainscough plans to tap into his Stateside connections, but certainly nothing concrete of note!

https://archive.is/A3X3L

[Straightstory]

All appears rather quiet at Dundalk - Ainscough plans to tap into his Stateside connections, but certainly nothing concrete of note!

https://archive.is/A3X3L There's a great interview with him in a linked interview: 'With Best being his idol it would be easy to presume that Ainscough is a 'Man United supporter but you’d be wrong.“No, Arsenal is my team,” he says.
“I recall Charlie George scoring a goal in the FAI Cup against Leeds in the 70s'.

Anyone remember Charlie George scoring in an FAI Cup Final... against Leeds?' I can only guess that he's mixing up the 1971 and 1972 FA Cup Finals. Let's hope his confusion doesn't extend to his role at Dundalk.

[D24Saint]

All appears rather quiet at Dundalk - Ainscough plans to tap into his Stateside connections, but certainly nothing concrete of note!

https://archive.is/A3X3L

Seen a statement or quote online about bringing the correct type of player in or something to that nature. Looked like SOD trying to buy time. A lot of squads are back training so it’s very late to be assembling a squad.

[joey B]

Simon Power joined Sligo Rovers….

[sbgawa]

Simon Power joined Sligo Rovers….


Hope he does well but his injury record at Rovers was awful.
I think he started two games in two seasons and made sub appearences 6 or 7 times and came off injured a couple of times at least in those matches.
Hopefully a good offseason and a run of matches with Sligo sees him right

[Jd2793]

hes crocked im afraid. id be shocked if the fella was ever able to stay fit for a season unfortunately.

forrester with a new deal for pats. ive been a little underwhelmed with their incomings but keeping a hold of their best players from last year will have them in good shape. they have all their ducks in a row very early on over the off season.

[culloty82]

Looks like Gaxha's move to Galway will finally be announced this afternoon - certainly, everyone will wish him well, but quite how adequately we'll be able to replace him is another matter.

[joey B]

David Cawley signed for Harps,really happy with that….

[nigel-harps1954]

Harps confirm the signing of David Cawley from Sligo. Great signing for us.

[legendz]

Kerry FC can confirm that Arthur Nganou, Alex Ainscough, Leo Gaxha and Sean Kennedy have left the club.
We would like to thank Arthur, Alex, Leo and Sean for their hard work and dedication during 2023 and we wish them all the best in the future.
https://twitter.com/KerryFC/status/1737514446938075390?t=KPWoI3oqSAcnktip0fcqWQ&s=19

Galway announce the signing of Leo Gaxha.
https://twitter.com/GalwayUnitedFC/status/1737518919886217229?t=sSBkkLq6awxnKFixoGTlwg&s=19

[outspoken]

Kerry FC can confirm that Arthur Nganou, Alex Ainscough, Leo Gaxha and Sean Kennedy have left the club.
We would like to thank Arthur, Alex, Leo and Sean for their hard work and dedication during 2023 and we wish them all the best in the future.
https://twitter.com/KerryFC/status/1737514446938075390?t=KPWoI3oqSAcnktip0fcqWQ&s=19

Galway announce the signing of Leo Gaxha.
https://twitter.com/GalwayUnitedFC/status/1737518919886217229?t=sSBkkLq6awxnKFixoGTlwg&s=19

Odds on Alex to Dundalk?

[culloty82]

Probably, but given he didn't stand out from the pack at Kerry, would still be odd. Kennedy seems the biggest surprise, but we'll learn more on that score in due course.

[joey B]

I’d say it would go down like a lead balloon in Dundalk if he started signing his kids to the first team…..

[Shearer]

Probably, but given he didn't stand out from the pack at Kerry, would still be odd. Kennedy seems the biggest surprise, but we'll learn more on that score in due course.
Was Kennedy a bad egg by chance? Seems an odd departure.

I recall him getting rattled by fans at the Markets Field and spending more time giving it back to fans than contributing on the field!

[oriel]

All appears rather quiet at Dundalk - Ainscough plans to tap into his Stateside connections, but certainly nothing concrete of note!

https://archive.is/A3X3L

It sure is, the timing of the the takeover though didn't help, seemed to have slowed everything up, new sponsor only officially confirmed today, meaning new kit only unveiled also today, then only on sale from Friday, giving fans 3 days pre xmas (and only local based) to buy pre xmas, again all far far too late.

Player targets same, now looking to Irish League and bizarrely focusing on players in contract, like the Larne captain to mention one, all seems like more English based players heading over in Jan if you ask me, anyway.

[TonyD]

hes crocked im afraid. id be shocked if the fella was ever able to stay fit for a season unfortunately.

forrester with a new deal for pats. ive been a little underwhelmed with their incomings but keeping a hold of their best players from last year will have them in good shape. they have all their ducks in a row very early on over the off season.

I think Pats incomings have been fine. Remains to be seen how they work out of course (Keating especially I think) But I’m happy enough. Arguably our best bit of business was extending Joe Redmonds contract. Forrester was never going anywhere I don’t think, but I’m delighted to see him get the security of a new deal, presumably on improved terms. He deserves it.

[Glen Of Aherlow]

I think Pats incomings have been fine. Remains to be seen how they work out of course (Keating especially I think) But I’m happy enough. Arguably our best bit of business was extending Joe Redmonds contract. Forrester was never going anywhere I don’t think, but I’m delighted to see him get the security of a new deal, presumably on improved terms. He deserves it.

It'll be great if he turns out to be a good signing but it's not like we're totally reliant on him working out with the options we've got

[Thewhitepele]

Ellis Chapman in for Sligo Rovers midfielder
who seems to have played a lot of games in England. Looks like a good signing.

[Martinho II]

Sami Clarke signs for us from UCD. The Mullingar man also played with Athlone Town in 2022 and is a midfielder. Another unknown signing.

[oriel]

The Hoban thing is still dragging on, seems the only options are for either Derry to pay a significant transfer fee or for him / DFC to look to resolve things internally and see out the final year in his contract.

Personally, I just can't see him at Dundalk next season (I hope he is though), just seems far too quiet the soundings for him to stay.

An odd one for sure this.

[Thewhitepele]

https://galwayunitedfc.ie/galway-united-2023-end-of-season-departures/ This one lacks a bit of class from Galway. Waweru is a player they didn't really want, he is 23 next week and obviously won't be signed for Sligo Rovers until the new year. They haven't a chance of a development fee but judging by this want to bury some volunteer in paperwork with their new money.

[2 Year Contract]

https://galwayunitedfc.ie/galway-united-2023-end-of-season-departures/ This one lacks a bit of class from Galway. Waweru is a player they didn't really want, he is 23 next week and obviously won't be signed for Sligo Rovers until the new year. They haven't a chance of a development fee but judging by this want to bury some volunteer in paperwork with their new money.

‘Lack as bit of class’ gave me a laugh :) Sligo announced they signed him 4 days ago and as per Brendan Clarke (PFAI chairman), clubs now have to start paying players from when they sign them. The compensation is black and white, if a club offers a retainer contract by the deadline of 30 November and the player rejects and signs somewhere else then compensation is due (where the player is of of compensation age). Waweru is currently 22 years old until the 27th so if Galway have followed the book with their contract offer as Caulfield says, then Sligo will be paying a compensation fee as the rules state. There’s no grey areas here

[Thewhitepele]

‘Lack as bit of class’ gave me a laugh :) Sligo announced they signed him 4 days ago and as per Brendan Clarke (PFAI chairman), clubs now have to start paying players from when they sign them. The compensation is black and white, if a club offers a retainer contract by the deadline of 30 November and the player rejects and signs somewhere else then compensation is due (where the player is of of compensation age). Waweru is currently 22 years old until the 27th so if Galway have followed the book with their contract offer as Caulfield says, then Sligo will be paying a compensation fee as the rules state. There’s no grey areas here

I am not in the know of what goes on in Sligo Rovers but they announced that he is going to join the squad for the 2024 season. If this is contractually binding then I will eat my hat. Training hasn't started and the PFAI agreement is that players are paid from the beginning of pre-season, we also assume this is when their contract begins. There isn't a hope in hell compensation is due here. Sligo and other clubs have also announced players that will be joining on loan again the paperwork won't be completed until January. 2yc I accept the rules are the rules and that clubs have often tried to side step them but this is just nonsense.

[placid casual]

It'll be great if he turns out to be a good signing but it's not like we're totally reliant on him working out with the options we've got
It depends on what Pat's priorities are for the season-
If they have designs on winning the league, Keating scoring 20+ will make it a more realistic prospect, for my money.

[total hoofball]

Are Galway claiming Sligo signed Waweru to a contract of employment and paying him wages for a week before he turns 23 on December 27th?

Because if Sligo have done that it would be up there with the daftest LOI things and I don't think Sligo could be that stupid so then it would Galway looking like absolute petty idiots for publishing that statement

[joey B]

Greg Bolger left Sligo,Cork mentioned as a destination for him….

[Shearer]

https://galwayunitedfc.ie/galway-united-2023-end-of-season-departures/ This one lacks a bit of class from Galway. Waweru is a player they didn't really want, he is 23 next week and obviously won't be signed for Sligo Rovers until the new year. They haven't a chance of a development fee but judging by this want to bury some volunteer in paperwork with their new money.
Galway United and fees is a sensitive topic around here.

[Olander]

Surprised you didn't weight in earlier to give your expert opinion on it. Know all.

[joey B]

Patrick Hickey heading to Galway from Athlone,looked decent any time I seen him last season….

[Shearer]

Patrick Hickey heading to Galway from Athlone,looked decent any time I seen him last season….
Decent player in fairness! Will be interesting to see how many reinforcements Valeo bring in from abroad for Athlone.


Surprised you didn't weight in earlier to give your expert opinion on it. Know all.
My opinion would never match that of the true experts - Donegal Live!

[El-Pietro]

https://twitter.com/CorkCityFC/status/1738205328288694490
Greg Bolger coming back to the Cross. I'm sure hes not the same player he was when he left after 2017, and it almost feels like a waste sending him to Athlone and Treaty and Kerry but I'm delighted hes back. One of my all time favourite City players in his short spell with us.
His performance in the 2017 Cup final off the bench and especially his performance away to Genk were all timers for me.

[Knocklyonhoop]

A little disappointed to see Burt go. Looked good when he got fit and think he could play a big part with a full preseason. Maybe Naj is being lined up for a lot more minutes

if Power can stay fit, a big if, he would be a very decent signing for them.

[Shinkicker]

A little disappointed to see Burt go. Looked good when he got fit and think he could play a big part with a full preseason. Maybe Naj is being lined up for a lot more minutes

if Power can stay fit, a big if, he would be a very decent signing for them.
Burt was a major dissapointment and the end of Bohs and carried it on to Rovers. Can't see him having any great impact at Shels. I'd say rovers were happy to see Shels take him on loan.

[placid casual]

He did nothing other than fall on the ground a hell of a lot, that's what I witnessed anyway. Thought he might improve his attitude when he left boez, but it hasn't worked out.
Hopefully his going out on loan is a sign that Darragh Burns is on his way to Rovers -again, another player who did relatively nothing for the past year , albeit he was operating at a different level to what he's (hopefully) returning to.

[outspoken]

https://twitter.com/CorkCityFC/status/1738205328288694490
Greg Bolger coming back to the Cross. I'm sure hes not the same player he was when he left after 2017, and it almost feels like a waste sending him to Athlone and Treaty and Kerry but I'm delighted hes back. One of my all time favourite City players in his short spell with us.
His performance in the 2017 Cup final off the bench and especially his performance away to Genk were all timers for me.

Tbf, if he's only 40% the player he was he should cruise through the First Division. Every good team needs an orrible f*cker. Sort of player you'd secretly love to have in your team but is an absolute b@stard when you come up against him.

[Jack B]

Love Bolger, on his day was the best 6 in the league. Probably our best player the season we last won the league and was gutted when he left. Fitness is probably the main issue with him at this stage but on his day I'd say he'll still be more than comfortable in the First Division.

[ger121]

He did nothing other than fall on the ground a hell of a lot, that's what I witnessed anyway. Thought he might improve his attitude when he left boez, but it hasn't worked out.
Hopefully his going out on loan is a sign that Darragh Burns is on his way to Rovers -again, another player who did relatively nothing for the past year , albeit he was operating at a different level to what he's (hopefully) returning to.

Do the Burt Man.