2025 Arrivals and Departures

[2 Year Contract]

I see derry have now signed benson.
The "old ba$tards" moniker attached to Rovers a couple of years ago is now very much residing in the brandywell

Carl Winchester another one. They should be a strong force this year with the money they’ve thrown at these lads but it’s going to need another rebuild in a couple of years

[DonegalHoop]

The concern would be the effect of the pitch combined with the age profile. Some of these lads have a lot of miles and injuries on the clock

[Another Bohemia]

Carl Winchester another one. They should be a strong force this year with the money they’ve thrown at these lads but it’s going to need another rebuild in a couple of years

I'm not sold on them being a strong force. Now I'll probably be miles wrong but they have a manager and a number of players who will be adjusting to the league. Every league is unique and we've seen players struggle that should thrive in this league. Added to that the age profile I think it could go very wrong if they don't hit the ground running.

[total hoofball]

If 2024 wasn't bad enough this Derry City squad have spectacular expensive bust written all over them for this season I'd throw a tenner on Ruaidhri Higgins being begged to return to the Brandywell by July

[Dermobohs]

I see derry have now signed benson.
The "old ba$tards" moniker attached to Rovers a couple of years ago is now very much residing in the brandywell
Worked out ok for you *******s

[outspoken]

He’s signed for Sligo's under 20s apparently, going by the below article. Sligo also have Barnsley player Matty Wolfe on trial

https://m.independent.ie/regionals/sligo/sport/soccer/jad-hakiki-scores-twice-as-sligo-rovers-beat-athlone-5-0-in-first-pre-season-friendly/a1402838434.html

I had a feeling that may be the case makes far more sense

[2 Year Contract]

Speaking of academy signings, Derry have signed Dom Thomas from Queens Park. Can only assume he’s signed for their academy anyways as he’s a young spring chicken at 28 years old ;)

[joey B]

Jonas Häkkinen signed for Cobh Ramblers

[Jack B]

Some of these Derry signings look like they could be quite encouraging in isolation but when it's all put together it just comes across as the same short term thinking that they've been criticised for previously. Every now and again there's a signing like for example Marc McNulty that a side takes a punt on, who has good pedigree but is on the wrong side of their prime, but in Derry's case they seem to be making a habit out of it.

Elsewhere Jake Mulraney has signed an extension with Pats. He still had a year left on his deal but has added another couple to that now. He flattered to deceive a bit in his first season or so and would have phenomenal moments of quality sprinkled between vast amounts of nothingness, but I don't think there was a better player in the league since Kenny came in.

[Jd2793]

Seen the below posted as the most recent state of play (some of the positions are listed incorrectly but a good resource otherwise). Would also be unconvinced to say the least about Cork this season going off of things right now.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GhhDqqMXgAEpvVn?format=png&name=900x900

we need 2cbs + rb. murray will get found out at PD level, we'll end up needing at least 1 more cm by the summer. terrible squad building again. no confidence we'll stay up at all.

[SwanVsDalton]

Just wanted to reassure readers on this forum (including myself) of a certain vintage that, contrary to the Logan's Run-esque chat on this thread, life does not end when you hit 31.

[Nesta99]

Jonas Häkkinen signed for Cobh Ramblers

If he has pace it will be amusing to see what sort of headlines media come up with...well for whatever coverage the 1st Division gets.

[joey B]

Cristian Magerusan apparently signing for Steau Bucharest in the Romanian Ligue 2

[TonyD]

Some of these Derry signings look like they could be quite encouraging in isolation but when it's all put together it just comes across as the same short term thinking that they've been criticised for previously. Every now and again there's a signing like for example Marc McNulty that a side takes a punt on, who has good pedigree but is on the wrong side of their prime, but in Derry's case they seem to be making a habit out of it.

Elsewhere Jake Mulraney has signed an extension with Pats. He still had a year left on his deal but has added another couple to that now. He flattered to deceive a bit in his first season or so and would have phenomenal moments of quality sprinkled between vast amounts of nothingness, but I don't think there was a better player in the league since Kenny came in.

Fully agree about Mulraney. Was frustrating, but since SKs arrival he has been a revelation. I think a lot of it might be due to Kennys obvious belief in him. Whereas Jon Daly seemed to sub him off regularly, Kenny always left him on, even in the early games before he hit real form.

[2 Year Contract]

Barry Coffey becomes the latest ex Cork City player to join Cobh Ramblers

[nr637]

Barry Coffey, ex Cork City signs for Cobh Ramblers. This is Cobh's 9th signing, while 8 players from last season's squad were released.

[culloty82]

Cristian Magerusan apparently signing for Steau Bucharest in the Romanian Ligue 2

Worth noting that there are now two Steaua Bucharests since a recent legal wrangle over the name - the "traditional" one, which still wins titles and plays in Europe, is called FCSB now, whereas the one which held onto the official name of Steaua Bucharest is in Division Two, and so is the club interested in Magerusan.

[nr637]

Jonas Häkkinen signed for Cobh Ramblers

Also made 60 appearances and 4 goals for Cork City from 2021 to 2023.

[Jack B]

Fully agree about Mulraney. Was frustrating, but since SKs arrival he has been a revelation. I think a lot of it might be due to Kennys obvious belief in him. Whereas Jon Daly seemed to sub him off regularly, Kenny always left him on, even in the early games before he hit real form.
Yeah, it sounds overly simple but I think the difference in him has just been confidence. All I hear about him is that he's apparently a great guy and a model professional, really looks after the young lads and puts in extra time in training etc, but on some of his bad days he can look like your stereotypical soft winger that has an attitude problem. Think that's just him getting too into his own head when things haven't been going his way, but from the home game against Vaduz until the end of the season he looked like he was brimming with confidence and his performances showed it. Would be massive were Pats able to get something approaching a full season of that out of him.

[pineapple stu]

UCD have signed Brian McManus from Bohs, Killian Cailloce from Drogheda, Carl Lennox from Rovers

Have heard of Cailloce but overall know nothing about any of those. So typical UCD signings really.

All made their debuts tonight as we lost 4-1 to Bohs in the LSC. Two goals in the last two minutes for Bohs (plus a missed penalty)

[total hoofball]

Brian McManus should be a very good signing for the First Division but he comes with the injury/fitness disclaimer, he picked up some seriously unlucky knocks at Shels including in his final game for us getting smashed by our now own John Martin

[ThirdManRun]

UCD have signed Brian McManus from Bohs, Killian Cailloce from Drogheda, Carl Lennox from Rovers

Have heard of Cailloce but overall know nothing about any of those. So typical UCD signings really.

All made their debuts tonight as we lost 4-1 to Bohs in the LSC. Two goals in the last two minutes for Bohs (plus a missed penalty)

I believe all 3 of those lads are starting off on scholarships so should be around for the next 4 years.

Adding to that, a number of strong underage players coming through over the last 2 seasons (Academy champions in U17/U19 last 2 years), UCD will be strong this season and for the coming seasons.

Luke O’Regan the pick of the bunch!

[outspoken]

UCD have signed Brian McManus from Bohs, Killian Cailloce from Drogheda, Carl Lennox from Rovers

Have heard of Cailloce but overall know nothing about any of those. So typical UCD signings really.

All made their debuts tonight as we lost 4-1 to Bohs in the LSC. Two goals in the last two minutes for Bohs (plus a missed penalty)

Carl Lennox was on loan with Longford last season but barely played through injury, the odd game I did see him he looked a prospect

[Burnsie]

Cailloce spent some time with Caen's academy (he's half French, but has represented Ireland at underage level). I think he's a lanky number 10 type. Has a 16 year old brother who was on the bench for Shels a few times last season

[pateen]

Curious to know if any club made a contract offer to Zack Nolan from Bray Wanderers.

Seems quite a prospect.

[2 Year Contract]

Curious to know if any club made a contract offer to Zack Nolan from Bray Wanderers.

Seems quite a prospect.

Seemingly Atalanta, Monza, Brescia and clubs in English league one are interested in him

https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/soccer-news/two-serie-clubs-one-serie-34516447.amp

[cobhlad]

Sam Bellis, ex-Waterford striker, gone to Cobh. A rare non-Cork signing so not too familiar with him. What is he like Waterford fans?

[2 Year Contract]

Sligo have signed Barnsley midfielder Matty Wolfe. He suffered a severe knee injury a few years ago and hasn’t played a senior game since January 2023, having made 33 first team appearances for them before that

[pateen]

Seemingly Atalanta, Monza, Brescia and clubs in English league one are interested in him

https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/soccer-news/two-serie-clubs-one-serie-34516447.amp

Exactly, saw the article, that why I asked

[RealJohn91]

Exactly, saw the article, that why I asked
You asked a question you already knew the answer to?

[pineapple stu]

Difference between interest and offering a contract I guess

[Martinho II]

Jamal Ibrahim has resigned for us from Athlone Town according to Longford Leader.

[outspoken]

Jamal Ibrahim has resigned for us from Athlone Town according to Longford Leader.

That was reported online a good few weeks ago now. He was one of our first new signings

[trevy]

Sam Bellis, ex-Waterford striker, gone to Cobh. A rare non-Cork signing so not too familiar with him. What is he like Waterford fans?

I'd say he'll do well in first division. He didn't start that many games for us last season as we usually played Amond on his own up front but he showed flashes of promise. Ye will have a big Waterford influence there next season with Griffin, O'Keeffe and Conor Coad the coach who led Villa to great success.

[trevy]

So, maybe late to the party, but Shane Flynn lined out for Bohs at left back. Signing o n the way? Waterford fans, would you miss him?

Not really. He didn't get too much of a look in to be fair so hard to judge him. He only joined mid season and started a couple of games.

[nr637]

Not really. He didn't get too much of a look in to be fair so hard to judge him. He only joined mid season and started a couple of games.

So, he will be raring to go with Cobh and out to prove a point to the Waterford Manager what he will be missing.

Great move and signing by Cobh Ramblers with maybe advice and input from Griffin, O'Keeffe and Conor Coad the coach! :embarrassed:

[cobhlad]

I'd say he'll do well in first division. He didn't start that many games for us last season as we usually played Amond on his own up front but he showed flashes of promise. Ye will have a big Waterford influence there next season with Griffin, O'Keeffe and Conor Coad the coach who led Villa to great success.

Probably a signing not planned until Doherty’s injury, hopefully it works out. We are well-used to a Waterford influence, just last year there was Hunt, Browne, the Larkins, Kervick and Regix!

[total hoofball]

Shels have signed Scottish midfielder Kerr McInroy, he was previously coached by Duff when both were at Celtic

[2 Year Contract]

After being expected to sign a couple of weeks ago, Darragh Burns is stalling on agreeing personal terms with rovers and is now talking to Grimsby Town of League 2 according to Dan McDonnell

https://x.com/mcdonnelldan/status/1882553531040993676?s=46

[desaintsno.12]

Three weeks to go and Rovers are a lot further off a decent squad than i would have expected.

[total hoofball]

It says something Rovers with the injection of UEFA millions are finding retention and recruitment a challenge competing with League 2 clubs who many of those clubs currently bleeding money on big wages due to the shrinking pool of decent talent coming through the English domestic system at all levels

Grimsby have to be offering big wages plus lengthy contract to Burns because otherwise you have thought Burns would have been snapping at any decent contract offer from Rovers considering he didn't exactly rip things up last season and he most certainly flopped with MK Dons at the exact same League 2 level

[Shinkicker]

I see Jamie Gullan was training with Bohs and they opted not to sign him, I'm happy with that but it makes you wonder have they someone better lined up??

[Another Bohemia]

I see Jamie Gullan was training with Bohs and they opted not to sign him, I'm happy with that but it makes you wonder have they someone better lined up??

I think they are just being a bit more selective with who they sign. Long overdue imo with the multi year deals we've been stung paying some absolute donkeys of players the last few seasons. Ultimately if Gullan couldn't outplay James Clarke then there's no point in signing him because hed be 3rd choice striker behind a midfielder.

[Shinkicker]

I think they are just being a bit more selective with who they sign. Long overdue imo with the multi year deals we've been stung paying some absolute donkeys of players the last few seasons. Ultimately if Gullan couldn't outplay James Clarke then there's no point in signing him because hed be 3rd choice striker behind a midfielder.
Totally agree, I don't think Gullan was going to add quality to Bohs so better being a bit more selective and wait. However we don't have long to get someone and if it goes wrong in the first few matches we'll hear the same old "we are gelling as a team" comments in the post match interviews

[Dermobohs]

How much of that is down to burns’ agent trying to sniff a few more bob from rovers though?
When you’re flush and have been telling everyone about it, the problem then is player, or rather players agents, will add a nice round 40% on to every offer.
Bohs have lost out on four almost signed players, because the ask on wages was ridiculous for our level.
Clubs are definitely over paying for players in a league where the very best players are distinctly average.
Shels new signing has come with a hefty weekly pay packet agreed, so themselves rovers Derry and pats are definitely over paying.

[Another Bohemia]

Totally agree, I don't think Gullan was going to add quality to Bohs so better being a bit more selective and wait. However we don't have long to get someone and if it goes wrong in the first few matches we'll hear the same old "we are gelling as a team" comments in the post match interviews

Yeah that is a concern and I'd wager the doom and gloom merchants on social media are banging the "spend less time on jerseys and more on players drum". Fwiw I think the signings made suit the style of play which is good because there were far too many square pegs in round holes last year.

[culloty82]

Fair to say that whoever's Trialist No 5 for Cobh against Killarney Celtic will be given a contract - two goals and an assist before HT!

[Shinkicker]

Yeah that is a concern and I'd wager the doom and gloom merchants on social media are banging the "spend less time on jerseys and more on players drum". Fwiw I think the signings made suit the style of play which is good because there were far too many square pegs in round holes last year.

I think this year Reynolds got the players he wanted and not pushed on him by Fenlon or on a last minute shopping spree in Eastern Europe. So there shouldn't be any gelling comments. Bohs emptied the dead wood quickly and brought In a few players quickly but then it stopped just as quickly. I still think we need two more..LB and a striker with pedigree. Who will they be??

[RealJohn91]

I think this year Reynolds got the players he wanted and not pushed on him by Fenlon or on a last minute shopping spree in Eastern Europe. So there shouldn't be any gelling comments. Bohs emptied the dead wood quickly and brought In a few players quickly but then it stopped just as quickly. I still think we need two more..LB and a striker with pedigree. Who will they be??
I doubt we'll get anyone with any type of pedigree. Why would they come to us really? We'll get someone in on loan most likely and they will provide cover for Clarke and Whelan. I thought Clarke grew into the striker role decently towards the end of last season. I feel like Reynolds sees him more in that position than in midfield now with the amount of other options available there.

[cobhlad]

Fair to say that whoever's Trialist No 5 for Cobh against Killarney Celtic will be given a contract - two goals and an assist before HT!

It was Cian Murphy. Not sure why he was down as a Trialist. Cian Coleman the same.