2025 Arrivals and Departures

[2 Year Contract]

The allure of LoI over IL remains, from Champions and Europe to also rans and no Europe. Just in case there is a missed opportunity to set EalingGreen and Eatyourgreens off!!

I hear it was the lure of our lack of a football pyramid that prompted the move ;)

[Another Bohemia]

Looks like it could be Tiernan Lynch (Larne FC)?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c9qld0jr1r9o

Probably as good an upgrade on Higgins as could be expected. Won things with a wealthy backer behind him so dealing with those expectations should be ok for him. As with any manager from outside the league there may be some teething pains but Derry have shown with Higgins that they can be patient. Big concern now is the squad, do Derry have someone in recruitment outside of the manager who could be identifying potential targets to bring in because there have already been a number of players leaving.

[legendz]

Interesting managerial appointment by Derry. Rovers, Pat's and Derry have managers who have managed in the group stages of European competition.

[Jack B]

Rovers being linked with a move for Ed McGinty. Could be a particularly rough start to the off-season for Sligo.

Also talk of Conor Keeley moving back to Drogs, which would probably be best for all involved.

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

Every Dan McDonnell article is a dagger to the heart these days

[EatYerGreens]

I hear it was the lure of our lack of a football pyramid that prompted the move ;)

Why settle for a pyramid, when you can have a castle built on sand? :D

[2 Year Contract]

Also talk of Conor Keeley moving back to Drogs, which would probably be best for all involved.

Agreed. He’s a good backs to the wall defender for games like Galway away in the first game of the season where he headed about 500 crosses out of the box. He’s not good enough on the ball though to play for a team that dominates possession and is on the attack more often than not

[D24Saint]

Agreed. He’s a good backs to the wall defender for games like Galway away in the first game of the season where he headed about 500 crosses out of the box. He’s not good enough on the ball though to play for a team that dominates possession and is on the attack more often than not

He is too slow imo , he would definitely be capable of doing a solid job for a team playing a more defensive brand of football.

[TonyD]

Well, there's the 8-team First Division as well.

There’s a first division ?:p

[dundalkfc10]

In the local Dundalk paper today plenty of Prem Division interest in Jamie Gullan

If anyone knows anyone in the clubs who want him, get them to PM me as il personally drive him to wherever he is wanted

[wonder88]

It will be interesting to see how T Lynch gets on at Derry. It appears to be a bigger challenge than what he faced at Larne, but as he said himself the potential is much greater.
Looking at the make-up of the squads of clubs, there seems to be a need for an u-21 league/reserve as there is very few players making it through the famous Fai pathway (at their original clubs anyway).

[Jack B]

Agreed re: Keeley above. He's a massive physical presence and a good pure defender but too lacking in other areas to suit most sides in the league given the style of play most have. Had one or two colossal performances but spent much of his time on the pitch this season playing hospital passes to Anto Breslin and making us easier to defend against. He barely got any minutes in the second half of the season so the writing would seem to be on the wall that he'll be off, I think he'll be great again for Drogs - probably would be for Galway too thinking about it - but won't end up being much of a loss for us.

[ger121]

The allure of LoI over IL remains, from Champions and Europe to also rans and no Europe. Just in case there is a missed opportunity to set EalingGreen and Eatyourgreens off!!

They are just a few letters off being the same person.

[legendz]

There’s a first division ?:p
You're asking tongue in cheek but possibly a fair question when it comes to exposure.
There hasn't been a title race for a few years. The playoff structure is debatable when it comes to reward and jeopardy. First Division clubs seem happy enough with the lifeline the playoffs are giving.

[oriel]

In the local Dundalk paper today plenty of Prem Division interest in Jamie Gullan

If anyone knows anyone in the clubs who want him, get them to PM me as il personally drive him to wherever he is wanted

Some man for the free kicks, has to go down as the first ever main striker for DFC not to score a single goal at home - all season. Then again there was a lot more unwanted stats last season, 3 managers, 4 GK's and 3 of them were terrible, (Munro did improve to be fair) one effectively sacked, but appointing Noel King has to be up there with the worst ever piece of business by the club.

[nr637]

Colin Healy's named is on the manager merry go round list for the Cobh Ramblers position! ?

[Shearer]

Colin Healy's named is on the manager merry go round list for the Cobh Ramblers position! ?
I'm pretty sure they tried before and he said no.

I couldn't see it happening as I don't think he could do that and coach the Irish WNT at the same time, and he seems to be a better coach than manager too.

Cobh have yet to replace Henderson in truth.

[joey B]

Danny Grant rumoured to Shelbourne

[2 Year Contract]

Danny Grant rumoured to Shelbourne
Him and Towell.

The two could well end up continuing Duff’s trend of signing underperforming/unwanted players and improving them but having just won the league you’d have thought they would be going after better players

[Another Bohemia]

Danny Grant rumoured to Shelbourne

Danny certainly underperformed when he returned to Bohs but he wasn't shy of hard work and knows the league well. He could suit Shels style of play really well but I wouldn't count on him to increase their goal tally from last year

[joey B]

Bohs and Galway interested in Ryan Kelliher….

[culloty82]

After Gaxha's rather fruitless spell at Eamon Deacy Park, one suspects that'll make a move to the West rather less enticing for Kerry players.

[RealJohn91]

Bohs interested in John Mountney too apparently

[Olander]

After Gaxha's rather fruitless spell at Eamon Deacy Park, one suspects that'll make a move to the West rather less enticing for Kerry players.
I doubt it will have any bearing. From the onset many GUFC fans thought that was a strange move. Kelliher makes a lot more sense.

You could also point to us signing Hickey from Athlone Town in the First Division as an example, and the huge impact he made.

[Another Bohemia]

Id certainly welcome taking a pint in a player like Kelleher. Looked a handful when he played against us. Scored a decent amount for Kerry last season and he could be a solid back up to Whelan, who obviously has his injury concerns. Mountney on the other hand I'd avoid like the plague. Looking at his injury history he's missed nearly 60 games in the last couple of seasons. I hope this is just speculation based on Stephen O'Donnell being a mate of his and being on Bohs coaching staff

[dundalkfc10]

Id certainly welcome taking a pint in a player like Kelleher. Looked a handful when he played against us. Scored a decent amount for Kerry last season and he could be a solid back up to Whelan, who obviously has his injury concerns. Mountney on the other hand I'd avoid like the plague. Looking at his injury history he's missed nearly 60 games in the last couple of seasons. I hope this is just speculation based on Stephen O'Donnell being a mate of his and being on Bohs coaching staff

Regarding Mountany. In the first season he was back with us he done his ACL missed whole season basically, came back next season and done ACL again and missed all the season
The season just gone he was back fit after about game 7 or 8 and I don't think he missed a game since and a plus with him he can play anywhere, top my head he has played RB, LB, CM, RM and even up top in his 2 spells with us

[Another Bohemia]

Regarding Mountany. In the first season he was back with us he done his ACL missed whole season basically, came back next season and done ACL again and missed all the season
The season just gone he was back fit after about game 7 or 8 and I don't think he missed a game since and a plus with him he can play anywhere, top my head he has played RB, LB, CM, RM and even up top in his 2 spells with us

Yeah I could be overthinking the impact of the injuries but he's 31 with two ACL injuries and Bohs are vocally cutting their budget. I think you can take a risk on the likes of Whelan because good strikers are very hard to come by in this league but I'm not sure that mountney fits the same bill

[Jack B]

Mountney did his ACL in his lone season with Pats too. If you could hypothetically assure his fitness he's a useful squad player but that's far from the case.

Speaking of injury prone full backs, Axel Sjoberg has signed back with Pats for next season. Very happy with that as he's been excellent when fit, which was much more frequent an occurrence once Kenny came in. Ryan McLaughlin has similarly been good when fit, which has also been rare, so I'd probably like another more reliable option in there for the sake of security.

[patsdad]

Sjoberg signed back at Pats. Just Grivosti to tie down now from the 11 who were the main starters in the 9-in-row finish to the season.

[joey B]

Liam Burt returning to Rovers from Shels twitter account,for now anyway….

[2 Year Contract]

Stephen Elliott set to become the new Wexford manager

[Martinho II]

Stephen Elliott set to become the new Wexford manager

Is this the ex ROI International?

[joey B]

Alex Nolan expected to sign for Cork City
Ciaran Coll off to Glentoran

[2 Year Contract]

Is this the ex ROI International?
Yep, he was Head of Pats academy and the manager of Pats u20's since the start of this year. He’d have a good knowledge of players in the underage leagues from that role so that should be a bonus for Wexford

[Jack B]

Tom Grivosti announcement incoming from Pats, which is huge news for us. I'd have him right up there as one of the most underrated players in the league personally, has been brilliant whilst fit.

Alex Nolan to Cork confirmed. Wish him well but I'm yet to be convinced by him as a starter at this level.

[patsdad]

Tom Grivosti announcement incoming from Pats, which is huge news for us. I'd have him right up there as one of the most underrated players in the league personally, has been brilliant whilst fit.

Alex Nolan to Cork confirmed. Wish him well but I'm yet to be convinced by him as a starter at this level.

That’s the full first choice eleven tied down along with the most important back-ups apart from Romal Palmer. When fully rehabilitated he’s a level or two above LOI so it’s probably very unlikely we’ll get him again.

[joey B]

John Mountney announces Dundalk departure….

[2 Year Contract]

Dan McDonnell is reporting that shels have agreed a deal to sign Ryan O'Kane, Rayhaan Tulloch retention to be announced soon and also the rumours of them being in for Danny Grant and Richie Towell are apparently false

[Jack B]

That’s the full first choice eleven tied down along with the most important back-ups apart from Romal Palmer. When fully rehabilitated he’s a level or two above LOI so it’s probably very unlikely we’ll get him again.

Yeah, the situation with Palmer is a tricky one. Dan McDonnell suggested a deal was being worked on but you'd imagine he'll have more appealing options back in England given he's played well at Championship level previously and then impressed here last season. Probably a similar one to Jarvis with Shels where you're hoping the positive experience at the club already will do a lot of the heavy lifting.

Not a lot of work left for Pats to do which is encouraging, by my count that's 19 already signed up. Could do with another right back and midfielder at a minimum, nice-to-haves maybe an additional midfielder/general forward player and a replacement for Keeley were he to leave. Would have that sweet spot of 22-23 players but with a lot of continuity there.

[2 Year Contract]

Elliott confirmed as Wexford manager now and O'Kane confirmed by Shels. McDonnell has said that Dundalk were due €35k compensation fee for him but it’s been agreed that Shels will pay a lower up front amount with add-ons based on future performance factored into the deal

[Glen Of Aherlow]

Yeah, the situation with Palmer is a tricky one. Dan McDonnell suggested a deal was being worked on but you'd imagine he'll have more appealing options back in England given he's played well at Championship level previously and then impressed here last season. Probably a similar one to Jarvis with Shels where you're hoping the positive experience at the club already will do a lot of the heavy lifting.

Not a lot of work left for Pats to do which is encouraging, by my count that's 19 already signed up. Could do with another right back and midfielder at a minimum, nice-to-haves maybe an additional midfielder/general forward player and a replacement for Keeley were he to leave. Would have that sweet spot of 22-23 players but with a lot of continuity there.

Do you reckon we have anyone else ready to make the step up from our underage sides ?

[2 Year Contract]

Some transfer market info in the link below. In summary, Pats after Barry Baggley rather than Adam O'Reilly now, who will likely stay at Derry along with Maher. NI international Gavin Whyte is a Derry and Rovers target. Conor Keeley a Drogheda target and Luke Turner a Cork target. Alex Nolan turned down a longer contract offer from Sligo to go with Cork's offer

https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/loi-transfer-updates-derry-city-hoping-to-see-off-shamrock-rovers-in-race-for-gavin-whyte/a1525095580.html (https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/loi-transfer-updates-derry-city-hoping-to-see-off-shamrock-rovers-in-race-for-gavin-whyte/a1525095580.html)

[Jack B]

Will be interesting to see how Elliott does. For what it's worth he seems to have been well-regarded in his brief time with Pats, was apparently even being considered for the job of the senior team before Kenny accepted it.


Do you reckon we have anyone else ready to make the step up from our underage sides ?

Hard to tell, we didn't have many academy lads pop up last season like we had the likes of Melia, Curtis, Murphy etc in recent years. I thought Anto Dodd would be one but he went quiet pretty early last season, Michael Noonan got a few minutes but he appears to be signing for Man City so who knows where that will leave him at this age. Jason Oyenuga and Rhys Bartley have gotten decent minutes with senior players in the LSC previously and have been on the fringes for a while so they could be shouts.

[joey B]

Darren Murphy back as Harps manager for next season,was talk of him considering his options in the offseason,signed on a long term deal….

[Jack B]

Some transfer market info in the link below. In summary, Pats after Barry Baggley rather than Adam O'Reilly now, who will likely stay at Derry along with Maher. NI international Gavin Whyte is a Derry and Rovers target. Conor Keeley a Drogheda target and Luke Turner a Cork target. Alex Nolan turned down a longer contract offer from Sligo to go with Cork's offer

https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/loi-transfer-updates-derry-city-hoping-to-see-off-shamrock-rovers-in-race-for-gavin-whyte/a1525095580.html (https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/loi-transfer-updates-derry-city-hoping-to-see-off-shamrock-rovers-in-race-for-gavin-whyte/a1525095580.html)

O'Reilly is a good player but I'm evidently in a minority that thinks he's a bit overrated. Or at least that's how I felt when he was at Pats, he may well have kicked on since. Brilliant energy that almost no player in the league can match but he's below average on the ball for a player at a "top" side imo. Would obviously like to have him back at Pats but equally I wouldn't be gutted if we missed out and signed a player(s) more suited to how we're trying to play now.

Would be pleased enough with Keeley leaving and Hoare replacing him, but Luke Turner would be worth keeping for me as a good squad option. There's a player in there I think, though if Cork will continue to play with a back three he'd be absolutely perfect for them as on the left side of one is where he excelled at Cliftonville.

[2 Year Contract]

O'Reilly is a good player but I'm evidently in a minority that thinks he's a bit overrated. Or at least that's how I felt when he was at Pats, he may well have kicked on since. Brilliant energy that almost no player in the league can match but he's below average on the ball for a player at a "top" side imo. Would obviously like to have him back at Pats but equally I wouldn't be gutted if we missed out and signed a player(s) more suited to how we're trying to play now.

Would be pleased enough with Keeley leaving and Hoare replacing him, but Luke Turner would be worth keeping for me as a good squad option. There's a player in there I think, though if Cork will continue to play with a back three he'd be absolutely perfect for them as on the left side of one is where he excelled at Cliftonville.

Id tend to agree with all of that. There was justified excitement over the potential of bringing in O'Reilly as a Lennon replacement when it looked like he was heading to America but now that Lennon's staying I wouldn’t be overly worried about not getting O'Reilly, considering he’d be on too high a wage to sit on the bench every week and then you’d have the headache of fitting Lennon, Forrester, Kavanagh and O'Reilly into the team. Is there talk of Hoare coming back to Pats? I’ve always felt he’ll end up back before he retires for some reason

EDIT: I’ve just seen the Hoare rumour mentioned further down the link

[legendz]

Kelliher be a big loss for Kerry but if a Premier Division opportunity is there, few will begrudge Kelliher moving off. Kerry need to be gaining experienced players during the off-season if they are to improve on this season.

[patsdad]

Do you reckon we have anyone else ready to make the step up from our underage sides ?

Sean McHale who was on loan to Wexford last season and played throughout is still under contract with Pats. He’s a centre-half, aged 19, u-18 international. Could replace Keeley in the squad.

[niallsparky]

John Mountney confirmed to Bohs.

[Bohtastic]

John Mountney signed by bohs. Not sure how to feel about that. Another midfielder- although he plays in a few positions I guess.

https://x.com/bfcdublin/status/1861491200840139023?t=9nut5HvgsGHEG_mZQxWWkw&s=19