2025 Arrivals and Departures

[2 Year Contract]

Mountney must have some serious blackmail on O'Donnell to get a multi year contract there!

[Another Bohemia]

John Mountney confirmed to Bohs.
Not sure how I feel about this one. Injuries and age( as a result of the injuries) is my concern. From what Reynolds is saying he'll be the replacement for Paddy Kirk. One thing is for sure this is Reynolds squad now. The question marks over what was happening when Devine was in charge have been answered for me he was obviously the issue with getting signings done. Not sold on Reynolds or Fenlon but the transfer dealings since Reynolds has come in have been much more focused and completed reasonably quickly.

[Dermobohs]

Devine absolutely was the issue, turned down 9 or ten recommendations from Fenlon, and then was left having to agree players not up to it. Still would’ve kept miller over Flores mind…

[RealJohn91]

Not sure how I feel about this one. Injuries and age( as a result of the injuries) is my concern. From what Reynolds is saying he'll be the replacement for Paddy Kirk. One thing is for sure this is Reynolds squad now. The question marks over what was happening when Devine was in charge have been answered for me he was obviously the issue with getting signings done. Not sold on Reynolds or Fenlon but the transfer dealings since Reynolds has come in have been much more focused and completed reasonably quickly.
Not sure how he's replacing Kirk when he's played the last few seasons at right back

[sessylU]

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.

I sort of agree. He's been exciting to have at Derry, especially this year when his urgency stood out in a pretty placid team. But I've always wondered if this hard work was masking something else. He always seems to be fighting for the ball, digging his way out of tricky spots. I always wonder if this wouldn't be necessary if he was a bit better situated when picking the ball up in the first place. Great midfielders look unfussy. He often looks fussy.

Still though, having said that, Derry can't currently afford to lose him and would have been a lot worse off without him this year.

[Another Bohemia]

Not sure how he's replacing Kirk when he's played the last few seasons at right back

Jaysis could've sworn he was a left back for some reason. Well then less concerned about the injuries then because Smith is a good player and I believe he's signed up for this season

[2 Year Contract]

Jaysis could've sworn he was a left back for some reason. Well then less concerned about the injuries then because Smith is a good player and I believe he's signed up for this season

He’s right footed and has played more at right back than left back, but he did feature at left back a bit last season as well so I can see why you’d think that

[Jack B]

I sort of agree. He's been exciting to have at Derry, especially this year when his urgency stood out in a pretty placid team. But I've always wondered if this hard work was masking something else. He always seems to be fighting for the ball, digging his way out of tricky spots. I always wonder if this wouldn't be necessary if he was a bit better situated when picking the ball up in the first place. Great midfielders look unfussy. He often looks fussy.

Still though, having said that, Derry can't currently afford to lose him and would have been a lot worse off without him this year.

This is essentially where I'm at with him too. He plays at 100mph but that sometimes comes with a lack of composure in possession. He's still fine for the most part on the ball but in his time with us it still directly cost us a couple of goals, it was just outweighed by all the positives he brings, of which there are a lot of. Still and all though it's something that would stop me getting too bothered either way whether we signed him or not.

[2 Year Contract]

Cian Kavanagh leaves Pats by mutual consent. I had hoped for more from him when he signed. Too slow, poor first touch and not that good in the air for a big man, not good enough for a top 3 side, can see why Derry let him go too

[2 Year Contract]

Cian Kavanagh leaves Pats by mutual consent. I had hoped for more from him when he signed. Too slow, poor first touch and not that good in the air for a big man, not good enough for a top 3 side, can see why Derry let him go too

He’s just been announced by Sligo on a 2 year deal

[D24Saint]

Cian Kavanagh leaves Pats by mutual consent. I had hoped for more from him when he signed. Too slow, poor first touch and not that good in the air for a big man, not good enough for a top 3 side, can see why Derry let him go too

He will do a job for mid to lower table teams but not good enough if you want to challenge for silverware.

[Mr A]

He will do a job for mid to lower table teams but not good enough if you want to challenge for silverware.

People would have said similar about most of the Shels squad in fairness

[2 Year Contract]

Pats have kept hold of Romal Palmer on a permanent basis on a 2 year contract. Over the moon with that one

[patsdad]

Pats have kept hold of Romal Palmer on a permanent basis on a 2 year contract. Over the moon with that one


I dared to dream but didn’t really expect that to happen. What a brilliant bit of news.

[ger121]

Pats have kept hold of Romal Palmer on a permanent basis on a 2 year contract. Over the moon with that one

That could be the signing of the off-season.

[Jack B]

Stunned with the Palmer signing, I wasn't even hoping for it such was how unlikely I felt it was to happen. He'd obviously taken to the club well and got a lot of love from everyone from staff to the fans, but I still expected it to be the case that he'd have much more appealing offers and take one of them up, especially if they were back in England as was being reported previously. Fitness allowing he's absolutely one of the best midfielders in the league going off of what he showed when up to speed last season, will be huge if he's able to have a proper run of games next year.

The squad is quite healthy already, by my count that's 20 players signed as it stands. Might be one or two under contract that leave anyway like Keeley and Bolger that will subsequently be replaced, but otherwise not much more need or room for many more incomings. I'd say ideal world there'd be another right back, midfielder, and winger/striker type in which would really round out the squad nicely in terms of numbers and depth.

[kksaints]

Delighted with that news. His performances in Europe this season were sensational.

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

Wage bill must be enormous

[oriel]

Wage bill must be enormous

Kenny is a brilliant LOI manager, without doubt in the top 5 of all time, one thing though that comes with him is a demand for a very large budget, possibly one exception would been his first 2 seasons at Dundalk, and definitely 2013 - first transfer fee paid was for Horgan if I remember, possibly 20k, almost all others in the first two seasons were free transfers.

[Nesta99]

I dont disagree but all managers will look for a much money as they can, its up to clubs to put the breaks on. In this case Kenny was taking in a lot more than what he was demanding in his budgets and when he left that declined and a combination of things then bucked us. Would success would have declined at some point as always happens eventually but there is little doubt that Dundalk would have chalked up more titles and would have been in Europe with a growing coeff and pot of prizemoney. Whether that would have future proofed the club with development off the pitch well who knows. At that time the best thing that happened to other clubs and keep LoI competative was John Delaney's messing - the biggest conspiracy in Irish football history!

[placid casual]

It's Kellihers dream to win the league ( I presume!) and he obviously sees this current version of pats as the best chance he has of doing that,albeit between the players he has now and the very,very expensive manager (5yr contract?) it will require a league win within 2yrs(?) and "hopeful" deep progression into Europe to justify the vast expense .
They will definitely start the league as favourites next season so the chances of Champions league prelim football and presumably group stage football (with loadsamoney!!) in 2026 is worth the risk id wager.

[2 Year Contract]

It's Kellihers dream to win the league ( I presume!) and he obviously sees this current version of pats as the best chance he has of doing that,albeit between the players he has now and the very,very expensive manager (5yr contract?) it will require a league win within 2yrs(?) and "hopeful" deep progression into Europe to justify the vast expense .
They will definitely start the league as favourites next season so the chances of Champions league prelim football and presumably group stage football (with loadsamoney!!) in 2026 is worth the risk id wager.

Pats have already won the league in Kelleher's time. If you’re referring to winning it again, then isn’t that the 'dream' of every top 4/5/6/all(?) club's owners?

[placid casual]

I hadn't realised Kelliher was there at pats that long. Point remains the same,he's spending more than derry and Rovers to see pats win the league sooner rather than later the player & mgmt signings show that.

[TonyD]

I hadn't realised Kelliher was there at pats that long. Point remains the same,he's spending more than derry and Rovers to see pats win the league sooner rather than later the player & mgmt signings show that.

He’s been at Pats since 2008, so has definitely proved he’s in it for the long haul. Apart from Power I think all of the signings announced have been retaining this years squad, so I’m not sure the budget will have gone up by much. I’m sure we are spending well, but I don’t know how you can confidently state we are spending more than Rovers and Derry. Let’s see who they bring in. After all, Rovers now have the gazillions from their European run.

it’s going to be competitive at any rate. Can’t wait.

[2 Year Contract]

I hadn't realised Kelliher was there at pats that long. Point remains the same,he's spending more than derry and Rovers to see pats win the league sooner rather than later the player & mgmt signings show that.

That’s 2 for 2 on incorrect presumptions so :) any more for the hattrick?

[oriel]

It's Kellihers dream to win the league ( I presume!) and he obviously sees this current version of pats as the best chance he has of doing that,albeit between the players he has now and the very,very expensive manager (5yr contract?) it will require a league win within 2yrs(?) and "hopeful" deep progression into Europe to justify the vast expense .
They will definitely start the league as favourites next season so the chances of Champions league prelim football and presumably group stage football (with loadsamoney!!) in 2026 is worth the risk id wager.

Not with Paddy Power

Rovers 7/4
Pats 2/1
Shels 4/1
Derry 6/1

28/1 - 33/1 all of the rest.

That said I think Pats will have a great chance of first league title in 12 years.

[placid casual]

That’s 2 for 2 on incorrect presumptions so :) any more for the hattrick?
They're offering more to O'Reilly than derry are and offering more to Hoare and Farrugia than they are being offered at Rovers.
As Rovers season is still continuing they haven't started splashing the cash just yet so they may well outspend Pats.
In the spirit of good faith we can drive Towell over to Richmond if that's helpful to your cause- Mi casa su casa :)

[outspoken]

Not with Paddy Power

Rovers 7/4
Pats 2/1
Shels 4/1
Derry 6/1

28/1 - 33/1 all of the rest.

That said I think Pats will have a great chance of first league title in 12 years.
I think rovers reaching the KO stage of Europe will wreck their season.

[Jack B]

They're offering more to O'Reilly than derry are and offering more to Hoare and Farrugia than they are being offered at Rovers.
As Rovers season is still continuing they haven't started splashing the cash just yet so they may well outspend Pats.
In the spirit of good faith we can drive Towell over to Richmond if that's helpful to your cause- Mi casa su casa :)
According to Dan McDonnell, O'Reilly isn't the #1 target in that position for Pats and he may well end up staying at Derry because he doesn't end up having a "better" option. Doesn't seem like we're pushing the boat out for him anyway.

[Nesta99]

I hadn't realised Kelliher was there at pats that long. Point remains the same,he's spending more than derry and Rovers to see pats win the league sooner rather than later the player & mgmt signings show that.

That’s 2 for 2 on incorrect presumptions so :) any more for the hattrick?


They're offering more to O'Reilly than derry are and offering more to Hoare and Farrugia than they are being offered at Rovers.
As Rovers season is still continuing they haven't started splashing the cash just yet so they may well outspend Pats.
In the spirit of good faith we can drive Towell over to Richmond if that's helpful to your cause- Mi casa su casa :)

Is it time to quote 4th highest budget foot.ie rule yet?

[2 Year Contract]

They're offering more to O'Reilly than derry are and offering more to Hoare and Farrugia than they are being offered at Rovers.
As Rovers season is still continuing they haven't started splashing the cash just yet so they may well outspend Pats.
In the spirit of good faith we can drive Towell over to Richmond if that's helpful to your cause- Mi casa su casa :)

And there’s the hattrick! Match ball in the post ;) As Jack says, Dan McDonnell and a few other journalists in the league have said that Pats are no longer after O'Reilly and he looks set to stay in Derry. Baggley was the midfielder they were after but after Palmer re signing I’m not sure if they’re still after Baggley or not. There was talk that if Baggley came in Aaron Bolger who is under contract would be let leave which I wouldn’t be opposed to to be honest.

On allegedly offering more money to Farrugia, that does not equal to having a bigger budget than Rovers who have the biggest one in the league by a considerable margin according to every journalist and pundit in the country. There are players at Pats that would be on a lot smaller wages than the key players which Farrugia would be one of if he were to sign. Which he won’t in my opinion, he’ll probably see what English interest he has in January and if he doesn’t fancy any of those then he’ll use Pats interest to get a bumper new contract at rovers like Jack Byrne did last year

[Another Bohemia]

Not with Paddy Power

Rovers 7/4
Pats 2/1
Shels 4/1
Derry 6/1

28/1 - 33/1 all of the rest.

That said I think Pats will have a great chance of first league title in 12 years.

Derry at 6/1 is interesting. New manager who doesn't know the league (this may be an net positive though, time will tell), large squad turnover, no major re-signings announced (namely Maher and O'Reilly), no major signings that I can recall. I wouldn't have them miles ahead of Galway but the odds tell a different tale.

On pats I would have them as favourites. Finished as the form team ( I believe Shels finished as the form team in 2023). They had a good enough squad that was underperforming before Kenny arrived and I think his summer business pushed them further into the good/very good squad. They know what types of players they want to sign and are going after them early. All positive signs. Rovers are a bit behind the 8 ball until the end of their euro adventures, I think Dan McDonnell was saying the club have an option to extend the players contracts for European campaigns by up to 6 weeks so that may make their lives a little easier as other clubs may not want to wait to sign players from Rovers. Obviously time will tell but I can't see why you would have rovers as favourites starting the season.

[TonyD]

Is it time to quote 4th highest budget foot.ie rule yet?

In fairness, I’d say we’re third highest :D

[joey B]

Ed McGinty in talks with Shamrock Rovers

[2 Year Contract]

Ed McGinty in talks with Shamrock Rovers

As is Mr. Bohs tattoo himself Danny Grant. I’m sure the return to Dalymount later in the year will be an interesting one if that move happens

[forza rovers]

bring back the chucking of the pigs head!

[placid casual]

I heard that rumour meself and thought someone was taking the pi$$. Last few times I saw him play he looked a windy part time player.
The McGinty one has been doing the rounds in recent weeks,he was lauded on here as the best in the league,but on current form Pohls is at least his equal in my view. There's a touch of the Barry Murphy's about McGinty,he looks smaller than he is for some reason.
Neither rumour is getting me out of my seat anyway

[joey B]

Jad Hakiki signed for Sligo Rovers

[2 Year Contract]

Pohls has done well in Europe but definitely cost rovers points in the league this year, while McGinty won Sligo a lot of points you’d have to say. If rovers had McGinty in 2024 that alone would’ve seen another title win given how close it was in the end. Hakiki could turn out to be a good signing for Sligo, on a 2 year deal as well

[Mr A]

Jad Hakiki signed for Sligo Rovers

Why would they sign a dance performed by the New Zealand rugby team

[Martinho II]

Jad Hakiki signed for Sligo Rovers

Whos he Joey B?

[Martinho II]

Kenny is a brilliant LOI manager, without doubt in the top 5 of all time, one thing though that comes with him is a demand for a very large budget, possibly one exception would been his first 2 seasons at Dundalk, and definitely 2013 - first transfer fee paid was for Horgan if I remember, possibly 20k, almost all others in the first two seasons were free transfers.

What came out during our 100 year anniversary celebrations was when SK was in charge of us he was close to walking out of us at the time we had a two grand weekly budget only that one of the board members found 2k in cash under his mattress and SK stayed in the end!

[Glen Of Aherlow]

Barry Baggley in from Waterford , the Kenny revolution continues

[2 Year Contract]

Baggley was the midfielder they were after but after Palmer re signing I’m not sure if they’re still after Baggley or not. There was talk that if Baggley came in Aaron Bolger who is under contract would be let leave which I wouldn’t be opposed to to be honest.

Baggley’s a done deal now, can only assume that’s the end of Bolger if he finds an offer elsewhere that suits him

[Jack B]

Palmer signing was similar to Grivosti and Sjoberg in that it was securing the core of last season's squad, but I think a Baggley, O'Reilly etc type was always going to happen anyway as there was a bit of a need for another player in that area of the pitch. Palmer tended to play as a 10 anyway whereas Baggley will likely more so be competition for Lennon and/or Forrester, which was necessary given there was a real reliance on those pair and obviously Bolger isn't fancied too much.

Happy with Baggley all the same, although more so the idea of him than it being based in any real knowledge as I can't profess to have seen a huge amount of him. He seems more suited to our style of play than O'Reilly though which would make sense of the reports that Kenny had Baggley as his main target of the pair.

[Shinkicker]

James Talbot re-signs for Bohs. Squad looking OK so far but still need a few more quality players to compete. This will be Reynolds squad so he can't make excuses if it goes wrong. Anyone know of potential signings??

[RealJohn91]

Happy but surprised to see Talbot signed back. I guess he thinks he can get his place back but Kacper is the more assured option between the two so it'll probably be another season as the number 2.

[Nesta99]

Whos he Joey B?

The one player that most Dundalk fans would have hoped to keep after his summer signing from Shels however unlikely this was. Only one of the many (permanent) signings last year that really looked up to it.

[legendz]

Rovers 7/4
Pats 2/1
Shels 4/1
Derry 6/1
28/1 - 33/1 all of the rest.


Rovers and Pat's are likely to get more points next season IMHO. Not sure what to expect from Shels in Europe. Group stage football the obvious expectation on any champions when the likes of Larne and TNS are also qualifying.
The best two European performers have to start the furthest from group football. It'll be interesting to see what squads they assemble and how far they can go in Europe next year. Unless they get a stinker of a draw, they'll have confidence of negotiating each round.

[Knocklyonhoop]

First draw is massive for the champions. A lot of bogey draws but if can get through one round it really opens up. Presume Shels aren’t seeded? Could be tough if so