2025 Kerry FC Arrivals and Departures

[legendz]

Any word on potential new signings and re-signings for 2025?
Rumours suggesting Kelliher might be off to the Premier Division. Any chance of Gaxha returning for 2025? Unless anyone is earning a Premier Division move or possibly eyeing promotion with Dundalk, I wouldn't like to see us losing players to any other First Division rivals.

[kingdomkerry]

Strangely very quite off season. Nothing on players. Nothing on new kit so missing Christmas market. Maybe we'll have much the same squad as we finished with last season.

[Zico]

Not even clear who will be managing / coaching the team next season either. Pre season training must be less than 4 weeks away at this stage. It’s quite across the first division by all accounts - the lack of clarity around solidarity payments could be the reason (from what I have seen elsewhere).

[legendz]

Quiet off season alright. Novelty worn off affect or something?
They are promoting the season ticket on social media as a Christmas gift but no new gear or anything like that being put out there yet.
In terms of the new season, six weeks out or so from the start should be time enough to promote it. The fixtures are being released on December 17th. Two months out from the start. Possibly intentionally low key until then before a ramp up and build up to the new season.

[culloty82]

Strangely very quite off season. Nothing on players. Nothing on new kit so missing Christmas market. Maybe we'll have much the same squad as we finished with last season.

Apparently, Tuta is training with a Bosnian league club, so either the very young Darragh Foley will become the No 1 keeper, or a new signing in that department becomes the top priority.

[legendz]

Kerry FC’s top scorer Ryan Kelliher has committed to the club for the 2025 season after signing a new contract with the nascent League of Ireland club.
https://www.independent.ie/regionals/kerry/sport/soccer/kerry-fc-striker-ryan-kelliher-signs-new-contract-ahead-of-2025-season/a1588053338.html

[legendz]

Sean McGrath has signed a new multi-year contract with the club!

https://x.com/KerryFC/status/1870070017837969602?t=NE3p76nnfq6GRO5QQbwiRQ&s=19

All good news from the club all of a sudden! The Christmas gifts are signing early! Sean McGrath, a vital cog, staying with the club.

[dansultheman]

I certainly wasn't expecting the recent news but great bit of business by the club. Kelliher & Mcgrath the highest performers signing new deals bodes extremely well. With the funds now available, you would think some higher level players would see Kerry FC now as an ambitious club with ambitions to really kick on this year. Exciting times ahead.

[Zico]

Agree, 2 key players to tie down. I think it’s critical we get the rest of the local players signed up also in particular Teahan, O’Connell and Amechi. Key positions after that are GK, Center half and a holding midfielder.

Seems like a mixed bag in terms of what other clubs have done - Cobh look like they are really going for it (seems like they have signed half of cork city’s squad at this stage), treaty look like they are spending a bit more too. Athlone and Wexford could struggle though as both have lost a lot of key players.

As for Dundalk, surprisingly they now look clear favorites with the signings they have made - how is beyond me though given their debts and need to generate profits this season. Looks like they have a lot of full time players and management too. I think they may be overestimating their crowds this season - averaged 2,800 in premier and benefited from Louth derby and 4 Dublin clubs visiting regularly also. They won’t get many away gates in 1st division and I’m sure their own support will drop 20% also. Can’t see them getting over 2k average. They still have a lot of financial troubles - the season could have many twists and turns in it.

[dansultheman]

Agree, 2 key players to tie down. I think it’s critical we get the rest of the local players signed up also in particular Teahan, O’Connell and Amechi. Key positions after that are GK, Center half and a holding midfielder.

Seems like a mixed bag in terms of what other clubs have done - Cobh look like they are really going for it (seems like they have signed half of cork city’s squad at this stage), treaty look like they are spending a bit more too. Athlone and Wexford could struggle though as both have lost a lot of key players.

As for Dundalk, surprisingly they now look clear favorites with the signings they have made - how is beyond me though given their debts and need to generate profits this season. Looks like they have a lot of full time players and management too. I think they may be overestimating their crowds this season - averaged 2,800 in premier and benefited from Louth derby and 4 Dublin clubs visiting regularly also. They won’t get many away gates in 1st division and I’m sure their own support will drop 20% also. Can’t see them getting over 2k average. They still have a lot of financial troubles - the season could have many twists and turns in it.


Aren’t Teehan and Amechi already signed for the season? They both signed 2 years!! O Connell is a key player to be able to retain! If the recruitment is very good then we should see an influx of players in those departments you mentioned!

Always the Cork and Cobh merry go round! Cork get relegated, they take Cobh best, they get promoted, Cobh get all the Cork rejects, seen this for many many years. Cobh showing ambition for sure!

Couldn’t agree more with Dundalk's financial issues they have had. I think they are seriously underestimating the league! Cork won at a canter while not blowing teams away either, Dundalk won’t have what Cork had, I see many twists but no runaway favorites! Huge risk they are taking consideration what they have just survived by a whisker.

[legendz]

Done deal! Nathan Gleeson re-signs for the Kingdom. Gleeson, who is 20, already has 60 appearances for Kerry FC in the club’s two seasons to date.

[dansultheman]

Great to have Nathan back! Was one of the standout performers early in the season until he got injured and finished really strong. At 20 years old, with 60 appearances, certainly a player if he keeps developing could be a powerful force in the FD. Lets hope for some more local signings and it would be great to see the level of player that the club are recruiting now that it has the additional resources to aim for playoffs.

[Zico]

Sean O’Connell also signed up - big player to retain, massive potential. Mentions also this is his first contract - assume that means first professional contract which is fully deserved.

Agree on Nathan - massive improvement last season. Terrific power and pace and improving his decision making on the ball also.

I think these younger players will step up and improve even more next season again - the benefits of 2 years playing at a high level.

[dansultheman]

Sean O’Connell also signed up - big player to retain, massive potential. Mentions also this is his first contract - assume that means first professional contract which is fully deserved.

Agree on Nathan - massive improvement last season. Terrific power and pace and improving his decision making on the ball also.

I think these younger players will step up and improve even more next season again - the benefits of 2 years playing at a high level.

Great to have young Seanie Back too, these may be young lads but the benefit now is that these core retained players have a two full seasons under their belt and now we are starting to get that vital Senior experience. A player who has potential to play at a higher level. More good business done by the club.

Looking forward to more player announcements from the club :)

[legendz]

I think these younger players will step up and improve even more next season again - the benefits of 2 years playing at a high level.
Great to have young Seanie Back too, these may be young lads but the benefit now is that these core retained players have a two full seasons under their belt and now we are starting to get that vital Senior experience. A player who has potential to play at a higher level. More good business done by the club.
I hope you both are right about the younger players improving and having the potential to play at a higher level. I was concerned towards the end of the season that the squad had reached it ceiling. James Sugrue seemed to suggest that also.

[Zico]

We definitely need more experience to help young players along and help close out games. I really think the loss of Daire McCarthy was huge last season in terms of the structure of the team, we looked way more exposed at the back conceding sloppy goals both from set pieces and balls over the top.

No arguing the squad reached its potential and additions are needed, but still would not underestimate how young players can grow with experience gained from playing senior level in their late teens / early twenties.

[dansultheman]

We certainly missed McCarthys presence defensively! We still led in half our games when he departed and the old traits of 2023 rushed back. With the retention signings there is quite a bit of experience for young players. Let’s see what happens now over the next month or two!

If the club can secure some 22-26 year olds with that LOI experience, I certainly will start to be more optimistic going into the 2025 season.

[legendz]

Next confirmed re-signing. Cian Brosnan has committed to Kerry FC for 2025. Brosnan has 53 appearances for the club, 41 of which have been off the bench, scoring four goals.

[legendz]

CURRENT RE-SIGNINGS
Ryan Kelliher
Sean McGrath
Nathan Gleeson
Sean O'Connell
Cian Brosnan

Kevin Williams and Daire McCarthy were big losses during the summer. It will be intriguing to see how far the re-signings go before we see some new faces. Replacing those two and bringing in more experience will go a long way to kicking on and challenging for top 5.

[legendz]

Academy player Luke Palmer has signed his first contract with Kerry FC. The 17-year-old from Brosna has played well during his time in the Academy, having come into Mounthawk after a spell in Limerick FC.

[culloty82]

Yes, he's been banging in the goals for the U20s, so the time was right to see if he can step up to the senior ranks. There's a lad called Luke Doolan who's doing very well with Killarney Athletic, so might be worth giving him trials in pre-season friendlies?

[legendz]

Luke Doolan has been making the local headlines. I think he scored five goals recently in the Munster Youth Cup.
With the history of Kerry League participating at national level prior to Kerry FC, why not have an annual friendly of Kerry FC v Kerry DL?

[culloty82]

Andy Spain appears to be the most significant name yet to be announced as tied down to a new contract - obviously would also rather Kennedy to stay put than not, but time is starting to run out for Daniel Okwute to really make a senior impression and live up to his underage potential.

[culloty82]

A 21-year-old centre-back from Manchester, Theo Marcel Farquharson, has signed this morning - seems to have meandered around the non-league scene there, between Stockport, FCUM and Workington, but an extra defender will always be welcome.

[legendz]

Theo Marcel Farquharson is an interesting signing. I don't think any of us would have predicted that! Hopefully plugs the gap created by Kevin Williams departing last summer.
Andy Spain is a notable name not announced yet. The second half of the season for the team as a whole wasn't great defensively. Much blame on Spain for that?
Would have hoped for more goals from Amechi and Okwute last season.

[Zico]

A 6’5 center half is exactly what we need given issues at set pieces over the past 2 years (physically anyway, hope he can play ball now)

Fully agree on Spain and Kennedy - need to get them tied down, the fact that nobody has come in for either (and I would think a few would be interested) it is possibly just contract negotiations that is holding it up. Nothing unusual about that.

I would still like to keep Okwute - started the season very strong last year but then just fizzled out. Bundles of talent, but seems like the attitude needs changing.

[dansultheman]

A 6’5 center half is exactly what we need given issues at set pieces over the past 2 years (physically anyway, hope he can play ball now)

Fully agree on Spain and Kennedy - need to get them tied down, the fact that nobody has come in for either (and I would think a few would be interested) it is possibly just contract negotiations that is holding it up. Nothing unusual about that.

I would still like to keep Okwute - started the season very strong last year but then just fizzled out. Bundles of talent, but seems like the attitude needs changing.

I agree that a 6’5 center half is exactly what the team needs and has been lacking. With his background I’m sure he has the ability to play.

Amechi is already contracted no? Spain would be great to tie down for another year! He struggled the second half of the season and seemed to be constantly having to come off injured!

Okuwute with the right attitude can be one of the most dangerous wingers in the Divison but lacks consistency and dicipline, I think he had at least 11-12 yellows last year!

A good start and hopefully more to come from the club.

[kingdomkerry]

Niall Brookwell signs. Denfensive midfielder who can also slot in at centre half. Looks like a direct replacement for Daire McCarthy. Would like to see an experienced centre mid and a goalkeeper and possibly a winger added.

[dansultheman]

Niall Brookwell signs. Denfensive midfielder who can also slot in at centre half. Looks like a direct replacement for Daire McCarthy. Would like to see an experienced centre mid and a goalkeeper and possibly a winger added.

Quality signing and I hope this is the start of a nice flurry of signings! That’s two new faces with more on the way from what I’ve been told! I would imagine to expect another 6-8 new players in the coming weeks with some of those experienced players. If that’s the case, then we can start getting a little excited about the year ahead!

[legendz]

Chris McQueen has signed, subject to international clearance. He plays in both centre-back positions. Interesting new signings.

[culloty82]

The one worry a person would have is that they're all either 22 or younger, so will they have enough game experience under their belts?

[legendz]

The one worry a person would have is that they're all either 22 or younger, so will they have enough game experience under their belts?
Fair point. Kevin Williams was 22 when he joined two years ago. He was a big loss when he left last summer. As was young Daire McCarthy.
It's a hard one to gauge. It seems a consistent age profile for players being signed. Andy Spain was 22 when he joined.
The club website is talking up the experience of the recent signings. Is that Dennehy talking to Sugrue?!

[culloty82]

Sugrue apparently gone, according to Kerry's Eye, but the Galway fans here inform us that Chris Collopy is his replacement.

[dansultheman]

Sugrue apparently gone, according to Kerry's Eye, but the Galway fans here inform us that Chris Collopy is his replacement.

That’s a great coup by the club. The fact he was Galways First Team Coach for the last two years shows the ambition of the club and his experience of winning the first division and maintaining Premier Status speaks volumes of the direction of the club.

[culloty82]

Daniel Okwute re-signs, and Alex Dunne arrives from UCD - suspect the club want to get most of their transfer business taken care of before the Cobh game on Friday, now we just need an experienced keeper to fill Tuta's gloves!

[kingdomkerry]

I know Aaron O Sullivan left but I haven't heard him sign for anyone else. Could he be coaxed back?

Well covered in the back now. Still to be confirmed if Kos and Spain are gone.

Who have we got for centre mid besides McGrath and Teehan. Would like to see a 25/26 year old signed.

Kelliher up top with Palmer getting 10/15 minutes when Ryan tires.

Are we ok with Dan, Brossie Gleeson and Kennedy as wide players. Will need 1 or 2 to step up. Potential certainly there.

[Zico]

I would retain Spain for sure, assume the younger players will be in squad too (Barrett, Horgan etc.) then at least another 7-8 will need to be added. Squad depth became an issue in 2nd half of last season - we need at least 2 players per position competing. It’s a 40+ game season (including pre-season) with injuries, suspensions and a lot of travel.

Goalkeeper, cover at left back, 2 more central midfielders, another winger and at least 1 more center forward are needed.

Squad is building nicely all the same.

Any word on new kits for the season and when they will be released?

[legendz]

Four re-signings confirmed today. Finn Barrett, Samuel Aladesanusi, Darragh Foley and Oaran Crowe have all re-signed for the club.

CURRENT RE-SIGNINGS:
Ryan Kelliher
Sean McGrath
Nathan Gleeson
Sean O'Connell
Cian Brosnan
Daniel Okwute
Finn Barrett
Samuel Aladesanusi
Darragh Foley
Oaran Crowe

NEW SIGNINGS:
Theo Marcel Farquharson
Niall Brookwell
Chris McQueen
Alex Dunne

ACADEMY GRADUATE:
Luke Palmer

[kingdomkerry]

You may add Oaran Crowe to that list.

[nigel-harps1954]

Believe Andy Spain has signed for Longford. At least that was last I heard.

[culloty82]

Believe Andy Spain has signed for Longford. At least that was last I heard.

Strange one that - wouldn't doubt you at all, but seems at best a sideways move, unless Dunne was bought as a direct replacement?

[culloty82]

Chris Collopy's arrival on the coaching staff confirmed on Radio Kerry's lunchtime sports news today.

[Martinho II]

Strange one that - wouldn't doubt you at all, but seems at best a sideways move, unless Dunne was bought as a direct replacement?

Not even up on clubs website yet. Going by silence from club lately I imagine its not true at all.

[culloty82]

No surprise that a trialist is starting in goals tonight, no fewer than one of six in tonight's squad:

https://i.imgur.com/ypi2a6l.jpeg

[culloty82]

We learn from the Kerryman today that Derek O'Shea and Shane Guthrie are also gone from the backroom staff - the status of Andy Spain and Ethan Kos remains unclear, but Conor McCarthy is hopeful that they'll both decide to stay on, while admitting he's actively looking for a new first-choice goalkeeper.

[legendz]

https://kerryfc.com/first-team-manager-conor-mccarthy-confirms-his-2025-management-team/

Conor McCarthy – First Team Manager
First Team Manager Conor McCarthy confirms two thirds of his 2025 Management Team!:
Chris Collopy – Assistant Manager
Cormac Buckley – S&C Coach
TBC – Goalkeeping Coach

"For James, we hope to help him achieve the required coaching badges to manage at the League of Ireland level." - what's the story here?

[legendz]

https://kerryfc.com/goalkeeper-connal-doran-signs-for-kerry-fc/

Goalkeeper Connal Doran has signed for the 2025 season. Hopefully a good signing. Tomorrow, Friday, will tell a lot if he starts.

[Zico]

He is 6’4” I believe. Along with a taller center back pairing, I’m hoping at least 10 less goals conceded from set pieces this season. Definitely an improvement like that could be worth 10-15 more points (assuming no fall backs elsewhere of course).

[legendz]

He is 6’4” I believe. Along with a taller center back pairing, I’m hoping at least 10 less goals conceded from set pieces this season. Definitely an improvement like that could be worth 10-15 more points (assuming no fall backs elsewhere of course).
I hope it pans out like that. I like your optimism! We are halfway to the playoffs already! ;)

[dansultheman]

I hope it pans out like that. I like your optimism! We are halfway to the playoffs already! ;)

A very good signing! He looked very assured in Killarney and is a good physical presence! I’d imagine the club are still looking to add another GK as we only have x2 right now with young Foley.

With 4 weeks to go, I think another 4-6 players incoming would create that deeper squad to cope with injuries.

We still need a really good winger, attacking mid and a decent CB!

That Chris McQueen looks like he could be a standout defender for us but Friday will be a better guage!