2026 Transfer Window

[kksaints]

PFAI Transfer List is out today, Lee Devitt and Dean Ebbe appear the standout names:

https://www.pfai.ie/transfer-list

Harnett of Wexford is a surprise, he's looked very talented for his age any time I've seen him.

[Shinkicker]

Harnett of Wexford is a surprise, he's looked very talented for his age any time I've seen him.
I see Kieth Buckley is on the list. Although I'm not really surprised I'd have kept him for one more year. He has been a great captain and I'm sure a great motivator for younger players.

[dundalkfc10]

PFAI Transfer List is out today, Lee Devitt and Dean Ebbe appear the standout names:

https://www.pfai.ie/transfer-list

Most Dundalk fans would agree, we very very excited when signed Ebbe

He is not good and he dosnt like trying. Went from being the number 1 striker to 3rd choice by end season

[outspoken]

Wouldn't be surprised if Ebbe ended up back at Athlone

[Kiki Balboa]

Most Dundalk fans would agree, we very very excited when signed Ebbe

He is not good and he dosnt like trying. Went from being the number 1 striker to 3rd choice by end season

I think that's very harsh on Ebbe.

He just wasnt the striker Dundalk needed, and when Arubi started to flourish , Ebbe did well playing off him, even if he can be fustrating not to use his body/height.

He isnt an out-and-out striker like we thought or needed, but he was still a solid player who put in a shift.

[nr637]

Alex Nolan (Cork City) interesting Sligo Rovers.
Evan McLaughlin (Cork City) interesting Derry City.

[brendy_éire]

Evan McLaughlin (Cork City) interesting Derry City.

Evan coming back would surprise me. He left as he wasn't getting game time. I don't think it would be any different if he returned.

[nr637]

Evan coming back would surprise me. He left as he wasn't getting game time. I don't think it would be any different if he returned.

Derry just one of several clubs monitoring Evan. Clubs always look at the relegated teams squads to see who what players look good enough to stay in the Premier Division!

[desaintsno.12]

Agree re Byrne. I just think he seems a season or two past his sell by date, and he's not the kind go midfielder we need in any case. We seem to have a lot of players still under contract, which will surely be an issue as to how much of a rebuild can be done. I might be going against the prevailing view here, but I still think most of the squad at Pats are good players. Of course this season has been bitterly disappointing and a lot will depend on how much of a response Stephen Kenny can get from the squad next year. Romal Palmer returning could be important, as I think he could make a big difference in the middle. Mulraney is a frustrating one. He showed last year what he is capable of, but never got close to that this year. Elbouzedi is a strange one for me. He seems to have been missing for an awful long time for a shoulder injury, or was there another issue I'm not aware of ? Defensively, Sean Hoare was an awful signing, and sadly is not out of contract. He'd be first on my list to be shown the door. I think the two right backs, SJoberg and McLaughlin are solid. Anang and Rogers are good options in goal, Redmond, Grivosti and Turner are similarly good centre back options. Our defensive record suggests thats not where the teams problems lie. Obviously we need a left back if Anto Breslin is not going to come back into favour, Kazeem hasn't looked up to it, and while McCelland has done ok for someone filling in, we probably need a specialist full back there. We'll need to try and replace Mason Melia of course. Aidan Keena is capable of scoring goals, and I do like Conor Carty as an honest player, I'm not sure he is top level. Kian Leavy is a super talent, but needs to add more of an end product. He's superb at getting thee team up the pitch with his running with the ball however. Simon Power has had is moments, but again, I think he only has 2 league goals ?.

The problem with the team may be less to do with the personnel and more with the fact that we just seem to have a soft centre too mush of the time.

There are so many dud players in the squad. There needs to be a massive cull, but its not going to be possible.
If it was open season on them, the only ones I would want to keep would be :
Anang
Rogers
Redmond
Git
Palmer
Leavy
Keena
Power - bench only
Maybe Jay due to his ridiculous versatility.

The rest can jog on. Too many lads that are either not top 2 level or just don't seem to give a sh1t. For too many years we have been too soft with players and contracts.
Soccy, Gartland and the S&C coach can F*ck off too.

[Shinkicker]

Adam Mc Donnell has agreed to stay with Bohs until the end of 2027. Delighted with that.

[RealJohn91]

Hickey all but confirmed to Bohs like expected according to Dan McDonnell. Sam Todd lined up too. Clarke going to the UK most likely.

[Dermobohs]

I would as well … he’ll complement Dawson Devoy perfectly
Mmmm, maybe not at rovers…….

[sulywaterfordfc]

Nice and honest statement on the past season by the owner. A lot of mistakes happened and it sounds like lessons were learned. Back in 2021 when we lost the plays were relegated without a manager we didn’t hear anything from several weeks. Thankfully the club changed ownership and is in such a better position now, continuous going from strength to strength off the pitch. Hopefully we can build a decent side and not be involved in a relegation fight next year. Great transparency, hopefully we aren’t waiting long before a manager is appointed. The managerial options are a bit grim though, there seems to be nothing available in Ireland other then Clancy, and with him I’d have no issue getting the job. You question his commitment as by all accounts he opened a business with the wife at home earlier this year and he was double jobbing. I’d want full commitment from Clancy if we took a punt on him. Duff is the obvious box office choice, but I couldn’t see that happening despite rumoured talks that have happened. I’d love if Matt Lawlor could get a proper go at it but unfortunately young family in England and a coaching role with Fleetwood first team, can’t blame him for turning the job down earlier this year. Thanks Jesus we avoided the drop.

https://waterfordfc.ie/2025/11/11/a-message-to-the-fans-from-jamie-pilley/

[Nesta99]

Its not Waterford fans fault but 'Pilley' money funding things still feels wrong!

[joey B]

Brian Shelly appointed as Technical Director at Athlone Town

[Jack B]

There are so many dud players in the squad. There needs to be a massive cull, but its not going to be possible.
If it was open season on them, the only ones I would want to keep would be :
Anang
Rogers
Redmond
Git
Palmer
Leavy
Keena
Power - bench only
Maybe Jay due to his ridiculous versatility.

The rest can jog on. Too many lads that are either not top 2 level or just don't seem to give a sh1t. For too many years we have been too soft with players and contracts.
Soccy, Gartland and the S&C coach can F*ck off too.

Broadly agree with this. Even Leavy has my patience wearing thin at this point, great at certain aspects but he has zero end product which doesn't help for an attacking player. Elbouzedi had a tough start to the season but I think wasn't being used well, still a player in there. Do still love Jamie Lennon but he needs more competition for his place, and more help in that area of the pitch generally. I imagine we'll still have the bulk of the remainder of the squad that are still under contract but I wouldn't be sad to see any of them go.

[nr637]

Cobh Ramblers appoint John Frost as part of the coaching staff with new Manager Fran Rockett. Frost had been coaching Dungarvan United AFC for the past 3 and a half years.
https://www.wlrfm.com/sport/john-frost-cobh-2192562

[nr637]

What players were picked for the Premier Division & First Division teams of the year for 2025!

[nr637]

A multi year deal too in the first division - Kerry throwing money at this now, who knows where that could all end up!!!

Multi-year contracts may also mean that any players signing for Kerry would have to be based on a minimum weekly wage of €430 for full-time professionals and €130 for part-time players, established in 2023.
Some of the contracts can now be based over a 52 weeks or about 40 weeks that just covers the season only.
Still depending on the amount of players signed, Kerry are definetly showing the money!

[Martinho II]

What players were picked for the Premier Division & First Division teams of the year for 2025!

didnt see any announcements yet regarding the above.

Why are Waterford changing their badge again??

[sulywaterfordfc]

didnt see any announcements yet regarding the above.

Why are Waterford changing their badge again??

You ask that as if it happens every season. The board have acknowledged over the years it’s something the fans haven’t been a huge fan of. Lee Power changed the clubs badge and name by reverting to the old club name and crest but with a modernised touch on the crest. The club have been working, researching and designing the new crest for the past two seasons.

The Blues fans have been able to have a say at two different stages of the process. The fans have always viewed the traditional three ships as a truer representation of the club not the three Lions. - the lions are associated with the Deise GAA and the old Waterford City crest.

[CorribsideSteve]

Big clearout happening for us. Clarke going was expected, but losing Hickey to Bohs is a stinger. I hope he does well there; a great lad, brilliant hold-up player too. But Esua is likely to move on too, and a few others. Maybe there's more Moses Dyer's out there, who knows lol. Next year looks like its going to be another long struggle.

[sulywaterfordfc]

Big clearout happening for us. Clarke going was expected, but losing Hickey to Bohs is a stinger. I hope he does well there; a great lad, brilliant hold-up player too. But Esua is likely to move on too, and a few others. Maybe there's more Moses Dyer's out there, who knows lol. Next year looks like its going to be another long struggle.

Is JC staying on as manager? I’ve seen chatter among Galway fans for the past few months and there was talk he was moving upstairs and Ollie (god rest his soul) taking over. Since then I’ve heard JC is still moving upstairs but Jon Daly is lined up for the managers job. JC’s rein with Galway seems to be turning a little sour like it did with Cork, kinda turning himself from hero to villain.

[CorribsideSteve]

Is JC staying on as manager? I’ve seen chatter among Galway fans for the past few months and there was talk he was moving upstairs and Ollie (god rest his soul) taking over. Since then I’ve heard JC is still moving upstairs but Jon Daly is lined up for the managers job. JC’s rein with Galway seems to be turning a little sour like it did with Cork, kinda turning himself from hero to villain.
No idea about JC but we definitely need some new ideas tactically. If he's moving upstairs as it were, it might be a better fit for him, and may allow him to take a broader scope to searching for and signing players.

[Buckett]

I think Daly has left the club

[TonyD]

Broadly agree with this. Even Leavy has my patience wearing thin at this point, great at certain aspects but he has zero end product which doesn't help for an attacking player. Elbouzedi had a tough start to the season but I think wasn't being used well, still a player in there. Do still love Jamie Lennon but he needs more competition for his place, and more help in that area of the pitch generally. I imagine we'll still have the bulk of the remainder of the squad that are still under contract but I wouldn't be sad to see any of them go.

I know we've underperformed badly this season, but I still think most of the players are actually good players. Its easy to say just have a massive cull, but the issue is replacing them with better. Apart from the list mentioned, Sjoberg and McLoughlin are decent full backs, Turner and Grivosti solid centre backs (thought Tom didn't have a great year admittedly.) Garrick obviously shouldn't be retained, Kazeem isn't up to it either. Bagley has had a couple of good games, but not enough. I'd be tempted to keep Robinson if we can, he didn't get many minutes, but looked decent. Jay McClellend is worth having for his versatility as mentioned. Simon Power has been quite good I thought. Mulraney frustrating, when you see last season what he can do. I don't think we'll be making a rake of signings, maybe 3/4. It's more a case of getting more out of the players than we did this season I think.

[desaintsno.12]

I know we've underperformed badly this season, but I still think most of the players are actually good players. Its easy to say just have a massive cull, but the issue is replacing them with better. Apart from the list mentioned, Sjoberg and McLoughlin are decent full backs, Turner and Grivosti solid centre backs (thought Tom didn't have a great year admittedly.) Garrick obviously shouldn't be retained, Kazeem isn't up to it either. Bagley has had a couple of good games, but not enough. I'd be tempted to keep Robinson if we can, he didn't get many minutes, but looked decent. Jay McClellend is worth having for his versatility as mentioned. Simon Power has been quite good I thought. Mulraney frustrating, when you see last season what he can do. I don't think we'll be making a rake of signings, maybe 3/4. It's more a case of getting more out of the players than we did this season I think.

I would definitely keep Robinson, but I don't think Kenny fancies him. Then again, Kenny fancied Jordan Garrick to save our season against Waterford, so who knows what kenny thinks anymore.

[Jack B]

I know we've underperformed badly this season, but I still think most of the players are actually good players. Its easy to say just have a massive cull, but the issue is replacing them with better. Apart from the list mentioned, Sjoberg and McLoughlin are decent full backs, Turner and Grivosti solid centre backs (thought Tom didn't have a great year admittedly.) Garrick obviously shouldn't be retained, Kazeem isn't up to it either. Bagley has had a couple of good games, but not enough. I'd be tempted to keep Robinson if we can, he didn't get many minutes, but looked decent. Jay McClellend is worth having for his versatility as mentioned. Simon Power has been quite good I thought. Mulraney frustrating, when you see last season what he can do. I don't think we'll be making a rake of signings, maybe 3/4. It's more a case of getting more out of the players than we did this season I think.

I agree that most of the squad is of a good standard, but the problem is with the expectation and budget now at the club the minimum goal has to be top 2/3 (I personally recoil at the idea of this a little bit because I have naturally lower expectations as a Pats fan, but objectively speaking this is the case) and conversely the majority of them aren't at that level. McLaughlin, Turner, Breslin and the like are OK but they just don't impact games enough and are too limited to be starting regularly for a team with those aims. Have loved Grivosti in his time here but I think he looks shot to be honest, maybe it was the last big injury but this season he's been a shell of his former self. He looked like he could barely move in that semi final.

I think we have around 16 or so under contract, so agree it's more about getting those handful of incomings correct rather than an overhaul being possible. I liked Robinson but he only got limited minutes so tough to call really. Have seen we've been linked to Conan Noonan and Val Adedokun in the last couple of days, not sure how likely either is given their contract situations but I'd be happy enough with either happening.

[sbgawa]

Based on how he has played for Waterfprd this year i hope Rovers take him back in off loan, genuinely 2 footed and a great talent

[joey B]

Darragh Markey confirmed to be leaving Drogheda,Derry bound I guess….

[RealJohn91]

Buckley on his way out of Bohs when his contract expires. He wants to play regular football at this stage of his career. Sad to see him go but probably for the best, the injuries clearly have taken a lot out of him and he's not getting any younger. Clears up some space for McManus next season.

[joey B]

Buckley on his way out of Bohs when his contract expires. He wants to play regular football at this stage of his career. Sad to see him go but probably for the best, the injuries clearly have taken a lot out of him and he's not getting any younger. Clears up some space for McManus next season.

I wonder where he’ll go to get regular football? Dundalk maybe or up north…..

[RealJohn91]

I wonder where he’ll go to get regular football? Dundalk maybe or up north…..
It probably depends if he staying full time or not as well. He had a spell with Bray in the past so that could be another option.

[Kiki Balboa]

Darragh Markey confirmed to be leaving Drogheda,Derry bound I guess….

Its an unpopular opinion, but he is very overrated. Plays like Aaron Connolly or Szmodics.... Lots of running around and looking busy over end product.

[Martinho II]

I agree that most of the squad is of a good standard, but the problem is with the expectation and budget now at the club the minimum goal has to be top 2/3 (I personally recoil at the idea of this a little bit because I have naturally lower expectations as a Pats fan, but objectively speaking this is the case) and conversely the majority of them aren't at that level. McLaughlin, Turner, Breslin and the like are OK but they just don't impact games enough and are too limited to be starting regularly for a team with those aims. Have loved Grivosti in his time here but I think he looks shot to be honest, maybe it was the last big injury but this season he's been a shell of his former self. He looked like he could barely move in that semi final.

I think we have around 16 or so under contract, so agree it's more about getting those handful of incomings correct rather than an overhaul being possible. I liked Robinson but he only got limited minutes so tough to call really. Have seen we've been linked to Conan Noonan and Val Adedokun in the last couple of days, not sure how likely either is given their contract situations but I'd be happy enough with either happening.

Whos Val Adedokun as never heard of him before?

[Nesta99]

Former Dundalk youth. Left for Brentford.

[Louth4sam]

Its an unpopular opinion, but he is very overrated. Plays like Aaron Connolly or Szmodics.... Lots of running around and looking busy over end product.

I always thought he was excellent and a player I would have liked to sign at Dundalk over the last couple of seasons before we went down. There was talk that he went to Drogheda as he couldn't commit to full time football at Pats and we made enquiries and same was said to us. Wonder was that just a rumour or has something changed.

[Jack B]

Whos Val Adedokun as never heard of him before?
As Nesta mentioned, played a bit for Dundalk a few years ago before moving to Brentford. Seems to have done well enough while away, he's been the B team captain and player of the year, been on the bench a few times for the first team and was getting seemingly great reviews on loan at Cheltenham before he had to go back to Brentford after picking up an injury. Can't say I actually have seen much at all of him to know how good of a signing he'd be but it'd be hard to not be an improvement for us at left back at the moment.

[Kiki Balboa]

I always thought he was excellent and a player I would have liked to sign at Dundalk over the last couple of seasons before we went down. There was talk that he went to Drogheda as he couldn't commit to full time football at Pats and we made enquiries and same was said to us. Wonder was that just a rumour or has something changed.

Football is a game of opinions.

For me, he is the style of player that looks a lot better than he is because he runs around a lot, which fans love.

He has scored 12 goals in 253 games in the Premier Division, and the most he ever scored in a single season was 3. Crazy bad stats for an attacker that is 28.

[Kiki Balboa]

Jon Daly is being reported to becoming the new Waterford manager.

Galway did have an uptick in form when he came in , but I would have no love for him in Dundalk, albeit under difficult circumstances.

[Nesta99]

Daly said a few things that wouldnt have endeared him, he didnt have to say he'd leave if relegated long before that happened even if that was his intention. He didnt improve things, I think we were slightly better under the temporary coaching of Burns and Gartland. It wasnt an easy enviornment for him or the players but you really got the sense his heart wasnt in it, away from his family who are based in Scotland, pragmatic needing to work rather than wanting the job. But on the football side brought in players that werent an improvement (assuming at that stage that he rather than others were responsible for signings under his tenure some on really silly money). We didnt change shape, or system in any significant way to try and improve scoring, Gullan being a useful attacker that wasnt scoring but looked very obviously a striker that needed someone up front with him rather than running the line alone - confidence gone, worked hard but him and the team just did the same stuff over and over. He'd more time at St Pats so itd be interesting to hear their thoughts and whether they match up at all. Id see it as an undewhelming appointment for waterford, Keith Long lite and I like Keith Long.

[brendy_éire]

Hayden Cann, Shane Ferguson, and Robbie Benson all away from Derry.

I can accept the first too, but really don't think we should be letting Benson go. Always so solid when he came on, knows how to kill a game, can shoot as well. He'll be missed.

[TonyD]

Football is a game of opinions.

For me, he is the style of player that looks a lot better than he is because he runs around a lot, which fans love.

He has scored 12 goals in 253 games in the Premier Division, and the most he ever scored in a single season was 3. Crazy bad stats for an attacker that is 28.

He does lack a bit in the end product, thats true, but he is an excellent ball player, and almost never gives away possession. Also pretty good at nipping in and winning the ball when you wouldn't expect him to. To say he just "runs around a lot" is pretty harsh in my view.

[Kiki Balboa]

Ex Dundalk loanee Carl McHugh has signed for Sligo.

[Jack B]

Some chat of Brandon Kavanagh to Drogs. Would be a handy Markey replacement for them, he isn't as busy nor tidy in general play but would balance it out with greater end product. Dangerous on set-pieces too which would be a bonus for them.

[2 Year Contract]

Some chat of Brandon Kavanagh to Drogs. Would be a handy Markey replacement for them, he isn't as busy nor tidy in general play but would balance it out with greater end product. Dangerous on set-pieces too which would be a bonus for them.

He’s kind of the opposite to Markey in that he offers loads of end product in terms of assists/a few goals, but offers very little else off the ball and can go missing in games at times. He directly contributed to 20 goals in 2024 (6 goals and 14 assists) which was more than any other player in the league, but his form along with many others in the squad dropped off the face of a cliff this year. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him do well at his next club but it’s probably time for the sake of both him and Pats to part ways this winter

[Shinkicker]

I know last week Bohs were closing in on Hickey and Todd, are they any closer? Any word on anyone else coming in?

[Neish]

Hayden Cann, Shane Ferguson, and Robbie Benson all away from Derry.

I can accept the first too, but really don't think we should be letting Benson go. Always so solid when he came on, knows how to kill a game, can shoot as well. He'll be missed.

Robbie is a cousin of mine, could tell from a young age he had that bit extra from other young players his age. He had bad luck with injuries throughout his career but can't recall him having too many bad games. Where would he go next? Back to Dundalk perhaps?

[nigel-harps1954]

Robbie is a cousin of mine, could tell from a young age he had that bit extra from other young players his age. He had bad luck with injuries throughout his career but can't recall him having too many bad games. Where would he go next? Back to Dundalk perhaps?

Back to Athlone maybe, if they're throwing out a few quid on experienced players

[pineapple stu]

Touch wood he wouldn't mind doing a Master's :p