Info on all Rovers new signings
Conor O’Grady
Arguably Rovers’ most high profile signing and certainly the one most welcomed by supporters. He is a proven Premier Division player after his time with Cork City and Derry City. Despite only being in his mid-20s (he made his eircom League debut for Sligo Rovers in the 1997-1998 season) his experience will be crucial. He can dictate play and has shown that he will link up well with Fahrudin Kudozovic, another of Connor’s new midfielders. O’Grady isn’t afraid to get stuck in either and can spread the ball about well.
Fahrudin Kudozovic
Talented midfielder signed from Notts County and before that played with Derby County at Youth and Reserve level. He was one of the first players that manager Sean Connor wanted to sign – on the evidence of his pre-season displays, it is easy to see why. The Bosnian is a skilful, attacking midfielder who uses the ball well and looks to be forming a good partnership with O’Grady.
Kupono Low
A left-back signed from American outfit Syracuse Salty Dogs. Originally from Hawaii – he grew up in California – Low is a very composed player who reads the game well and looks comfortable on the ball. He can also play on the left side of midfield and, as was seen in the game against Shamrock Rovers, he can score.
Carlos Alverez
A Striker who previously played in America and is originally from Bolivia. Alverez is a big, physical forward who links up well with others and is good at making space for himself. He will be expected to score the goals that will have Rovers challenging for promotion and it is vital that he finds a regular strike partner to work off.
Sean Flannery
The Drumcliffe native returns to the club after spells with Finn Harps and Galway United and he was recently playing with the Sligo Senior Gaelic footballers in the Allianz League. Flannery is a talented competitor. His great first touch coupled with his physical strength means that he will have an important part to play for Rovers this season.
Ryan O’Donnell
Another local who has returned to play in his hometown after spells with Bohemians, Derry City and Kildare County. A talented versatile player who has shown in the pre-season build-up that he can play anywhere across the back four, although right-back seems to be his natural position. He was the captain of the Cartron U-16 side that won the Barry Cup in 2001.
Liam Burns
A strong centre-half and former Northern Ireland U-21 international who was recently with Forest Green Rovers in the Vauxhall Conference. He had played over 150 games for Port Vale and Bristol Rovers. He impressed in his first outing for the club against Coleraine last week and should prove to be the experienced defender that Rovers needed.
John O’Hara
A goalkeeper from Mayo who was playing college football in America and has recently been on trial with clubs in England and Scotland. O’Hara previously had a spell with Shelbourne. He has good reactions and commands his box well along with communicating well with his defence.
Brian Tosh
Right-sided midfielder who can also play upfront. He played with
Kudozovic at Derby County and was recently playing with Cliftonville in the Irish League. Tosh is a pacy, all-action player, who will prove to be a nightmare for First Division defences. He was also part of the Northern Ireland U-19 side that defeated Brazil in last season’s Milk Cup.
Jalmard Kusten
A left-back who spent most of last season playing with Limerick FC in the eircom League First Division. He will have tough competition for the left-back spot, but has shown that he likes to get involved in games and he uses the ball well. He will prove to be a useful squad member.
