Longford Town chairman Jim Hanley insists that Alan Kirby will be staying at the club - despite growing speculation linking the midfielder with a switch to Cork City that would see striker George O’Callaghan move the other way.
The transfer window re-opens at the weekend, and rumours that Kirby was set for a move to Pat Dolan’s Cork had been gaining currency.
O’Callaghan, who has yet to finalise a new contract at Turners Cross, had been mentioned as a possible carrot to dangle in front of Town boss Alan Matthews in an attempt to lure Kirby to Leeside.
But Hanley was adamant that Kirby would be staying at Flancare Park.
He told eleven-a-side.com: “I’m not aware of any formal interest shown by Cork City in Alan Kirby, and I’m not aware of any interest shown by Longford Town in George O’Callaghan.”
Hanley admitted, however, that with the transfer window set to re-open on June 1st, it is inevitable that there would be rumours surrounding the futures of the league’s best players, a category to which he firmly believes Kirby belongs.
“Having watched Alan play for Longford for three years, it baffles me how he’s still playing in Ireland to be honest,” he said. “He’s one of the classiest players in the league who would stack up well at any grade of football, but we’re delighted to have him. He signed a new contract with Longford this year, and as far as I’m concerned he’s very happy with the club.”
30/05/2003, 1:34 PM
drummer boy
weel never let him go
Kirby has been our most consistent player over the last 2 seasons and if alan matthews were to let him go de town fans would be furious. hes just signed a contract and i cant see him leaving us. he could have went to waterford but he choose us. he has a good job with flancare and they are building a new hotel and kirby is ment to highly involved in it. weel take o' callaghan if you dont want hm though.
30/05/2003, 2:33 PM
ian
Kirby for cork
Ya right dream on my friend .George will not go he has it to good with cork city. As for kirby he is a good player.
30/05/2003, 2:38 PM
Éanna
i don't think theres any chance of george leaving city in the near future- he seems to be happy here. As for Kirby I've heard a lot of stories about him not liking it in longford (city fans won't understand that one ;) )so maybe there could be some truth in it.
30/05/2003, 3:11 PM
Seanie
Not a chance Georgie will leave IMO - but Kirby could be a much-needed addition
30/05/2003, 8:16 PM
Colm
George will not be leaving, he is very happy at City. Kirby would be a good signing but I wouldn't ever choose him over George.
30/05/2003, 8:22 PM
cheekyais
There is no chance that George would leave City. He is very happy here and why would he leave. His family is here and hes getting on great with Pat Dolan.
31/05/2003, 1:20 PM
shedite
How many Kirby threads have there been since Foot.ie started? He must be the most linked player with Cork City.
31/05/2003, 5:08 PM
niamh
i thought the George thing had died. why would he leave City when he made such a start to the season?
