Transfers 2019 season

**Nesta99** · 03/01/2019, 4:41 PM

Originally Posted by Yossarian

Connolly has one good game against us for Bray, so much so that Horgan got sent off for taking him down after he got away from him one too many times on the wing. I’m convinced Kenny only signed him due to that performance.
I’m delighted he’s gone and shocked that another club is paying a fee for him.

Sounds similar to the way Baba Isaka was signed lol - pity we didnt manage to get a fee offloading him. It's possible that he could do ok at Wimbledon/L1 where tactics focus on physical attributes rather than having a footballing brain. They've obviously scouted him and decided he fits somehow even if it is just his pace keeping a fullback staying deep.

**FrOsTy** · 03/01/2019, 9:06 PM

Originally Posted by Jack B

What's Waterford's squad looking like at the moment? Off the top of my head I get the impression that there's still a lot of work to be done, though I know in some cases they've gone about re-signing players quite quietly so I'm not sure if their numbers are quite as bare as I think they are.

Currently signed.

Waterford FC - Squad 2019

GK:

Matt Connor

DF:

Rory Feely
Maxim Kouogun
Kevin Lynch
Damien Delaney

MF:

John Martin
Bastien Hery
JJ Lunney
Shane Duggan
Cory Galvin
Zach Elbouzedi

FW:

Ismahil Akinade
Dean Walsh

I�d expect a keeper, 3 more defenders, 2 midfielders and 2 strikers to be signed.

That could include promoting u19�s to pro contracts and loaning them out.

**Jack B** · 03/01/2019, 9:51 PM

Does seem small on numbers considering most teams are starting up pre-season now. Seeing as they've not signed for anyone else I'd expect the likes of Browne and Holohan to sign back but otherwise it does look like you'll be reliant on signings from outside of Ireland to finish off the squad. Worked well last season mind but always a bit of a risky game.

**Weatherman** · 04/01/2019, 1:03 AM

Wally Downes is manager at Wimbledon but was a coach at Reading when Stephen Hunt was there! Hunt is Connollys Agent so there's the link to why he's gone there!

**Nesta99** · 04/01/2019, 5:50 AM

Originally Posted by Jack B

Does seem small on numbers considering most teams are starting up pre-season now. Seeing as they've not signed for anyone else I'd expect the likes of Browne and Holohan to sign back but otherwise it does look like you'll be reliant on signings from outside of Ireland to finish off the squad. Worked well last season mind but always a bit of a risky game.

I think there will be a general increase in signings from outside of ireland this and coming seasons. Scouting networks and contacts abroad are getting a lot more extensive. A good thing imo as long as it doesnt follow how far things have gone in England/Scotland where it is cheaper/quick fix to bring in lads from abroad rather than through a youth system. Rovers probably being the exception being well ahead of other clubs on their youth academy. Loan deals didnt help Waterford last season with the risk of players being recalled in the summer and they were already a bit light in numbers. I'd expect that Dundalk will probably have a couple of signings in that are not in the known category. Rovers will be trawling Europe for a striker with the dearth of available quality strikers on the island, there's a chap called Tagbajumi that's a serious talent that Rovers would be mad not to have a serious look at!! Maybe McMillan being one of the few knowns that could move home. Sheridan could take a punt on LoI if he give up the journeyman. There are quailty players in the Baltic leagues where the average player wage would be higher here among the top half sides. That teams are starting to go FT will help attract players in. Its already been a curious preseason at Dundalk and there is plenty of time before the season kicks off yet!

**Ezeikial** · 04/01/2019, 7:48 AM

Originally Posted by Nesta99

Sheridan could take a punt on LoI if he give up the journeyman.

Cillian Sheridan wont be gracing LoI this season (well at least not before the July transfer window) as he is heading for New Zealand

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soc...enix-1.3746758

**FrOsTy** · 04/01/2019, 8:43 AM

Originally Posted by Jack B

Does seem small on numbers considering most teams are starting up pre-season now. Seeing as they've not signed for anyone else I'd expect the likes of Browne and Holohan to sign back but otherwise it does look like you'll be reliant on signings from outside of Ireland to finish off the squad. Worked well last season mind but always a bit of a risky game.

Just because they aren�t announced doesn�t mean they aren�t signed. We started back pre season training yesterday and there was more than 13 there.

I�d imagine there will be a few loan players coming from England. That�s been the case the last two seasons... I suppose that makes the budget to sign players a bit bigger.

I�m not convinced Browne and Holohan will be back.. I�ve been told Browne may be finished playing. Hard to know though. Maybe these are things been said to try squeeze better deals.

**Ezeikial** · 04/01/2019, 11:42 AM

No imminent return to Ireland for Padraig Amond as he triggers a contract extension at Newport

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/46752515

Are there any other Irish strikers abroad who may fancy a return home?

**oriel** · 04/01/2019, 12:30 PM

Will be interesting to see what system Perth plays next season for Dundalk, but it would be a major surprise if he moves away from the set up that SK had. This would mean Hoban being the lone striker, but effectively this is a front 3 of Duffy-Hoban-Dan Kelly.

As good as that looks, this leaves only Georgie Kelly as a back up striker, as Murray will need replacing and I think he will also go for another winger as back up to either Duffy or Dan Kelly.

Forrester would be a major signing, remains to be seen if Aberdeen would cut their loses in a reduced transfer fee (hes under contract for 2 more years min I think) if they wanted to offload him? I still can’t see him coming back, but rumours suggest he wants home.

**Ezeikial** · 04/01/2019, 1:04 PM

Originally Posted by oriel

Will be interesting to see what system Perth plays next season for Dundalk, but it would be a major surprise if he moves away from the set up that SK had. This would mean Hoban being the lone striker, but effectively this is a front 3 of Duffy-Hoban-Dan Kelly.

As good as that looks, this leaves only Georgie Kelly as a back up striker, as Murray will need replacing and I think he will also go for another winger as back up to either Duffy or Dan Kelly.

Forrester would be a major signing, remains to be seen if Aberdeen would cut their loses in a reduced transfer fee (hes under contract for 2 more years min I think) if they wanted to offload him? I still can�t see him coming back, but rumours suggest he wants home.

I would be amazed if he moved away from the normal tactical line up, although Daniel Kelly is far from sure of his place with Jamie McGrath and John Mountney also in contention for that position

The fitness and form of Karolis Chvedukas and Sam Byrne are unknowns in the overall picture, but a number of signings are to be expected to provide competition and strength in the midfield area in particular.

So far:

Aaron McCarey in for Gabrial Sava
Daniel Kelly in for Dyland Connolly

Ronan Murray and Georgie Poyton are gone elsewhere and Stephen O'Donnell is not currently resigned

**Jack B** · 04/01/2019, 1:28 PM

Some interesting names in the PFAI team this evening. Namely Treacy again and now Garvan popping up.

Check out @PFAIOfficial’s Tweet: https://twitter.com/PFAIOfficial/sta...303907840?s=09

**dundalkfc10** · 04/01/2019, 1:44 PM

Originally Posted by Ezeikial

I would be amazed if he moved away from the normal tactical line up, although Daniel Kelly is far from sure of his place with Jamie McGrath and John Mountney also in contention for that position

The fitness and form of Karolis Chvedukas and Sam Byrne are unknowns in the overall picture, but a number of signings are to be expected to provide competition and strength in the midfield area in particular.

So far:

Aaron McCarey in for Gabrial Sava
Daniel Kelly in for Dyland Connolly

Ronan Murray and Georgie Poyton are gone elsewhere and Stephen O'Donnell is not currently resigned

Dundalk back training tomorrow (we will know about Stevie O signing a years deal by then im hearing)

He has been about town last day or 2, so Id imagine we will hear one way or another

**oriel** · 04/01/2019, 2:17 PM

Originally Posted by Ezeikial

I would be amazed if he moved away from the normal tactical line up, although Daniel Kelly is far from sure of his place with Jamie McGrath and John Mountney also in contention for that position

The fitness and form of Karolis Chvedukas and Sam Byrne are unknowns in the overall picture, but a number of signings are to be expected to provide competition and strength in the midfield area in particular.

So far:

Aaron McCarey in for Gabrial Sava
Daniel Kelly in for Dyland Connolly

Ronan Murray and Georgie Poyton are gone elsewhere and Stephen O'Donnell is not currently resigned

Forgot all about Sam Byrne as a striker option and I`d say most DFC fans have too, esp after his unsucessful loan spell at Glentoran.

Dan Kelly by far not guaranteed a starting spot, but as a front 3 its not a bad option.

Be good if O'Donnell proves his fitness to get offered a deal, i`d say 12 months would be most likely.

**Martinho II** · 04/01/2019, 4:57 PM

Originally Posted by Jack B

Some interesting names in the PFAI team this evening. Namely Treacy again and now Garvan popping up.

Check out @PFAIOfficial’s Tweet: https://twitter.com/PFAIOfficial/sta...303907840?s=09

dylan mcglade wasnt on the list as hes over in uk again more than likely visiting his gf in Gateshead. wouldnt be surprised if he resigns with us!

**MattB11** · 04/01/2019, 5:11 PM

Ian Turner signed for Cobh

**Longfordian** · 05/01/2019, 12:29 PM

Shels have signed Ciaran Kilduff. They should be walking the league this year.

**osarusan** · 05/01/2019, 12:30 PM

Kilduff joins Shels. Very good signing for them, they have a D1 strong squad. Between them and Bray?

Are Drogheda close?

**nigel-harps1954** · 05/01/2019, 12:38 PM

$hel$ back in business.

Ollie would be a happy man to see this sort of craic.

They have to be throwing out serious money to keep the likes of Kilduff, Conan Byrne and the likes in the First Division.

**Nesta99** · 05/01/2019, 12:43 PM

Kilduff wouldnt have been the worst option for Rovers when they are looking for a frontman. He is not super clinical but is better than whats there. There must be other irons in the fire at Tallaght. Kilduff, with that Shels squad would be a reasonable bet for Div 1 top scorer. Not just Rovers, h'ed be a stronger option than Cummins and had a decent loan spell in Cork before?

**dundalkfc10** · 05/01/2019, 1:19 PM

Originally Posted by Nesta99

Kilduff wouldnt have been the worst option for Rovers when they are looking for a frontman. He is not super clinical but is better than whats there. There must be other irons in the fire at Tallaght. Kilduff, with that Shels squad would be a reasonable bet for Div 1 top scorer. Not just Rovers, h'ed be a stronger option than Cummins and had a decent loan spell in Cork before?

You must not have watched many Dundalk games. Kilduff (although a hero for the Alkmarr and Tel Aviv games) was bang average for Dundalk