2023 Season, Arrivals and Departures

**oriel** · 14/01/2023, 6:38 PM

Originally Posted by RealJohn91

Hoban had already scored 20 senior goals in the first division and Cup here and got a move to a championship club in England. I wouldn't be comparing that to some lad playing 5th tier in Scotland.

I totally forgot about Hoban being in England the first time, Bristol City I think, still though no one other club was interested in him in 2013.

**Kiki Balboa** · 14/01/2023, 8:06 PM

Originally Posted by nigel-harps1954

Elliott has four goals and five assists in 53 Scottish League One appearances, and one goal in nine Scottish League Two games.
Cracking record this season in Lowland League, but it's like taking a player from junior football here.

Fair gamble for Dundalk but presumably they've had him watched and see something in him.

I don't think its a massive gamble per se as it is potentially a silly/pointless move. Not that there is no major drawbacks if he is a complete bust, but No matter who came in, Dundalk would still be hoping Hoban plays 30+ games in the league.

Its a strange one alright tho. From the reports from Scotland, he seemed to massively standout in the league, so you never know. Dundalk still have a wafer thin squad... Hopefully 4 loan signings also come in.

**oriel** · 14/01/2023, 8:52 PM

This is the risk though for Dundalk, especially playing one up front, if all goes well and Hoban fit for the season, he is potentially the best all round striker in the league, more so if he gets the service and he'll have local boy O'Kane on left wing and Kelly (again if he can keep fit) on the other flank, but a lot of ifs.

If Hoban gets injured, options are limited as John Martin couldn't really step up and take his chance last season from mid august when Hoban was out. Then we had to turn to McMillan, who actually scored one of the two goals that sealed 3rd spot in the end but that said goals dried up after Hoban injury and same concern will be there this season if same happens.

I'm not sure if Elliot can step up, but who knows he could be a gem of a find, but jury out for now, then again need to see him play first !

**Shearer** · 14/01/2023, 9:31 PM

Is it just me or are we in the middle of that lull period between Signings wrapping up and the season starting?

**2 Year Contract** · 14/01/2023, 9:43 PM

Originally Posted by Shearer

Is it just me or are we in the middle of that lull period between Signings wrapping up and the season starting?

There’s probably been more signings over the last few days as there has been in the previous number of weeks combined to be fair. A lot of clubs still have a good few signings to make between now and the season too looking at squads

**nigel-harps1954** · 15/01/2023, 9:22 AM

Would think we'll see a lot more signings at the end of the month and into the first week of February as the English and Scottish transfer windows close.

Irish market is very poor this year so more clubs will be looking across the water.

**Shearer** · 15/01/2023, 9:24 AM

Originally Posted by 2 Year Contract

There’s probably been more signings over the last few days as there has been in the previous number of weeks combined to be fair. A lot of clubs still have a good few signings to make between now and the season too looking at squads

Ah I'm more on about the First Division, where most sides have their business done

**total hoofball** · 15/01/2023, 10:13 AM

Lots of teams in both divisions short of 22-26 players announced. I would expect steady stream of signings over next few weeks, Premier teams mostly announcing imports and First Divisions teams mostly the dwindling free agents and trialists

**sidewayspasser** · 15/01/2023, 12:54 PM

As clubs have to pay players in preseason now, can it be that some of them are dragging out signings as long as possible to save on a few weeks worth of wages?

**culloty82** · 16/01/2023, 12:08 PM

21-year-old striker Ryan Kelliher joins Kerry FC from Killarney Celtic - another academy player, really, bar playing in the KDL last season:

**Dermobohs** · 16/01/2023, 12:12 PM

Pat Fenlon confirmed as dof

**2 Year Contract** · 16/01/2023, 2:00 PM

Originally Posted by Dermobohs

Pat Fenlon confirmed as dof

After listening to Keith Long on LOI Central after he got the sack, I’d say he’s pretty jealous of Devine right now after that appointment. A director of football is something Long saw as a necessity at Bohs as he was being given a huge amount of the non coaching related workload which was taking its toll on him

**D24Saint** · 16/01/2023, 4:31 PM

Two Flora players into the league in recent days. They must be in financial trouble.

**passinginterest** · 16/01/2023, 4:37 PM

I'd say most of Estonia is in a bit of financial trouble, hit very hard by Ukraine war. Inflation rate over 20% for most of last year. I'd image that makes Ireland a more attractive prospect, especially if the clubs are providing accommodation.

**nigel-harps1954** · 16/01/2023, 5:10 PM

Average wage in Estonia would be much lower than it is here. I would just imagine it's Irish clubs taking a punt on cheaper players who have international and European experience, while the Irish market is very poor this year.