BLACKBURN HAVE MOVED quickly to replace outgoing defender Shane Duffy, with Derrick Williams and Tommie Hoban joining the club from Watford and Bristol City respectively.
Left-back Williams has signed on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee, while Hoban moves to the Championship club on a season-long loan, after failing to get game time with the Hornets in the Premier League during an injury-ridden spell last year.
22-year-old centre-back Hoban has played 58 times for Watford, including 27 Championship appearances as the club were promoted to the Premier League during the 2014-15 campaign.
Meanwhile, Williams, who is 23, appeared over 100 times for Bristol City and helped them earn promotion to the Championship two seasons ago.
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Both players have been capped by Ireland at U21 level and could make their debuts against Fulham on Saturday.
“It all happened quite fast, this time yesterday I wasn’t even sure I’d be going out on loan.
I’m hoping to help the team as much as I can, I had a tough time last year with injuries and I was hoping to get back playing. To come to a club of the calibre of Blackburn is massive, I’m really happy to be here.
“I’m confident, I feel good now and and hopefully I can have a good season personally and for the team as well.
“Blackburn are a massive club, I spoke with the manager yesterday and he said good things to me and made it feel like I’d be valued here and that is certainly what I wanted. So I want to repay him by putting in some good performances and help the team get some big results now.
“The training ground is amazing, a big stadium, a great history at the club so it is a great opportunity for me.”
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Williams, also speaking to Rovers’ official website, added:
I knew of the move for about a week but I didn’t think it would happen, but I got a call last night and I was on my way to Blackburn. As soon as Owen Coyle rang me I knew I wanted to play for Blackburn Rovers.
“It is a massive club, I want to come here and work hard and do my best for the team and help us get up that table.
“I’m raring to go, I’m hungry and looking forward to hitting the ground running.”
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Two Irish defenders join Blackburn in wake of Shane Duffy's departure
BLACKBURN HAVE MOVED quickly to replace outgoing defender Shane Duffy, with Derrick Williams and Tommie Hoban joining the club from Watford and Bristol City respectively.
Left-back Williams has signed on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee, while Hoban moves to the Championship club on a season-long loan, after failing to get game time with the Hornets in the Premier League during an injury-ridden spell last year.
22-year-old centre-back Hoban has played 58 times for Watford, including 27 Championship appearances as the club were promoted to the Premier League during the 2014-15 campaign.
Meanwhile, Williams, who is 23, appeared over 100 times for Bristol City and helped them earn promotion to the Championship two seasons ago.
Both players have been capped by Ireland at U21 level and could make their debuts against Fulham on Saturday.
Speaking following his move, Hoban told the official Blackburn website:
“It all happened quite fast, this time yesterday I wasn’t even sure I’d be going out on loan.
“I’m confident, I feel good now and and hopefully I can have a good season personally and for the team as well.
“Blackburn are a massive club, I spoke with the manager yesterday and he said good things to me and made it feel like I’d be valued here and that is certainly what I wanted. So I want to repay him by putting in some good performances and help the team get some big results now.
“The training ground is amazing, a big stadium, a great history at the club so it is a great opportunity for me.”
Whoops!
We couldn't find this Tweet
Williams, also speaking to Rovers’ official website, added:
“It is a massive club, I want to come here and work hard and do my best for the team and help us get up that table.
“I’m raring to go, I’m hungry and looking forward to hitting the ground running.”
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
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Championship Derrick Williams Shane Duffy Blackburn Rovers Tommie Hoban Transfer News