GALWAY UNITED HAVE lost another key player following their relegation from the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division.

Waterford confirmed today that they’ve signed 26-year-old midfielder Gavan Holohan, who was one of Galway’s top performers in 2017.

Having joined the Tribesmen from Cork City 12 months ago, Holohan chipped in with seven goals in 33 appearances for the club as they were unable to avoid dropping down to the First Division on the final day of the season. The Kilkenny native was one of the nominees for the SWAI/SSE Airtricity League player of the month award for July.

Holohan represents another significant addition for Waterford, who’ll be back in the top flight next season after being crowned First Division champions in 2017. Alan Reynolds’ side have already brought in goalkeeper Niall Corbet (UCD), defender Dave Webster (Shamrock Rovers), midfielder Bastien Hery (Limerick), and striker Izzy Akinade (Bohemians).

“There were a few things that attracted me to Waterford,” said Holohan. “I worked with Alan Reynolds at Cork and always got on really well with him. I liked how he went about things so I felt he was someone I’d like to work with again; someone who could get the best out of me.

“Obviously the club is heading in the right direction with the quality of players signed already and also with its fan base growing and growing again. The set-up and facilities are second to none down here, so it’s a great environment in which to play football. Being a Kilkenny man, it’s only down the road for family and friends to come to see the home games, which is a big bonus for me.

“I’m looking forward to meeting and performing in front of the Blues’ fans. I’d see myself as a creative, attack-minded midfielder who will be hoping to chip in with a lot of assists and goals. Most importantly, however, I plan to work hard for the team and the rest should fall into place after that.

“We have to get off to a good start first of all and that will dictate what kind of season we have, so if we can do that it’s about getting as high up the table as possible and pushing for a European place.”

Holohan spent four years on the books at Hull City before returning to Ireland in 2013 to join Drogheda United. After two seasons at United Park, he was signed by Cork City and played 48 times for the Leesiders, winning an FAI Cup medal in 2016 at the end of his two-year spell.

Waterford coach Alan Reynolds said: “I’m delighted that he has decided to join us and we’re happy to have a player of his experience on board ahead of the new season. He has already spent four seasons playing in the Premier Division — experience that will be invaluable for us.

“I worked with him during my time with Cork City. He is an exciting midfield player who will link the deeper lying midfielders with our front players. He has a proven eye for goal and for creating chances for team-mates; the fans will really enjoy the player we have brought on board.

“Our squad is taking shape now for 2018. Gavan is another strong addition but we still have business to complete in the new year. We are back in as a unit on 3 January and we are still running our eyes over a few options ahead of getting back on the pitch then.”

Although they’ve been boosted by the news that Marc Ludden and Eoin McCormack have both signed contract extensions, as well as the return of Ryan Connolly from Shamrock Rovers, Galway United have been considerably weakened by several departures.

Holohan joins the likes of Colm Horgan (Cork City), Stephen Folan (Dundalk), David Cawley (Sligo Rovers), Rory Hale (Derry City), Kevin Devaney (Bohemians) and Ronan Murray (Dundalk) in leaving Eamonn Deacy Park ahead of their return to the First Division.

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