IRELAND INTERNATIONALS JOHN Egan and Alan Browne are both set to end long club spells with Sheffield United and Preston North End respectively.
Egan announced his departure in a social media post this afternoon, while this morning Preston had confirmed Alan Browne was leaving the club.
After six years with the Blades, Egan is departing a club that he played for 224 times since his arrival in the summer of 2018. That spell featured 73 Premier League appearances for Egan and he scored eight goals in Sheffield United colours.
But since injuring his Achilles last September, Egan has been out of action and that cast doubt over his future with the club, leading to today’s announcement.
“To Sheffield United, It’s hard to put into words how special the last 6 years at Sheffield United have been for me, my family & friends,” said Egan.
“I have nothing but gratitude & respect for everyone that I have come across at this great football club. Two promotions to the Premier League, an FA Cup semi-final & a top half finish in the Premier League are just some of the high points that stick out, which we all worked so hard to achieve.
“Firstly, I’d like to thank the fans, your unwavering support has been incredible, through all of the highs & lows. You are the reason it is such an amazing club to play for. To the manager and previous managers, thank you for believing in me & helping me become a better player & person.
John Egan in action for Sheffield United. Alamy Stock Photo
Alamy Stock Photo
“To the staff, thank you for all of your hard work and support behind the scenes. To all of my teammates over the last 6 years, it was an absolute pleasure to spend every day surrounded by top players but most importantly top people. The memories we have made will live with me forever.
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“I wish you all the best for the future. Once a Blade, Always a Blade. John Egan”
Meanwhile, Preston announced their captain Browne had turned down a new deal at the club.
“We can confirm Alan Browne has informed the club he will not be accepting the offer of a three-year extension to his existing contract,” the social media post reads.
Alan Browne in action for Preston. Alamy Stock Photo
Alamy Stock Photo
“A member of our 400 club, Browney leaves North End with everyone’s best wishes.”
Preston posted a more detailed article on their website, paying tribute to the “club legend”.
The 29-year-old midfielder joined Preston in 2014, having previously represented Cork City at underage level.
Browne went on to make 412 appearances for the Lilywhites, helping them to promotion to the Championship in 2014/15, while he was twice named Player of the Season.
After 10 years, the Corkman is now on the hunt for a new club.
Elsewhere, Galway United have announced the signing of 2019 League of Ireland top goalscorer Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe.
The 30-year-old striker joins from Glentoran, having previously played for Derry City, in England, and further afield.
“I’ve been speaking to John [Caulfield] for the past maybe year or so, where he wanted me to come to Galway and I don’t know, maybe at the time it wasn’t really the right time. But obviously now it’s just felt like the perfect time to be here.
“I’m happy and hopefully I can just crack on and score some goals.”
Sligo Rovers have announced that Ollie Denham has joined the club on a permanent basis from Cardiff City, subject to international transfer clearance.
The defender joined Sligo during pre-season on a six-month loan spell but the former Manchester United youth has now signed an 18-month deal after an impressive start to the season.
Bohemians have signed centre-back Leigh Kavanagh from Brighton on a ‘multi-year’ contract.
The 20-year-old came through the Bray Wanderers Academy before spending four years with Brighton.
Dundalk have added Jad Hakiki to their squad, with the attacking midfielder joining from Shelbourne.
Hakiki, 20, made his League of Ireland debut for Shelbourne in March 2022 and played 40 games for the Dublin club.
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Ireland duo Egan and Browne to move on as club departures announced
LAST UPDATE | 1 Jul
IRELAND INTERNATIONALS JOHN Egan and Alan Browne are both set to end long club spells with Sheffield United and Preston North End respectively.
Egan announced his departure in a social media post this afternoon, while this morning Preston had confirmed Alan Browne was leaving the club.
After six years with the Blades, Egan is departing a club that he played for 224 times since his arrival in the summer of 2018. That spell featured 73 Premier League appearances for Egan and he scored eight goals in Sheffield United colours.
But since injuring his Achilles last September, Egan has been out of action and that cast doubt over his future with the club, leading to today’s announcement.
“To Sheffield United, It’s hard to put into words how special the last 6 years at Sheffield United have been for me, my family & friends,” said Egan.
“I have nothing but gratitude & respect for everyone that I have come across at this great football club. Two promotions to the Premier League, an FA Cup semi-final & a top half finish in the Premier League are just some of the high points that stick out, which we all worked so hard to achieve.
“Firstly, I’d like to thank the fans, your unwavering support has been incredible, through all of the highs & lows. You are the reason it is such an amazing club to play for. To the manager and previous managers, thank you for believing in me & helping me become a better player & person.
“To the staff, thank you for all of your hard work and support behind the scenes. To all of my teammates over the last 6 years, it was an absolute pleasure to spend every day surrounded by top players but most importantly top people. The memories we have made will live with me forever.
“I wish you all the best for the future. Once a Blade, Always a Blade. John Egan”
Meanwhile, Preston announced their captain Browne had turned down a new deal at the club.
“We can confirm Alan Browne has informed the club he will not be accepting the offer of a three-year extension to his existing contract,” the social media post reads.
“A member of our 400 club, Browney leaves North End with everyone’s best wishes.”
Preston posted a more detailed article on their website, paying tribute to the “club legend”.
The 29-year-old midfielder joined Preston in 2014, having previously represented Cork City at underage level.
Browne went on to make 412 appearances for the Lilywhites, helping them to promotion to the Championship in 2014/15, while he was twice named Player of the Season.
After 10 years, the Corkman is now on the hunt for a new club.
Elsewhere, Galway United have announced the signing of 2019 League of Ireland top goalscorer Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe.
The 30-year-old striker joins from Glentoran, having previously played for Derry City, in England, and further afield.
“It’s been a long time coming to be fair,” Ogedi-Uzokwe said.
“I’ve been speaking to John [Caulfield] for the past maybe year or so, where he wanted me to come to Galway and I don’t know, maybe at the time it wasn’t really the right time. But obviously now it’s just felt like the perfect time to be here.
“I’m happy and hopefully I can just crack on and score some goals.”
Sligo Rovers have announced that Ollie Denham has joined the club on a permanent basis from Cardiff City, subject to international transfer clearance.
The defender joined Sligo during pre-season on a six-month loan spell but the former Manchester United youth has now signed an 18-month deal after an impressive start to the season.
Bohemians have signed centre-back Leigh Kavanagh from Brighton on a ‘multi-year’ contract.
The 20-year-old came through the Bray Wanderers Academy before spending four years with Brighton.
Dundalk have added Jad Hakiki to their squad, with the attacking midfielder joining from Shelbourne.
Hakiki, 20, made his League of Ireland debut for Shelbourne in March 2022 and played 40 games for the Dublin club.
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