CHRIS FORRESTER HAS committed his future to St Patrick’s Athletic, signing “a long-term contact” with the 2021 FAI Cup winners today.
The influential midfielder enjoyed a stunning individual season with the Saints, — who he rejoined in 2019 after a stint across the water — culminating in cup glory at the Aviva Stadium eight days ago.
Forrester, 28, scored a memorable opening goal against former club, Bohemians, and while he missed in the penalty shootout, St Pat’s emerged victorious.
Shortlisted for the PFAI Player of the Year award for 2021, the Dubliner was named in their Team of the Season, and scooped Player of the Month prizes in March and April.
That Forrester has recommitted is a big boost to the Inchicore outfit, who now have Tim Clancy in charge following Stephen O’Donnell’s departure for Dundalk.
The expiration of his contract was surely a worry for Pat’s, with suggestions he may follow his former boss up the M1, or head elsewhere, but all is set in stone now.
“I’m delighted to be back at the club and thankful for another opportunity to play for a club that means so much to me,” Forrester said.
“I can’t wait to get going again next season.”
Chairman Garrett Kelleher added, on the former Peterborough United and Aberdeen player:
“Chris has had a great season with the club and is thoroughly deserving of his nomination for PFAI Player of the Season, he will continue to be an integral part of the club over the next few years.
“On behalf of the board and myself we are excited about what the future holds for the club with personalities like Chris here.”
After tonight if all goes well conor should get it :)
Ahead of Andy Lee? Seriously?
I think it could be because there has been irish world champion boxers before we’ve never had a world champion in the ufc before if Conor was to win tonight
Whoever gets it needs to have won something major. Conor winning would certainly put him in the running. Andy Lee, Paul O’Connell and Rory McIlroy are all very worthy, as are some of the others nominated
The judging period is from last December to today, Conor winning tonight wouldn’t be considered for this year’s award and would instead count towards his claim for the 2016 award (like Andy Lee wasn’t considered for the 2014 awards for win over Korobov last December)
Manager of the year… Brian Cody. About time he received this award.
Michael O’Neill.
Would like to see Connacht involved .. there having their best season ever
Michael Conlan all the way. World and European gold this year and a brilliant boxer to watch
Paul O Connell. Why?
Because he’s a great lad, mammy’s love him, and he’s retiring!!
6 Nations winning captain. Puts the “fear of god” into people.
Conlan would be my pick
My picks on first thought would probably be McGreggor if he wins tonight, the Irish boxing team for team of the year and Willie Mullins for manager of the year.
Player would be either Paul O’Connell (for 6 Nations unfortunately not WC ) or Conor McGregor (if he beats Aldo) and Jim Gavin for Manager
I love Paul everyone does. Just saying if they are picking a rugby player. I think Ian Henderson. I’m Munster. But there’s eff all there to pick
You’re Michael, no?
Has to be Billy Walsh for manager of the year. He’ll probably win it in the states next year. A special mention for IABA for cock-up of the year.
No John kavanafh for manager of the year ?
Or Stephen Kenny. What does the man have to do?
Two managers unlucky not to be nominated = Pat Lam & John Kavanagh
OK it shd b Maurice Fìtz for his achievements with Kerry team St Marys…Legend
*kavanagh sorry
Conor Mcgregor, northern ireland and Michael O Neill, all amazing achievements in 2015