ALEX PEARCE HAS joined Derby on a free transfer, taking the total number of Irish players in their squad to five.
Pearce joins Cryus Christie, Jeff Hendrick, Conor Sammon and club captain Richard Keogh, as the Rams look to bounce back after just missing out on a playoff spot in the 2014-15 campaign.
Pearce joins from Reading on a free transfer, while Darren Bent has also signed from the club, after being released by Aston Villa.
Paul Clement succeeded Steve McClaren as boss of Derby on 1 June, but it is understood that the deals were already in motion before the former Real Madrid assistant coach took over.
“I have been at Reading since I was 12 years old,” Pearce told the official club website.
“But there is always a time in your life when you have to move on with certain things and this is the time for me.
“I need a fresh challenge and this with Derby is exactly what I’m looking for.”
It is encouraging news for the 26-year-old defender, who is currently on duty with the Ireland squad ahead of their upcoming clash with Scotland and had been one of a number of Irish players available on a free transfer this summer.
Meanwhile, Cork-born goalkeeper Colin Doyle has joined Blackpool, after being released by Birmingham.
Huge achievement for Touhy. A win tomorrow against Port, will put them 2nd on the ladder. At the way he’s playing, hes in line to make the All-Australian team this season.
@John Paul: I reckon he will go past the 246 total of the Legend Jim Stynes,he’s been an outstanding player for the Cars this year and he’s in their leadership group for a reason.
@John Paul: no Huge achievement for Tuohy. Why does everyone misspell this. He’s earned the correct spelling. Fair play.
@Bunny Johnson: Oh shut up complaining
Stynes is an AFL legend, very highly regarded over here. Was a gentleman too , done great work with the GAA and irish communities over here. Touhy is doing very well for himself, has adapted well and is a genuinely great player.
@rocks0769: agreed. Anyone who hasn’t seen it the RTÉ Documentary on Jim Stynes is an incredibly powerful watch. It’s on YouTube “Every Heart Beats True: The Jim Stynes Story”
@rocks0769: Tuohy. Again, why does everyone misspell this.
@5☆Fily: cheers, I haven’t seen that. Will look it up tonight.
Dont follow AFL a great deal, but i assume it is very achievable for Touhy to break Stynes’ record. Is that the case?
@Gareth Ward: Big ask, but it’s doable.
@Gareth Ward: Tuohy not Touhy.
Jim styles ????! Jim Stynes im guessing is who youre trying to write about ?!