SHAMROCK ROVERS HAVE today announced the latest addition to their squad for next season, while one former Rovers player has also found a new club.
Ethan Boyle has left relegated Finn Harps to join the Hoops, with Dave Webster signing for Waterford after his departure from Tallaght was confirmed earlier this month.
A versatile 20-year-old who can play in midfield and defence, Boyle spent two seasons with Harps and has also featured in the Republic of Ireland U21 squad in their ongoing qualifying campaign for the 2019 European Championships.
Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley thinks highly of the Wexford native, who may end up replacing right-back Simon Madden, whose unexpected exit from the club was announced last week.
“I’ve liked Ethan for a long time,” Bradley said. “I think he brings a lot of qualities to us. He’s very athletic, powerful and he can use the ball. He’s very comfortable on the ball because he’s played midfield as well. He has a lot of really good attributes.
“He’s a good age, he’s an Irish U21 international so I think he’s a great fit for us. I believe we can help take Ethan’s game to the next level, make him into a top right-back, centre-back and midfielder. He can play in three or four positions. I’ve known him for a number of years and he’s impressed me every time I’ve seen him, whether it’s right-back or central midfield.
“We had him on trial a couple of years ago [under Pat Fenlon]. Back then I think we had too many players in those positions. Ethan has obviously gone off and played a lot of games in the league since then. When I spoke to him he just wanted to come and sign for us and get playing. He knows that he can be a big player for the club in the coming years. He’s really looking forward to it.”
Boyle said: “It didn’t take much persuasion. It’s a big club and the thought of playing for Shamrock Rovers is quite a big thing so I was more than happy to join. I’m very excited, I can’t wait to get to pre-season and hopefully get myself a starting position and hold it down.
“Stephen Bradley hasn’t specifically spoken to me about right-back but he’s said that a position in the back four may be more suited. I’ve no problem staying in a position for a year and completely honing in on that position and becoming the best player I can.
“I think I’m versatile, I can do a job in a lot of places. I’ve always said I like playing in midfield but I know there’s a lot of competition here. If they want me to play in midfield, right-back or centre-back I don’t mind.”
As for Webster, the 28-year-old central defender — who joined Shamrock Rovers ahead of the 2015 season — has signed a one-year deal with newly-promoted Waterford, who are back in the top flight for 2018 after winning the First Division title.
The Dubliner becomes Waterford’s third new signing for next season, following the news that striker Izzy Akinade and midfielder Bastien Hery are also bound for the RSC after being snapped up from Bohemians and Limerick respectively.
“People I have talked to over the last few weeks have spoken highly of the club, the fans and the set-up, so it is an excellent opportunity for me to be part of it all next season,” said Webster.
“After having a couple of chats with Pat Fenlon, it was clear the club has high ambitions, so I’m excited to be a part of those. The club had a very successful year last season and I’m hoping I can add and contribute to that success on the pitch and in the dressing room.”
“if he doesn’t take his hand off my leg I’m going to have to say something”
Jasus, I could kill for some milk now. Milk, milk, milk, milk.
Did I turn off the emersion?
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens, Brown paper packages tied up with strings, These are a few of my favorite things…
Are ya there Bod? It’s me, Paulie. :)
When Chuck Norris dies I’ll be king!!
“I bet ya I could touch the celing..”
GOD. Can You put your fear into them again please !
I watched these boys training this morning @ Carton House, bet he’s thinking who was yer one there in the black & grey coat!!!
“How do they put the fig in the figroll?”
“Please God let the decision to put Earls at centre be a good one…”
He’s wondering how heaslip managed to tape cian healy to the ceiling in retaliation for cling-filming his car to a lamp post.
“Jeeeeeeesus, Declan Kidney talks a lot of shite…..”
Can’t believe he didn’t pick ROG…
Eddie was from youghal. Decco is from cork. I dont really miss Brian. Could murder a few sausages.
E=mc2….omg I get it now, it’s such an elegant solution!!
They should fix that leak.
I tired now Boss!!!!
Please God don’t let Deccie put Paddy Wallace in the team
It’s like the time I signed up for that ad….I thought the ad was for M I L F….turned out it was for M I L K…..Ah well….
‘If that pretty-boy Bowe joins Munster, I might have to start the sunbeds meself….’
Don’t make me come up to ya God, we better win at the weekend……….RIGHT!!!
Holy shit there’s a puma jumping over my head!
Note to self: iron the feckin shirt for the next press conference.
There’s that fecker superman again after my pyjamas
Declan told me “look them straight in the eye”. But the little bastards were flying all over the place.
Are we still in australia Declan
Emily
Look normal . . its a pretty nasty silent milk fart but nobody can say it was mine. I some love milk.
Just what I was thinking
‘I wonder what s***e gatland will come out with this year’
Did I plug out the iron?
I wonder will Coolderry beat Gort in the hurling.
Johnny Sexton! Was Deco watching the world cup
Beam me up BOD
Im soooo tired!!
Shite, did I turn the immersion off…
Who’s gonna milk the cows on sunday
Praise god for the milk we are about to receive
“I’m just a poor boy, nobody loves me. He’s just a poor boy from a poor family. Spare him his life from this monstrosity!
Easy come, easy go, will you let me go. Bismilah! No, we will not let you go”…etc :-)
Please make them go away…
Hope it’s not a smelly
*inevitable Bertie comment*
Mother a jaysus will this gobshite ever shut up
St. Jude please let me win the 6 nations before I retire and then make me manager and give yerman beside me the big heave-HO you know I deserve it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7SD3gbDVCU&feature=related
Is this really happening ,what do I do now
I really should have ironed my t-shirt!
Wonder what tan Gavin Henson uses? Really must ask him…..
I wish Anne Doyle was interviewing us!
ooh silent but deadly, nice one :)
Paulie: “Im not normally a religios man but, if youre up there, BoD please help us!!”
oops *religious*
Sick of the journal losing comments, getting tedious guys
Paul: ‘Chose milk with the dairy council sign..’
Producer: and..
Paul: ‘we do?
Producer: no u dumb cauliflower head I DO not we do not u do not they f’n do, say it with me paul, I DO…
Paul: ‘got u now horse,
Choose milk with the Ndc sign, you do?’
Producer: screw this could we get that monkey we auditioned yesterday back for another casting
Is that the jacks upstairs leaking?
Wow their really tall
That’s class wallpaper!
Jesus H. Will Deccie ever shut up!!
The second best priest
Where’s my cape???? ROG needs to be on the team!!!!!