IRELAND U19 INTERNATIONAL James Finnerty has left Aston Villa to join Rochdale, the League One club have confirmed.
The defender, who has signed a two-year deal with his new club, ends a three-year spell at Villa, who signed him from renowned Dublin schoolboy club Belvedere FC.
The transfer, which comes into effect on 1 July, is manager Keith Hill’s first of the summer.
Finnerty, who made a number of appearances for Villa’s U18 and U23 teams, has represented Ireland at U15, U16, U17, U18 and U19 level.
“As soon as I heard that Rochdale were interested, I knew it would be a great opportunity for me,” the Meath-born player told the club’s official website.
“I’m well aware that the manager gives opportunities to young players, so it was a chance I didn’t want to turn down.
“I enjoyed my three years at Villa but I’m looking forward to a new challenge. I’m delighted to get the deal done so early in the close season and I can’t wait to get started.”
BREAKING NEWS | ✍️ We're delighted to announce our first summer signing!
— Rochdale AFC (@officiallydale) May 23, 2018
➡️ https://t.co/K6Qh8Zjr9u#RAFC pic.twitter.com/2hZMDlEhhR
It was a difficult 2017-18 campaign for Rochdale, who avoided relegation to League Two on the final day of the season, having been 12 points adrift of safety at one point during the season.
Finnerty will become part of a squad that also includes former Ireland U19 international Joe Rafferty and 21-year-old Wexford native Ryan Delaney, who has impressed since joining the club from Burton Albion last January.
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As a Dub we have had some serious battles over the past 5 years with mayo and I don’t like them but I have huge admiration for them and there players. 50/50 next Saturday really looking forward to it.
It was a very good game, I don’t think the conditions had too much of an effect. Mayo surprised me big time, I sincerely thought they would not be at this stage of the championship after last years heartache but they are and they seem to be getting better with every game. If they had one more forward of the calibre of Moran they’d be very hard to beat. Kerry on the other hand had to rely on their vast experience to counter-act a sub-par performance, are they as bad as they were yesterday or was it just a blip? Anyway, hopefully the replay will be as good a game, look forward as a neutral to another enthralling game.
Interesting. The Kerry full back line looked like a herd of sheep going into a field for the first time. Maybe a billy could help them out instead of Tomas’ buddy.
Agree with some of the analysis but for me Mayo pushed up and hadnt the legs to get back to defend as we will see Tyrone and Dublin will filter back. I thought Moran was outstanding for Kerry. Its 50/50 for the replay but Mayo by one for me so the Dubs can beat them in another Final pg.
@Vinny Hughes: I didn’t know the other semi final was already played!
@Vinny Hughes:
Remember the red HAND OF ULSTER Vinny .your not there to beat anyone yet ,,,!!!!!!!’