LEAGUE OF IRELAND Premier Division sides Sligo Rovers and Galway United have been busy bolstering their squads ahead of the 2017 season.
The Bit o’ Red have announced their first signings of the off-season with Kyle Callan-McFadden and Shaun Patton moving to the Showgrounds.
Ireland U21 defender Callan-McFadden joins from MLS side Orlando City, a year after he joined the club from Norwich City.
The Donegal native was part of the Canaries side that beat Chelsea to win the FA Youth Cup in 2013, and also captained Norwich’s U21 team, but he found first-team opportunities limited at Carrow Road after making his debut in a League Cup win over Crawley Town in 2014.
Manager Dave Robertson has also signed goalkeeper Shaun Patton from Derry City as competition for first-choice Micheal Schlingermann.
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Patton made his debut with Finn Harps four years ago as a 16-year-old, before joining Derry City in 2014 and was back-up to Ger Doherty as the Candysripes earned a Europa League place last season.
Meanwhile, their Connacht rivals, Galway United, have confirmed the capture of striker Ronan Murray to become new manager Shane Keegan’s second signing, following the arrival of midfielder David Cawley from St Pat’s yesterday.
25-year-old Murray moved to England with Ipswich Town at the age of 15, and spent time on loan at Torquay United, Plymouth Argyle and Swindon Town.
“Shane [Keegan] is a very likeable bloke but really ambitious. We can definitely work together to achieve goals we have set, for the team and for ourselves,” Murray told the official Galway United website.
“He’s looking to bring in real quality. He’s already retained a few lads that he says have the quality needed for the League of Ireland and he’s working as hard as possible to recruit a standard that we’ll be needing to really push the club forward.”
“Galway is a big club, so I’d always be interested in going there and proving what I can do, no matter who the manager is.
“I was in England for nine years, so it’s a bit of a change for me coming back home. I’m from Belmullet, so it will be nice to be closer to family and friends. I’ve been away from home since I was 15,” the striker continued.
“It’s almost another culture change again, being back around where I grew up and went to school.
“It’s going to be great to be back around home while helping bring Galway United forward in a positive way and get those fans through the gates and really push on.”
Murray claimed the League Two title with Swindon in 2012, before making a permanent move to Notts County where he scored 14 goals in 68 apperanaces.
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Sligo sign Ireland U21 defender from Orlando City, while Galway swoop for former Ipswich youngster
LEAGUE OF IRELAND Premier Division sides Sligo Rovers and Galway United have been busy bolstering their squads ahead of the 2017 season.
The Bit o’ Red have announced their first signings of the off-season with Kyle Callan-McFadden and Shaun Patton moving to the Showgrounds.
Ireland U21 defender Callan-McFadden joins from MLS side Orlando City, a year after he joined the club from Norwich City.
The Donegal native was part of the Canaries side that beat Chelsea to win the FA Youth Cup in 2013, and also captained Norwich’s U21 team, but he found first-team opportunities limited at Carrow Road after making his debut in a League Cup win over Crawley Town in 2014.
Manager Dave Robertson has also signed goalkeeper Shaun Patton from Derry City as competition for first-choice Micheal Schlingermann.
Patton made his debut with Finn Harps four years ago as a 16-year-old, before joining Derry City in 2014 and was back-up to Ger Doherty as the Candysripes earned a Europa League place last season.
Meanwhile, their Connacht rivals, Galway United, have confirmed the capture of striker Ronan Murray to become new manager Shane Keegan’s second signing, following the arrival of midfielder David Cawley from St Pat’s yesterday.
25-year-old Murray moved to England with Ipswich Town at the age of 15, and spent time on loan at Torquay United, Plymouth Argyle and Swindon Town.
“Shane [Keegan] is a very likeable bloke but really ambitious. We can definitely work together to achieve goals we have set, for the team and for ourselves,” Murray told the official Galway United website.
“He’s looking to bring in real quality. He’s already retained a few lads that he says have the quality needed for the League of Ireland and he’s working as hard as possible to recruit a standard that we’ll be needing to really push the club forward.”
“Galway is a big club, so I’d always be interested in going there and proving what I can do, no matter who the manager is.
“I was in England for nine years, so it’s a bit of a change for me coming back home. I’m from Belmullet, so it will be nice to be closer to family and friends. I’ve been away from home since I was 15,” the striker continued.
“It’s almost another culture change again, being back around where I grew up and went to school.
“It’s going to be great to be back around home while helping bring Galway United forward in a positive way and get those fans through the gates and really push on.”
Murray claimed the League Two title with Swindon in 2012, before making a permanent move to Notts County where he scored 14 goals in 68 apperanaces.
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