FORMER DUNDALK STRIKER Patrick Hoban has been linked with a return to the League of Ireland after being released by his League Two club.
The 25-year-old was among a host of players let go by Mansfield Town yesterday and his availability might spark interest from clubs at home ahead of the summer transfer window.
Hoban, who helped Dundalk to the 2014 League of Ireland title before earning a move to England, initially signed for Oxford but struggled to make an impression at the Kassam Stadium.
The Galway native was sent out on short-term loan spells with Stevenage and Grimbsy Town before signing permanently for Mansfield after his two-year contract with Oxford expired last summer.
Hoban made 24 appearances for Mansfield this term, scoring six goals, including four in the league, but was deemed surplus to requirements for next season by manager Steve Evans.
Rory Gaffney, meanwhile, has been offered a new contract by Bristol Rovers after the ex-Mervue United and Limerick forward scored six goals to help the League One side finish 10th this season.
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Bring the Hobanator home !!! Dundalk could do with his steel and determination
Would love to see him back in Oriel, super player. Would love to see him and McMillan play together, Dundalk need a bit of new energy in them.
A great lad – hopefully gets sorted out with a decent club . Deserves a break .
Gaffney really making a go of it over there! Reasonably big lad, athletic, and such a hard worker – defenders hate coming up against him and if he added a few more goals to his game he’d definitely be championship standard.
Pity Hoban hasn’t worked out as there’s no doubt there’s goals in him…..
Need to bring a few more home, quick,city are romping away from ye,,city till I die!