SLIGO ROVERS HAVE confirmed the signing of Ronan Coughlan from 2017 double champions Cork City FC.
The 22-year-old Limerick native is seeking regular first-team football, hence the decision to leave the Leesiders, he said.
Coughlan, a versatile striker, joined City last summer after impressing for Bray Wanderers. He was one of several players released by the Seagulls due to financial problems but during his short stint with the Wicklow outfit, scored four league goals.
Before Bray, he played for Huddersfield Town after moving from Limerick in 2014. Coughlan failed to make a first-team breakthrough however and was released in 2017 as the club sealed promotion to the Premier League.
“It’s all about playing games as far as I’m concerned,” he told Rovers after putting pen to paper. “I spoke with John Caulfield [Cork City manager] during pre-season and as far as I was concerned my priority was playing every week.
“There are no guarantees at any club, and obviously Cork were signing more players. I just want to play and know that when I’m playing regularly I’ll find my best form.
Just like to say thanks to @CorkCityFC - the fans, players, coaching staff & all the people who work in the club for everything for the last 6 months. Inevitably my decision to leave was based purely on wanting to play week in week out. Thanks for all the messages 💚
— Ronan Coughlan (@Ronancoughlan10) February 14, 2019
“I met Liam Buckley during the week. We had a long, long meeting. I was really taken by it and it convinced me sign. I was playing out wide with Bray Wanderers and eventually got moved into central striker and scored goals. The move to Cork saw me play a few different positions. I’m coming here to get in the team and show the best of me.
“I don’t know too many of the lads apart from Johnny Dunleavy. I’ll train today and as far as I’m concerned I’m ready. I don’t expect to just become a regular here.
“I’ve got players to compete with but I’ll make no secret of my target which is coming here to score goals.”
Liam Buckley added on his newest addition, who will wear the number seven jersey:
“Ronan’s availability was something that really interested us and a few others. I spoke to him about the potential to do well here and how I think he can figure in how he play and so forth.
“While he might need time to settle into the squad, he has completed an entire pre-season in Cork, so there is no concern there, and he is technically very good so I think he’ll quickly find his way.
“From the conversations we have had I can see that hunger in him.”
Rovers also confirmed that they will not proceed with the signature of Nigerian striker Brendan Ogbu due to difficulties around obtaining an international clearance.
The Bit O’Red kick off their Premier Division campaign away to champions Dundalk tomorrow night.
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People can laugh at Davy as much as they like but he’s done well at Waterford, Clare and now Wexford. Credit where it’s due. Delighted for Wexford today.
@Sean Healy: he did not do well with Waterford
@Ole dan tucker: won a munster title with them and got them to an all Ireland final. He did well.
@Ole dan tucker: Munster title and an all ireland final. Yeh he didn’t do well.
@Ole dan tucker: he won a Munster and also hit us to 2008 Liam McCarthy final. Not bad eh?
Very enjoyable game, the shooting from both sides was excellent. Well done to Wexford, O’Connor and Chin were immense for them
@Frank Scanlon: well done Wexford, well done Davy, some man.
@Frank Scanlon: well spot on Frank,fierce enjoyable,and im glad im not on my own,the experts saying twas a bad game….two points ,holy God ,Donal O’Grady is lile the boaring priest in Fr Ted..and well done Davy ,well done wexford….
@Gerry Campbell: Don’t know how anyone could say that wasnt a good game, some savage point-taking. I still think Cork would beat the pick of them but definitely a bit of Munster snobbery going on if lads are saying that was a bad match
@Gerry Campbell: how was tat a bad game was a serious game intense great scores and tight Leinster has destroyed Munster this year for enjoyment and great games get over it I the no t all about munster
@Frank Scanlon: it was the commentators saying that. Personally I didn’t agree.
Well done Davy. I would say that it is safe to say that your achievements are unmatched.
Proud of our Wexford team today . They refused to buckle, kept a clean sheet and kept their composure. Chin, Rory and Conor Mc all stood up and delivered. All of them put the shoulder to the wheel. Total team effort. Hold your heads high tonight Wexford hurlers. And massive credit to Davy in getting the players to believe in themselves. Superb manager
Laois and Westmeath joining the championship at this stage is beyond ridiculous
@Ian Hat: and Galway gone,after losing one match ,westmeath ( no offence ) still in after ,you guessed it,losing one match …..twould give an anadin a headache…
@Gerry Campbell: If Limerick lost today they would still be in the championship having lost 3 games. Mad stuff but brilliant.
@Gerry Campbell: Galway knew the layout of the championship before it started and lost out on scoring difference cos they failed to beat Carlow by as much as other teams. Westmeath and Laois also knew the layout and qualified through their competition. Would you prefer that teams who are on the lower rungs just stay there and know their place and let the big teams get on with it ??? Whining now when the rules were set out last year smacks of just being a bad loser
Brilliant team effort from Wexford. Incredible discipline, effort and energy shown by all. Every one stood up and was counted . And Chin, Rory and Conor Mc brilliant in their shooting. The minors end a 34 year wait for a Leinster on a day of days for Wexford supporters
Pure thrilled for Wexford!!! Anyone but KK
Well done Wexford fought like tigers great to see tough hard fought hurling matches! Davy’s still a hard man to like though. Honda yellow bellies!!
@Noel Kelly: Own to the bone Noel!!