LEAGUE OF IRELAND champions Dundalk have pulled off a major coup by securing the signature of highly-rated midfielder Sean Murray, who has signed a long-term deal at Oriel Park.
The 25-year-old is a former Ireland U21 international and was a regular in Watford’s midfield a couple of seasons ago, but fell out of favour after a change in ownership and the club’s promotion to the Premier League.
Having come up through the Watford youth system, Murray made close to 100 appearances for the club, before spells with Wigan Athletic, Swindon Town, Colchester United and, most recently, Danish outfit Vejle Boldklub.
Murray has been training with Dundalk in the build-up to the new League of Ireland season and after impressing during a run-out against Drogheda last week, had his contract with Vejle Boldklub cancelled today.
That paved the way for his switch to the Lilywhites, with the Premier Division champions announcing his signing ahead of tonight’s friendly game against Longford Town.
“I have wanted this to happen for the past few weeks,” he said. “Since I came in to train it has been amazing and I have loved it. To finally get it sorted it is a great feeling for me.”
Murray had played for Vejle Boldklub as recently as December but after training with Dundalk, returned to Denmark to negotiate an exit from his three-year deal.
His arrival at Oriel Park considerably boosts Vinny Perth’s midfield resources ahead of Dundalk’s President’s Cup game against Cork City on Saturday and then their league opener against Sligo Rovers on Friday week.
“I have got to know about the club and the league from being here,” Murray continued.
“I had been aware of the club and the league since before I was here but seeing the club and hearing from the players first hand I have a better knowledge now.
“There has been a great couple of years here with the trophies and in Europe too. I want to add to that and win more for the club.
“European football was a big factor. It was huge for me and I wanted to do that. I have always wanted to play in Europe. I have never done that before in my career and it will be a great experience for me.
“I want to win everything. To win the league is the main objective. It is everything and everyone in the squad wants to retain the league and the cup.
“We want to improve on last year and do even better than we did. There’s always ways to improve and hopefully we can have an even better year than last year.”
Subscribe to our new podcast, The42 Rugby Weekly, here:
Great to see both Stockdale and O Mahony rested completely. They are needed 100% for Scotland
@Greg Mallin: haha
Interesting to see no real back 3 cover on the bench, i know he says ringrose can cover out wide but I wonder will schmidt try henshaw back at 15 again for a spell in the second half. Aki seems to have the 12 jersey nailed down but I wouldn’t be surprised to see them mixing up the order as the game goes on, either way both centres will need a good game vs what I think is the best centre partnership in world rugby.
After that it’s see how you go for a few guys, I’d say it’s very much an audition for the Scottish game for a few guys – particularly the individuals in the back row but also Cronin at hooker. I’d like to see how a back row of Ruddock, o mahony and stander go together. Killer is pushing hard for a start too but he might be more valuable off the bench.
@Jim Demps: i would like to see that br but tried but imo this br is the most balanced one we can put out. Cj is a great 6 and having a natural 7 on the pitch is always an advantage imo. Conan does need to be consistently good against top sides at international level tho and he can really cause Joe major headaches if he gets the better of this welsh br. Good shout at the 15 option but I think we’ll see Larmour go there if Rob is being taken off. It’s a very strong team, I am quietly confident. That bench has some seriously powerful impact in the forwards especially!
@Jim Demps: killer has been in great form. Him fired up coming on for last 20 odd minutes is a great option to have.
@Kevin: if you’re not in a green jersey it’s a thing of nightmares. His power is freakish, imo he’s one of if not the most improved Irish player over the last season or so.
@Ian Verdon: and in fairness to Healy, most of our other ‘stars’ through form or injury were below par in 2019 bar maybe Earl’s and even he’s carrying injuries now. But I thought Healy was superb all year, great scrummaging & carrying better than ever. I’d start him & bring on killer, no let up at all
@Tim Magner: Healy is back to his best and I’m delighted to be able to say that. As I said earlier it’s brilliant to have two Lh’s that no opposition will be looking forward to going against. Hopefully they continue this form into the coming season and if Jack can get back to his lions level up in Ulster we’ll have 3 excellent options.
@Jim Demps: Larmour to full back, Ringrose to wing would be my thinking. Or Ringrose straight to wing if we’ve a wing replacement.
Managing minutes as well as injury here I think, would be great to win but avoiding injuries will be key to hitting the Scotland game at full tilt. Based purely on form a good few of these guys are under pressure or at least should be Best, Murray, Conan , Kearney Larmour to name just a few and others because they have not played or are returning from injury are susceptible to picking up new ones Earls , Sexton, Henshaw etc.
I would actually wrap JVF in bubblewrap as OS is a potential weakness for us with Leavy injured but regardless can’t wait and forgetting provincial rivalries I hope all have stormers!!!
Is it just me or does many of the Irish squad looked to have trimmed down a few kgs? Aki definitely the most noticeable as maybe a hint that were planning on playing a more running game with the warm dry weather in Japan
@Éamann Ó Duinn: I had that same thought and was talking about with people. You noticed straight away in the English match. So, hopefully as Eddie O says” it pays dividends “ in Japan. Eire Abu !!!!!
@Fitz Mac: Especially compared to England’s Islander players plus I think the white jerseys makes them look bulkier. New Zealand and Australia trimmed down a bit at the last world cup so hoping Ireland get similar results.
Great to see both Stockdale and O’ Mahony rested completely. They are needed 100% for Scotland