It was another newsworthy week in the SSE Airtricity League with champions Shamrock Rovers signing two players from their close rivals Dundalk. Sean Hoare and Seán Gannon have both moved to Tallaght. Gannon had started his career with Shamrock having left the club at the end of the 2012 season. They weren’t their only signings of the week.
Irish U-21 international Danny Mandroiu has moved across the city. He has signed from fierce rivals Bohemian FC. Rounding off a busy week was the capture of former Burnley player Chris McCann. He had been most recently with League Two side Oldham Athletic. Two players who have departed Tallaght are Danny Lafferty and Rhys Marshall.
Lafferty has returned to Derry City with whom he won the First Division in 2010. Marshall has signed for NIFL Premier League side Glentoran FC. There is still plenty of speculation about who will be staying and who will be going from Oriel Park with contract talks continuing for a number of Dundalk players. Gary Rogers has retired and Hoare and Gannon have signed for Shamrock.
It is strongly rumoured as well that Aaron McCarey and Dane Massey have been released but that has not been confirmed by the club. They did however confirm the transfer of Norwegian striker Ole Erik Midtskogen. He scored for KI Klaksvik of the Faroe Islands against Dundalk in the Europa League play-offs.
They have also appointed a new Director of Football in former Ipswich Town manager Jim Magilton. He has signed a four year deal and has good knowledge of the league as he was the assistant manager to Michael O’Neill during his time in charge of Shamrock. He was also part of the international set-up with O’Neill and was most recently working with the Irish FA.
Newly promoted Drogheda United have signed relegated defender Daniel O’Reilly from Shelbourne. They continue to build for life back in the top flight. Danny Mandroiu wasn’t the only U-21 international who departed Dalymount Park during the week. Danny Grant has signed for English Championship side Huddersfield Town.
Athlone Town are quietly putting together a strong squad. They have brought in Dylan Hand from midland rivals Longford Town. Waterford FC caught the eye this week as the announced that former Irish international Kevin Sheedy has been appointed as their new manager. He will be assisted by former Luton Town boss Mike Newell and the club have also said that a number of new signings will be announced in the coming days.
