General
- Wednesday January 4th, 2012 @ 22:59
BUCKLEY ANNOUNCES NEW SIGNINGS
St Patrick's Athletic are delighted to announce a number of signings in advance of the 2012 Airtricity League Premier Division season.
Last season's captain Conor Kenna has re-signed for the Saints along with winger Seán O'Connor and striker Ian Daly. Defender Jake Carroll signed a new two year deal with the club before Christmas
Liam Buckley has added 10 further players to the ranks and is hoping to finalise his squad in advance of pre-season training which is due to begin on 13th January.
There will be severe competition for the number 1 jersey with Brendan Clarke returning to Inchicore from Sligo Rovers after a successful season. He will compete with Barry Murphy who signs from Bohemians.
Mark Rossiter, Ger O'Brien and Christy Fagan have also arrived from Dalymount Park.
Defenders Pat Flynn and Kenny Browne have joined from Shamrock Rovers and Waterford United respectively, while the squad is boosted by Greg Bolger's arrival from Dundalk and free agent James Chambers who will battle it out for a midfield spot.
Pacey winger Darren Meenan, who spent last season with UCD, has also signed and Buckley hopes to announce further signings in the coming days.
Speaking to STPATSFC.COM Buckley said:
"We're delighted with the players we've managed to get in so far and we're still working hard to get the squad completed as early as we can.
"I hope the supporters will be pleased with the players we've brought in so far and when we add the last few they'll have a more complete picture.
"I've worked with some of the players before but I know enough about them all to know what they can offer us.
"We've brought in two number 1 goalkeepers from top sides last season with Brendan Clarke and Barry Murphy coming in from Sligo and Bohemians.
"We're in good shape in terms of defenders including bringing back Conor Kenna who has been an important player over the past two years at Pats.
"I've spoken previously about Jake Carroll and we've brought Seán O'Connor and Ian Daly who will appreciate our style of play.
"It's been a hectic few weeks since I took the job trying to assemble a new squad for the season but over the next week or so we hope to have it more or less completed.
"It's coming together nicely and I hope to have a team that will both entertain and win football matches for the new season."
"I'm delighted that Trevor Croly has rejoined us as he has had great success at Pats in the past. He was a great player for me in the 98/99 league winning side.
"Trevor's reputation as a coach is growing and I'm delighted to have him beside me on the bench.
"I'd also like to welcome Dave Campbell who has come in as head of player recruitment. Dave was also a league winner with Pats in the past and he has been a great benefit to us in recent weeks."
