General
- Tuesday December 5th, 2017 @ 16:43
Saints Add 3 More To 2018 Squad
St Patrick's Athletic are pleased to announce the re-signings of Lee Desmond and Michael Barker, as well as the addition of Thomas Byrne from Drogheda United ahead of the 2018 SSE Airtricity League season.
Defender Barker (24) has signed up for his third season in St Pat's colours, while former Republic of Ireland U21 international Desmond (22) re-signs for a fourth season.
18 year old Byrne joins Pat's having impressed in his first season in the Premier Division last season with Drogheda United.
Speaking to stpatsfc.com. about the additions to his squad for next season, Saints' manager Liam Buckley firstly revealed his delight at re-signing the defensive duo.
"I am delighted to get the three lads signed up for next season. To date we have signed some really good players who know the League of Ireland. I feel the new lads will complement that, while also continuing their development as they are all still very young.
"Michael Barker finished the season very strong and stepped up in some big games for us. He has built up a lot of experience at Bray Wanderers and with ourselves in recent seasons and is still only 24 so I think he has a great platform heading into 2018.
"Everyone knows about Lee Desmond. He is a superb footballer and is one of the best young defenders in the League of Ireland. Lee had his best year for us just gone by, and there's no reason why he cannot get better next season and help us have a great year."
Commenting on the addition of former Brighton and Hove Albion winger and Republic of Ireland under 19 international Thomas Byrne, Buckley admitted his delight to get his signature.
"Thomas is a great talent. He has represented Ireland at underage level and I know he had other options so I am delighted he decided to ply his trade in Inchicore next year. He has great pace and is always looking to attack and create. He impressed in a young Drogheda team so we believe he can really hit form at St Pat's with the group we are putting together."
Thomas Byrne, Desmond and Barker join Ian Bermingham, Conan Byrne, Graham Kelly, Ryan Brennan and Dean Clarke who have also signed up for the 2018 season with the Saints.
