General
- Monday June 24th, 2024 @ 19:30
Anang Returns To Richmond
St Patrick's Athletic are thrilled to announce the signing of Joseph Anang on a two-and-a-half-year contract.
The Ghanian-born goalkeeper, who spent six months on loan with us in 2022, returns to Inchicore after seven years on the books of West Ham United.
Joe joined St Pat's on loan from West Ham in January 2022 and made 30 appearances, he kept 12 clean sheets, and played every minute of every game before he was re-called in July.
Anang started and starred in all four of our Europa Conference League qualifiers that summer, against NS Mura and CSKA Sofia, his last game was against Sofia at Tallaght Stadium on August 12th, before going on to the part of West Ham's historic win in the 2022/2023 competition.
Joe said
"It's very good be back at the club.
St Pat's is where I played most of my senior games (in my career so far), I feel I played my best football at Pat's during my loan in 2022, I really enjoyed my time here so I'm very excited.
The move came about very naturally to be fair, I always kept in touch with Pat Jennings (GK coach) after I left, having chats back and fourth. So as soon he heard that I was available, he got back in touch, and we had a conversation with Ger O'Brien and my agents about what a move back here could mean for me.
I also had a zoom call with PJ and The Gaffer (Stephen Kenny) and that put the icing on the cake. Stephen told me about his plans for me and the style of play he wants to implement, I feel I'll fit into that and I really bought into what his plans are.
I also want to speak about the St Patrick's Athletic supporters, they showed me a lot of love when I first came to the club two years ago, so with that factored into my decision too, coming back was a no brainer really.
I'm delighted to get the ball rolling again and to get the deal done."
Stephen Kenny has been welcoming his first signing as St Patrick's Athletic Manager
"Joseph is a goalkeeper with quite a high ceiling, he had a successful spell here two years ago and a ubsequently has had two years day in day out with West Ham's First Team, training at a very high level alongside two senior international goalkeepers.
The level he's been training at will really have helped his development.
I feel he's coming back to St Pat's a better goalkeeper, at 24 years of age, his best years are all ahead of him.
The thing that struck me about Joseph from speaking to him on zoom when he was at him visiting Ghana, was his sheer enthusiasm and determination to re-join St Pat's, to play games and continue to improve.
He has a passion for the club and he is an excellent signing.
Joe is my first signing since I joined the club as Manager and I feel he'll be an excellent addition to St Patrick's Athletic over the next few seasons and we're forward to him joining up with the group next week."
Director of Football Ger O'Brien added
"I would like to welcome Joe back to the club. He had a fantastic loan period here in 2022 and is someone who can add real quality to our goalkeeping department. He knows the club and the supporters well, and I'm sure he will relish the opportunity to be back at the club."
Subject to international clearance, Anang will be available from July 1st when he joins the club upon the expiration of his contract at West Ham United.
