“You never switch off “ is a phrase often used by professional Football Managers. While all fans are excited to see who their club signs during the transfer windows, the reality of signing players is far from easy these days. With agents often negotiating the deals for the players, it’s rare that there is a straight forward deal to be done.
There is no doubt that the standard of players in our league has improved over the last number of years. Many UK clubs are putting their trust in League of Ireland clubs, loaning out their young professionals to gain first team experience. Likewise, the stronger clubs vying for the title here, are now using the loan option to give fringe players the opportunity to get games under their belt. An example of this is John O’Sullivan of Shamrock Rovers, going on loan to Bray Wanderers for the second part of last season. Fast forward four months, & O’Sullivan has now played, and scored in the shootout v Molde in Europe. If the opportunity is there for a short term move, then why not?
With the latest transfer window now closed, I have given my top 5 signings. Some will agree, and many disagree, but that’s the beauty of sport, it’s all about opinions.
Lys Mousset – Fee Agent to Bohemians
In no particular order, but it’s likely the first player who jumps out at us is Bohemians new signing, French forward, Lys Mousset. Having played for Bournemouth & Sheffield United, racking up transfer fees north of €20 million. On paper, Mousset should light up the league. Alan Reynolds has spoken publicly about Mousset’ fitness issues, but hopefully for all footballing fans, it would be great to see him at his best. There were glimpses in the opening league game of his talent, with the striker putting in a great effort in The Aviva Stadium, before being withdrawn in the 56th minute. This transfer could go one of two ways, signing of the season, or mutual termination mid season, time will tell!
Shane Ferguson – Free Agent to Derry City
A massive signing for Derry, especially with Ferguson being a local boy. Having played over 300 games in the UK, he made his professional debut for Newcastle United. Millwall also accounted for 200+ of his appearances, while adding an impressive 57 international caps for Northern Ireland. At 33 years of age, and with some luck on his side, there is no reason why Ferguson can’t play for his hometown club for a number of years. His experience and talent will be vital to Derry City’s chances of challenging for the league.
Matt Healy – Royal Francs Borains to Shamrock Rovers
The Cork native has caught my eye for his performances at under-21 level for the Republic of Ireland. While it didn’t work out for him at Ipswich Town as a young professional, Healy went on loan to Cork City and immediately caught the eye. A permanent move to the Belgium second division was his next move, however the lure of challenging for league titles, cups and European campaigns at Shamrock Rovers proved an easy decision for Healy to return to Ireland. A classy centre midfielder, technically excellent, and reads the game brilliantly. He is sure to be a main part of Stephen Bradley’s starting 11. Can play as a 6 or an 8, Healy is one to watch this season, a baller!
Mipo Oduebko – Fleetwood Town to Shelbourne FC
A CV that lists Man City, Man United and West Ham as previous clubs is impressive for any footballer, never mind one playing in the League of Ireland. Add in two FA Cup appearances under David Moyes for West Ham, it’s clear to see why Damien Duff was adamant to sign the boy from Tallaght! A Republic of Ireland under-21 international, Odubeko has looked lively and impressive in the opening weeks. He grabbed his first league goal vs Waterford and could prove to be a real coup by Shelbourne. If he stays fit, he is my tip for top scorer in the league this season. Back in 2018 I also had a tweet suggesting Adam Morgan (Sligo Rovers) would be the top scorer that season, and that went well!!
Ed McGinty – Oxford United to Shamrock Rovers
Along with every Sligo Rovers fan, I was gutted to see Ed signing for our rivals in Tallaght. Inevitably, McGinty would leave Oxford having seen opportunities limited, and with over 150 LOI games under his belt for Sligo Rovers, Stephen Bradley made it clear he saw Ed as his no.1 goalkeeping transfer target. With Leon Pohls showing inconsistency over the last 18 months, Scottish born McGinty will strengthen that department.
Special mentions to the following, Michael Noonan, Adam Matthews and Sean Maguire.
Noonan will be so exciting to watch this season, having made the move from St Pats to Shamrock Rovers. At 16 years of age, playing and scoring in Europe, we are so lucky as a league that Brexit has kept our best young players in Ireland until they turn 18 years of age. No doubt Noonan will have the pick of the bunch in the UK when he turns 18, but until that happens, we should all be taking the opportunity to watch this kid this season.
Adam Matthews, another great signing for this league. Over 100 games for Celtic, including games in the Champions League v Barcelona, it’s great he is adding a League of Ireland club, Shamrock Rovers to an impressive CV. Celtic, Cardiff, Sunderland and Charlton, add in 14 games for Wales at senior level. Without the high standard that the league is at now, this signing would not have happened.
Lastly, Sean Maguire. Having returned from the UK towards the latter end of last season, Maguire and Cork City will be hoping to see him back to his best. 11 senior international caps to his name and 160 games for Preston, if Maguire gets a sniff at goal, he will punish teams. Great to see him back in the Premier Division.
As I said, football is a game of opinions, and the above are only mine!