December's LOI transfer updates: Danny Grant signs for Shamrock ...

Wednesday, December 11

Shamrock Rovers have confirmed the signing of Danny Grant after his release from Bohemians, writes Daniel McDonnell.

The Irish Independent reported last week that the Hoops had decided to pursue Grant, who struggled in his second spell with Bohs after returning from England - he was PFAI Young Player of the Year in 2020 before his departure for Huddersfield.

Rovers believe they can get Grant going again, with the 24-year-old signing a multi-year deal.

“He's a clever footballer with really good attributes in the final third of the pitch,” said Stephen Bradley.

“Anyone I spoke to couldn’t speak highly enough of him as a person. We’re delighted to get Danny in as there was competition from other clubs.”

Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch has completed a deal to bring former Premier League player and Northern Ireland international Shane Ferguson to his hometown club.

The 33-year-old is returning to his native city after 17 years across the water. Ferguson, a versatile left-sided player, started off at Newcastle United where he came through the academy to become a first team player, and made 23 Premier League appearances.

He had loan spells with Birmingham, Rangers and Millwall before joining the latter on a permanent basis, a club who he lined out for on 217 occasions. Ferguson spent the last three seasons with Rotherham, where 82 games brought his career tally to 367.

In addition to that, Ferguson has also represented Northern Ireland 57 times, including at Euro 2016, with his last cap coming in May 2023.

He was linked with a switch of allegiance in his younger days but stayed put. Ferguson will now continue his career in the League of Ireland. "I am delighted to be back home and can't wait for the season to get going," he said.

Tuesday, December 10

Derry City have given fans a badly-needed dose of good news with confirmation that in-demand goalkeeper Brian Maher has signed a new deal as he's keen to "put right" the disappointments of the season.

Dubliner Maher was being eyed up by rival clubs in the League of Ireland and City supporters feared that a disappointing end to the 2024 season, which saw the club lose in the FAI Cup final and miss out on a place in Europe, could prompt former U-21 cap Maher to move on. But he is sticking around, on a two-year contract extension, as new boss Tiernan Lynch persuaded Maher to join Adam O'Reilly in remaining at the club.

“I am absolutely delighted to extend my contract with Derry City FC. Derry has been my home for the last three years and I have built up a special relationship with the supporters and that is something that I cherish," Maher said today.

"After sitting down with those around me and taking a bit of time to weigh everything up I decided this was where I wanted to be and to try put right what happened at the end of last year.

“Having spoken to Tiernan and listening to his plans for the club, I am excited to play my part, and I look forward to getting stuck in.”

Monday, December 9

Cork City boss Tim Clancy says he welcomes the competition for the goalkeeping position at Turner's Cross next term after he landed a second keeper in the space of two days.

Shortly after the capture of Dutchman Tein Troost from NAC Breda, Cork moved to sign another keeper with Conor Brann's arrival, with City in the market for a No. 1 as Brad Wade, a key player in their promotion success, has left.

As a teenager Brann had spells with Salthill Devon, Athlone Town, Limerick and Galway United and moved to Swindon Town in 2022 but the 21-year-old is now back in Ireland.

"I’m very pleased to have Conor on board for 2025. He came in to train with us towards the end of last season, and we were very pleased with what we saw from him. We got a chance to have a good look at him, and he got to know the squad and the set-up, so we are very pleased to have him on board. He’s a tall, commanding goalkeeper, and that’s exactly what we were looking for," Clancy said.

“With the announcement of Conor & Tein’s signings over the last couple of days, we have two really high quality goalkeepers that will push each other and challenge for that number one spot.”

Sunday, December 8

Derry City have secured the services of midfielder Adam O'Reilly until the end of the 2026 season. The Cork native had interest from around the league and did spend time training with Leyton Orient but positive discussions with Tiernan Lynch influenced his decision to stay put with the Brandywell club. Lynch is also trying to keep midfielder Will Patching who is likely to make a decision on his future in the coming week. It was anticipated that Patching would move on but he has spoken with the new boss about extending his stay.

Sligo Rovers are considering a move for midfielder Evan McLaughlin whose future is up in the air after turning down a contract offer from Cork City. The 22-year-old had been in talks with the Leesiders about staying after impressing in their First Division title win and being voted onto the team of the season but he now looks set to move on due to a difference of opinion on terms. However, interested clubs will have to pay a fee as McLaughlin is under the age of 23 and was retained by City. Sligo Rovers are exploring the possibility.

Dundalk have finished a busy weekend of activity by announcing the arrival of goalkeeper Enda Minogue from Athlone Town. Earlier, the club added experienced defender Conor O'Keeffe to their expanding panel with the securing of a First Division licence allowing manager Ciaran Kilduff to recruit players with a knowledge of that level.

O'Keefe joins from Galway United where he dropped out of favour last term. Dundalk have signed midfielder Harry Groome from Bray and striker Dean Ebbe from Athlone Town with Kilduff working off a competitive budget for the division. The Lilywhites have also sealed a deal to bring in promising attacker Gbemi Arubi from Waterford. Versatile Drogheda player Luke Heeney is understood to be a target.

Waterford's new recruit Matty Smith says his decision to return to the club was influenced by Keith Long's repeated attempts to sign him. The Scot started his League of Ireland journey at Waterford in 2020, but moved on to St Patrick's Athletic, Derry City and Shelbourne where he contributed to title success under Damien Duff before being told he could go. Long tried to sign Smith when he was Bohemians manager.

"He's been onto me probably since I've come here," said Smith, "Over the past four years he's been trying to sign me. After meeting with him, I can't wait to get going."

Drogheda United have tied down three more members of their FAI Cup winning team ahead of the 2025 season. Conor Kane, Ryan Brennan and Andrew Quinn have extended their deals as Kevin Doherty's side move to a full-time training schedule with morning sessions - thus meaning every Premier Division club will be operating off that schedule.

Friday, December 6

Shamrock Rovers: The Hoops are set to make another bid to sign Darragh Burns on a permanent basis after an initial offer to MK Dons was rejected, writes Daniel McDonnell.

Burns has made a good impression on loan with the Hoops this year and Rovers want to tie the 22-year-old down for the long term.

His contract with the League Two side expires this summer, and there are no indications that he has a future there so Rovers are keen to get the deal done – especially as there is likely to be a reasonable level of squad turnover the winter.

Their European campaign is set to continue into February and they technically only have the facility to make three changes to their squad list for the playoff round. Burns has been involved throughout their run so keeping him would be a bonus.

Celtic striker Johnny Kenny has starred during his loan spell, but he’s understood to be keen on trying his luck in England while the out of contract Neil Farrugia is expected to have offers from overseas to consider after the game with Chelsea on December 19.

St Patrick’s Athletic have made a strong play to sign Sean Hoare whose deal is also up and his fellow defender Sean Kavanagh is also likely to move on after playing a peripheral role this term. Shelbourne and Bohemians are both interested in the 30-year-old. Richie Towell has no future with the Hoops after reacting badly to being an unused sub in October’s league win over Shelbourne. His next destination is unclear; it’s understood he has spoken with Bohemians and St Patrick’s Athletic but both of those clubs are reasonably well stocked in the midfield department.

Wednesday December 4

Derry City

Derry City boss Tiernan Lynch says the club have put their best foot forward in their pursuit Gavin Whyte, as well as in their attempts to resign Adam O’Reilly and Brian Maher.

The Candystripes are also interested in signing former Northern Ireland international Shane Fergsuon, with Lynch admitting the 33-year-old is a player who ticks all the boxes for him.

Last month the Irish Independent reported that Derry had made a strong push to attract Northern Ireland midfielder Whyte, who is currently a free agent after departing Portsmouth in August.

“Is Gavin someone I’d love to bring to Derry City? One million percent,” Lynch told Drive105.

“He’s a kid I know really well and who I had at a really young age. He’s hugely talented. Getting him now is another challenge. As a club we feel like we’ve put our best foot forward and we’ll see where it takes us.”

Asked about the club’s interest in 57-times capped Ferguson, who is without a club having left Rotherham last summer, Lynch added: “Is he someone we admire as a footballer? Absolutely.

“Is he someone who ticks all the boxes as a person, the experience he has? One million percent. Is he a Derry player? The answer is no and until he is there’s very little I can do about that

With the club also hoping to convince goalkeeper Maher and midfielder O’Reilly to stay at the Brandywell for the 2025 campaign, Lynch said: “The club has put their best foot forward and they are players we definitely want to keep.”

City also have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Arlo Doherty on an initial 18-month deal.

The 21-year-old cut his teeth at the academies of Manchester City, Norwich and Leicester before he was released by the latter last summer. Capped for Ireland up to U-19 level, Doherty has now committed his future to the Candysripes having been training with the club since September.

“I’m very ambitious and I’m very proud of my Irish heritage. I have a lot of hard work to do but I’m ready,” said Doherty, whose grandparents hail from Dublin and Limerick.

“I want to be here beyond 2025 and in helping Derry City, I also hope to use my time here to help push me into the Ireland U-21 set up as well. It’s a challenge, I can’t wait to start.”

St Patrick’s Athletic

Jason McClelland has committed his future to St Patrick’s Athletic, penning a contract extension to remain at Richmond Park for a sixth year.

The 27-year-old has made 128 appearances for the Inchicore club to date although he found starts hard to come by last term with just five in the league.

"Jason has been an integral part of St Patrick's Athletic for the last five seasons, so we're pleased that he's agreed to extend his stay with us,” said Saints boss Stephen Kenny.

“He has an extremely high level of professionalism, his attitude to training is always first class and he is a brilliant team-mate.”

Shelbourne: Shels have confirmed that winger Rayhaan Tulloch will remain at the club for the 2025 campaign.

As reported by the Irish Independent last week, the Englishman was absent from a list of retained players last month but was expected to agree a deal to remain at Tolka Park for the Reds' title defence.

The 23-year-old scored a crucial winner in their penultimate league game against Drogheda United.

Bohemians: Bohs academy product Nickson Okosun has earned a move to Championship side Watford, it has been confirmed.

The 18-year-old rose through the ranks at Bohs after arriving from St Kevin’s making his senior debut in 2023 and signing his first professional contract that same year.

The Ireland U-19 cap made 12 senior appearances for the Dalymount Park club, and will now join Watford on January 1. Irish players on the Hornets’ books include senior cap Festy Ebosele (on loan from Udinese) and U-21 star Rocco Vata.

Tuesday December 3

Shamrock Rovers: The Hoops are in advanced negotiations to complete a deal for goalkeeper Ed McGinty and are also keen on resurrecting the career of Danny Grant.

We revealed last month that the Hoops had targeted Sligo Rovers favourite McGinty to strengthen their goalkeeping department. He spent the 2024 season back on loan at the Showgrounds with the club where he made his name before earning a move to Oxford that hasn't gone to plan, with the Scottish born stopper surplus to requirements.

It's understood that Rovers and Oxford have worked out a deal in principle but personal terms need to be agreed before the 25-year-old opts to continue his career in Tallaght.

Meanwhile, Rovers have made a move to try and sign Grant after his release from Bohemians. The 24-year-old failed to make an impact in his second stint at Bohs after relocating from Huddersfield in the summer of 2023.

Grant was voted PFAI Player of the Year in 2020 before leaving for England but a serious hamstring issue severely hindered his progress. He was made one of the highest earners at Dalymount when they saw off competition from elsewhere to bring the winger back to Phibsborough but he struggled to capture his previous form.

It was expected that Grant would look at options outside of Dublin when champions Shelbourne passed up the opportunity to pursue a deal, but Rovers have now entered the picture, believing that they can get the best out of the Dubliner. They may be left short in the attacking midfield department with the out of contract Neil Farrugia exploring the idea of going overseas at the end of this calendar year.

St Patrick's Athletic: The Saints have confirmed the signing of midfielder Barry Baggley from Fleetwood Town. Last month, the Independent reported that Stephen Kenny was very keen on Baggley who impressed on loan with Fleetwood's sister club Waterford last term.

The Saints have moved assertively to negotiate a permanent deal with Fleetwood for a player who has been capped with Northern Ireland through the age groups. Baggley (22) has signed a long term deal.

"I think the type of football Stephen plays will suit me," he said. News of the deal could be good news for Derry City. They want to retain Adam O'Reilly who was on the radar of Pat's but fell behind Baggley in the pecking order of targets.

Sligo Rovers: John Russell has added to his squad for 2025 by recruiting Jad Hakiki from Dundalk on a two year deal. Hakiki joined Dundalk from Shelbourne midway through the season just gone but the Lilywhites' relegation from the top flight opened up the possibility that he would be able to move on. Hakiki has signed a two year deal at The Showgrounds.

"He has bags of ability," said Russell, who has already rated the Ireland U-21 international. "He's able to carry the ball and beat players which is exactly the type of player we need.”

Bohemians: James Talbot will spend a seventh season at Dalymount Park as the goalkeeper has signed up for the 2025 campaign.

The 27-year-old took a temporary step back from football prior to the 2024 season to deal with mental health challenges, before returning to the Bohs squad at the end of last March. The Dubliner’s only two appearances of last season came in the final two games as Bohs finished in eighth.

Monday, December 2

Derry City: The Candystripes have confirmed the departure of another experienced squad member with Ciaran Coll opting to reunite with former City boss Declan Devine at Glentoran.

Coll had just completed his sixth season at the Brandywell, with injury ruling him out of run-in and the FAI Cup final. Earlier today, new Derry boss Tiernan Lynch confirmed our report from last week on the club's interest in free agent Gavin Whyte. However, he added that reported competition from Shamrock Rovers could be a difficulty.

"Gavin is someone I've worked with before and have a good relationship with," Lynch told the Derry Journal. "He's someone we would love to try and bring to Derry City. Whether we can get him, whether we can lure him here or can get into that rat race because apparently Rovers are also very interested and I think if you can see the type of money Rovers are throwing around, it might come down to finance."- Daniel McDonnell

Romal Palmer has penned a new two-year contract at St Patrick’s Athletic and hailed the impact Stephen Kenny has made in building up his confidence at Richmond Park.

The midfielder arrived in Inchicore last February on loan from Turkish side Goztepe and appeared 25 times for the Saints across 2024. The 26-year-old netted two key goals in their Conference League qualifying campaign against Vaduz and Sabah, but missed their play-off second-leg defeat to Istanbul Basaksehir with a knee injury in late August.

He returned from injury for the final stages of the Premier Division season and helped St Pat’s close out the campaign with a remarkable run of nine successive wins as Kenny’s side finished third and clinched European qualification for 2025.

After committing his future to the club, the ex-Manchester City youth player admitted the move was a “no-brainer” for him.

"It feels amazing, signing a new deal has been in the works for a while now. It was a no-brainer for me really,” said Wigan native Palmer.

"Stephen Kenny coming in helped me a lot, confidence wise and building me up and I feel like that’s what I need at this point of my career, to get back playing games and try to be the best version of myself. I feel like I can do that at St Pat's."

“He's a brilliant midfield player, with a high level of technical ability, combined with a really strong work ethic. If he can stay fit, Romal can have a real impact on the season ahead," added Saints boss Kenny. – SOC