The Blues first season back in Premier Division football has come and passed with Keith Long leading us to a 7th place finish and security for another year. As football happens, players come and go, with fan favourite out and some new ones in.
In:
Andy Boyle
Boyle signs off the back of a four and a half year stint with Dundalk, Being the first signing of the winter window. the 33 year old is no stranger to the League Of Ireland, Playing for UCD, Shelbourne and Dundalk. Having become a decorated player in dundalks history books, Boyle made the move over to Preston North End, before playing for Dundee, Ross County and Doncaster Rovers respectively, Having an international cap to his name, Boyle brings a wealth of experience to our back line.
James Olayinka
Former Arsenal academy graduate and Cheltenham Town Midfielder Olayinka penned his deal Mid November, becoming a member of Keith Longs squad. James spent a significant amount of his career in the arsenal system, signing a professional contract in 2019 and travelling in their 2019 pre season summer trip and Scoring against the Colorado Rapids. James has also spent time in Northampton, helping the Cobblers earn promotion. He spent his final loan with Southend United before joining Cheltenham permanently. Olayinka provides us a dynamic aspect in midfield.
Sam Glenfield
A familiar face to the RSC, having spent a half season loan from Fleetwood Town, Sam pens a multi-year deal with the Blues. Glenfield made 10 appearances last season, scoring 2 goals, both against Bohemians respectively, an 80th minute winner in Dalymount and our final goal of the 2024 season with a 92nd minute equaliser. The box to box midfielder will add some extra press in the midfield.
Matty Smith
Return of the Matt, as Smith pens his second deal with the blues, on a multi-year Contract. Matty is fresh off the celebrations, Signing from champions Shelbourne, Making 30 appearances for the Shels. Smiths first league appearance was with the blues, During the infamous COVID season. Smith was soon off to St Patricks Athletic, scoring 12 and Winning the FAI Cup. Not staying for long though as he penned a deal which seen him off to the brandywell for half a season before returning to the capital and spending two and a half year stint with the Drumcondra side. With Mattys decorated few years in the league, he provides confidence and knowledge to the attacking third.
Marteen Pouwels
Pouwels because Keiths 5th signing of the window. The 26 year old, 6’7” attacker has spent most of his football career in his native Holland, with a yearlong stint in Louisville, USA in the second tier of US Football. Pouwels is a goalscorer with all his past clubs.
Trae Coyle
Another Arsenal academy graduate, Coyle sings on from FC Lausanne-Sport. Having started his professional career on Loan at Gillingham in the 20/21, Coyle has some International experience too, Playing underage football for England. Trae made 5 appearances for FC Lausanne-Sport this season and 70 appearances overall. Coyle has been quoted to be an exciting wide player, who can play off either wing.
Tommy Lonergan
Lonergan signs to the blues on a season long loan from sister club Fleetwood Town. The Meath native began in the ranks of St Patricks Athletic, making his first senior appearance against Bray Wanderers in 2021. Tommy then signed for UCD, and becoming known to blues fans for not the reasons we would have wanted, as he struck the deciding goal in the 2022 Promotion/Relegation playoff in Richmond Park. Tommy soon returned to Pats after this stint, earning 36 appearances and scoring in the FAI Cup final against Bohemians. Tommy is now an Ireland U21 international and has the opportunity to bring a mass amount of potential to the blues.
Stephen McMullan
Yet again another Fleetwood Town loanee, The keeper crosses the water and signs for the blues on a year long loan deal. McMullan is sent back out on loan again as he just returned from loan at Welsh Premier Division side Caernarfon Town FC. McMullan is capped at U17,U19 and U21 respectively with Northern Ireland. Stephen is highly appraised by Fleetwood Fans so it seems we have made a great signing.
Brad Wade
A massive talking point in the Munster Derby, As Cork City shotstopper Brad Wade crosses the border and pens a deal with Waterford on a permanent deal. The 24 year old made 36 appearances for the Rebel Army, keeping 20 clean sheets. Wade has played at Rochdale, Southport and Guisely AFC. Its seems Wade and McMullan will battle out for the starting position between the sticks.
Navajo Bakboord
The Dutch native Bakboord has had an iconic start to his career, Rising up through the Ajax academy sharing a defensive line with the likes of de Ligt and Botman and featured on squads with Kluivert, Gravenberch and Malacia. Navajo’s last club was Heracles of Holland, Playing a vital role in their promotion to the Eredivise.
OUT:
Connor Parsons
CP has made the move to National League side Dagenham & Redbridge FC on a permanent deal. Parsons will be remembered fondly by blues fans, with some simply iconic goals coming against Shamrock Rovers last year and Cork City in the Playoffs.
Christie Pattison
Pattison has found his way to the Oval, as he signs a permanent deal with Glentoran of the Irish League. Pattison broke through this season with goal against Sligo starting is scoring portfolio with the Blues.
Niall O’ Keeffe
Homegrown man Niall O’ Keeffe departed the Blues and has joined Cobh Ramblers. A fan favourite amongst those young and old, he departs after a long stint, Playing in both the academy and senior team.
Darragh Power
Another Local man, The “Kilmac Cafu” departs after years of service in both academy and senior teams. Power lived the dream of playing at his boyhood club and has now moved on to Cheltenham Town.
More players who have departed the club include:
Connor Evans
Dean Larkin
Gbemi Arubi
Joseph Forde
Robbie McCourt
Sam Bellis
And players who are returning to their parent clubs post loan are:
Barry Baggley (Signed for St Pats)
Louis Jones
Kacper Skwierczynski
Predictions For The 2025 Campaign
With time still left in the transfer window, as long as we make good investments we can improve on our standings from last season. My prediction for 2025 is 5th position.
Hope you enjoyed this piece. We have much more to come throughout the 2025 campaign, and i’m happy to be a part of it
Chat to you soon,
Conor (mon blues)
Excellent write up.