Posts Tagged ‘ James Chambers ’

LOI: Dundalk Face Tricky Test Against Ever Improving Cork City

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Athlone Town –v- Bray Wanderers 7:45

Bottom side Athlone Town face off against Bray Wanderers at Athlone Town Stadium.

Ten games and ten defeats. It has been a thoroughly miserable time to be an Athlone Town fan. So miserable that changes have been made and Mick Cooke has left the club and Keith Long has been brought in. It remains to be seen if this change of managers will have an effect on the results but things certainly don’t look good. Athlone can take comfort in the fact that it can’t get any worse.

A solitary David Scully goal gave Bray Wanderers an impressive 1-0 home win over title chasing Dundalk last time out. That win leaves them sitting in a comfortable seventh. The Wicklow side will need to be weary of their opponents given their new manager’s first game. Alan Matthews will need to ensure his players head into this game prepared to play against a revitalised team or they may end up on the losing side.

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2014
05/02
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Mass Clearout At Rovers As Croly Releases Nine

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Shamrock Rovers have confirmed the release of nine players from the club after their contracts finished at the end of the 2013 season.

The players are: James Chambers, Billy Dennehy, David Elebert, Danny Ledwith, Conor McCormack, Ken Oman, Conor Powell, Stephen Rice and Tommy Stewart. Continue reading →

2013
11/13
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Gartland Discusses Charity Efforts Ahead Of PFAI Calendar Launch

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The Professional Footballers Association Of Ireland (PFAI) will launch their 2014 Spot The Ballers calendar tomorrow.

The calendar which is funded by Ford is one of many charity efforts taking place to help Drogheda United striker Gary O’Neill, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer last month.

The calendar will be available from various retail outlets including HMV, select clubs and the PFAI themselves. Calendars will also be available to buy at the Aviva stadium on Sunday as Gary’s current team Drogheda United battle Sligo Rovers in the FAI Ford Cup final. Continue reading →

2013
10/31
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Wait Is Over As League of Ireland Resumes

LOIAfter a busy off season the League of Ireland makes a highly anticipated return on Friday with many believing this season may well be the most competitive yet. In our second preview ahead of the big kick off Alan Finn highlights the contenders, the pretenders and those who best be ready for a long relegation battle. 

Sligo Rovers

Prediction: Title challenge

Key Player: Lee Lynch

Last Season: Champions

Sligo Rovers should be well capable of putting up a decent defence of their Airtricity League title this season. Jason McGuinness and Mark Quigley are big losses for the champions this year, but Evan McMillan looks to be the ideal replacement for the big centre back while Anthony Elding has arrived from England to take on the goal scoring duties. There will be a number of key players for The Bit O’Red next season, Gavin Peers at the back, Danny Ventre in the middle but I feel anything good attacking wise for the side will involve Lee Lynch who has been a stand out player in Pre-season and I would expect him to build on his impressive 2012 debut season at The Showgrounds. Also keep an eye out for young Liam Martin who has been in flying form in pre-season, with six goals in six games.

St. Patrick’s Athletic

Prediction: Title challenge

Key Player: Chris Forrester

Last Season: 3rd

Having retained the majority of their squad and making a couple of decent acquisitions, Pats should be in for another title challenge this year. Of their new signings, Killian Brennan will certainly be the one to watch this season. Despite coming off the back of a horrid season with Shamrock Rovers, the winger can be the best player in the League on his day and if he gets his head down and works hard, he will prove to be a valuable player for the Saints. Chris Forrester and Jake Carroll, the stand out duo for the club for last season, will also be crucial to any success for Pats this season and you can’t help but feel the best is yet to come from both players.

Shamrock Rovers

Prediction: Title challenge

Key Player: Mark Quigley

Last Season: 4th

As the Shamrock Rovers fans desperately seek to put last season behind them, they certainly look in much better shape to challenge for the title this year. They have been the most active club in the transfer market during the off-season, bringing in players such as James Chambers and PFAI Player of the year nominees  Sean O’Connor, Jason McGuinness and Mark Quigley. Quigley, who won the award in the end, will more than likely be their key player next season, but with so many new players in the Hoops squad, it may take the team time to gel when the League campaign kicks off. Ciaran Kilduff looks set to be Gary Twigg’s replacement up top and he has certainly gotten off to a good start with winning goals against Coleraine and Wexford Youths in the past week.

Derry City

Prediction: Title challenge

Key Player: Rory Patterson

Last Season: 5th

Despite the departure of Stephen McLaughlin to Nottingham Forest, I can see Derry improving on last season’s finish. After finally securing the signature of Mark Griffin following a long, drawn out process, I feel a striking partnership with Rory Patterson has a lot of potential. We saw in last season’s FAI Ford Cup Final what Patterson can do when fully fit and with a promising prospect like Griffin beside him (assuming that is their strike force) then scoring goals should certainly not be a problem for the Candystripes.

Drogheda United

Prediction: Title challenge/European places

Key Player: Eric Foley

Last Season: 2nd

Following a marvellous 2012 campaign, will Drogheda repeat last season’s form? In my opinion, I think they will but with what is likely to be a more competitive League this year, I can’t see them finishing in the top two again. Mick Cooke has done a great job retaining the majority of his squad and has made one stand out signing in the form of Paul O’Conor from UCD. The midfielder will play alongside Eric Foley and if they click together, the Drogs midfield will be a joy to watch in action.

Cork City

Prediction: European places/mid-table

Key Player: Gearoid Morrisey

Last Season: 6th

After a disappointing return to the Premier Division last season, I feel Cork City are another team we will see improvement from this year. Tommy Dunne has been active in the transfer window, bringing in goalscorers such as Daryl Kavanagh and Danny Furlong, an area where they seemed to lack in 2012 but if Kavanagh can link up with Furlong like he did with Danny North and the striker can score goals like he did in the First Division, finding the back of the net shouldn’t be a problem this time around.

Bohemians

Prediction: Mid-table

Key Player: Ryan McEvoy

Last Season: 7th

Despite a very slow start to their last campaign, Bohemians went on to have a decent season in 2012, most notably recording a 4-0 win over Shamrock Rovers before picking up their first ever victory in Tallaght Stadium. Evan McMillan will be the Gypsies biggest loss from last season, but his replacement Stephen Paisley has shown he may just have the same eye for goal as the 26-year-old (in pre-season at least!). Ryan McEvoy caught the eye of many fans around the League last season with impressive performances and outstanding goals and I think he will be Bohs key man this year.

Dundalk

Prediction: Mid-table

Key Player: Kurtis Byrne

Last Season: 11th

New season, new hopes and new expectations for Dundalk. Following a disastrous 2012 campaign, newly appointed manager Stephen Kenny looks like he is already well on his way to changing the Lilywhites fortunes, assembling a decent squad for the year ahead. John Dillon, Kurtis Byrne, Richie Towell, Keith Ward and Mark Rossiter (when fit) could all be fantastic signings for the club if they play to the best of their abilities and Byrne looks like the man they will be relying on for goals up top and he has certainly made a good start to life at Oriel Park as he comes off the back of a decent pre-season.

Limerick

Prediction: Mid-table

Key Player: Rory Gaffney

Last Season: Champions (First Division)

For the first time in almost 20 years, Limerick will be playing in the top flight of Irish football. As they depart their old home of Jackman Park, the newly promoted side begin life in the Premier Division in Thomond Park. Location isn’t the only new change at the club, with ex-Drogheda United man Stuart Taylor stepping into the world of management for the first time, bringing with him some new faces to the club such as Robbie Williams on loan from Plymouth Argyle, Danny Galbraith from Hibernian and Belgian striker Axel Bossekota. Limerick’s progress will be an interesting one to watch, I can see them staying up as they appear destined for a mid table finish.

Bray Wanderers

Prediction: mid-table/relegation zone

Key Player: Kieran Marty Waters

Last Season: 10th

Pat Devlin goes into 2013 with mostly the same squad as last season, but one signing could make all the difference for his side this year – Gary Dempsey. I can see Bray lingering around the bottom half of the table this season, but they should have enough quality about to just keep their heads above water. As well as Dempsey, Jason Byrne, Darren Quigley and Kieran Marty Waters will be vital to Bray’s season.

Shelbourne

Prediction: Relegation zone

Key Player: Philly Hughes

Last Season: 8th

If Pre-season is anything to go by suspensions could be a big worry for Shelbourne this year. Kevin Dawson’s move to Yeovil Town is a major loss for the club and they have failed to fill the gsping hole in their midfield during the off season. I don’t have a lot of hope for Shels this season and I think they are destined for the bottom two, most likely the play-off spot.

UCD

Prediction: Relegation zone

Key Player: Robert Creevy

Last Season: 9th

Since last summer, UCD have lost players of the standard of Paul Corry, Paul O’Conor, Graham Rusk and Ciaran Nangle. Personally, I find it difficult to have any faith in them to escape relegation this season and  unfortunately for the Students they look most likely to suffer the dreaded drop into the First Division.

 

2013
03/03
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Rovers And Pats Busy As LOI Transfer Window Gets Into Full Swing

Rover and Out: Killian Brennan

The League of Ireland transfer season is in full swing as teams try to snap up the best available talent ahead of next March. For many teams the emphasis is on securing much of their current squad but for the others it’s about attracting the league’s finest.

Already a number of significant deals have took place, with Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick’s Athletic among the most active thus far.

Shamrock Rovers have added PFAI player of the year Mark Quigley and fellow nominee Jason McGuinness from league champions Sligo Rovers. Sean O’Connor has moved from Pats to Rovers ensuring new manager Trevor Croly now possesses all four PFAI nominees within his squad. James Chambers has also followed Croly and O’Connor in making the move from Pats to Rovers.

The Hoops have also re-signed Shane Robinson, who returns to the league following a stint in Finland with Haka. Shane McFaul has also returned from Scandinavia with his ex Haka teammate, opting to join Pats instead. Scottish duo Gary Twigg and Craig Sives have left Rovers after enjoying three successful years with the club.

Pats have been busy thus far, confirming the signatures of Killian Brennan, Sean Gannon (Both Rovers) and Conan Byrne (Shelbourne). The Saints have also re-signed eight players from last year, with potent goal poacher Christy Fagan among them. Liam Buckley will be delighted that a number of players have spurned the opportunity to jump ship with Croly. Interestingly enough the Saints have yet to sign a goalkeeper despite having both Brendan Clarke and Barry Murphy, two of the league’s finest on their books last term.

Last season’s surprise package Drogheda United have been quick to bolster their ranks by securing the signing of UCD duo Graham Rusk and Paul O’Conor. The Drogs have also secured the services of Gary O’Neill from Rovers while David Cassidy joins from Shelbourne.

It’s been fairly quiet in the North West as champions Sligo have yet to announce any new signings although they have re-signed some key players from 2012. They will be rocked by the departure of both Quigley and McGuinness to Rovers.

Derry City have only added Paddy Kavanagh (Shelbourne) to their ranks so far but Declan Devine will be buoyed by the fact he will retain much of his FAI Cup winning squad next term.

Cork City have secured the services of forgotten man Daryl Kavanagh (Shamrock Rovers) while first division joint top scorer Danny Furlong has joined from Wexford Youths.

Bohemians, Bray Wanderers, Dundalk, Shelbourne and UCD have yet to announce any new signings but have tied down some key players from last term.

Bohs will find it difficult to replace Kevin Feely who has joined Championship side Charlton Athletic after impressing on trial.

New boys Limerick have likewise yet to announce any new signings as they prioritise filling the managerial void left by the departed Pat Scully.

We have yet to hit December but already a number of clubs have been busy however such is the market a large number of players still remain without a club and are currently training at the PFAI camp.

And who knows what may occur when the English transfer window opens in January as some contracted players may well find themselves following in the footsteps of Keith Fahey, Enda Stevens and co.

2012
11/27
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Five Players Who Could Replace Gary Twigg

Fresh from completing his first two deals as Shamrock Rovers manager, Trevor Croly’s main aim now will be to do what many think is not possible, replace Gary Twigg.

Hoops legend Twigg has opted to move north to join Portadown in an attempt to be closer to his family, leaving behind a legacy of one of the greatest strikers ever to grace the national league. His potent goal threat and predatory instincts were second to none. The Scottish striker will forever be revered by the Hoops faithful, having scored a staggering 81 goals in 119 games over his three year tenure at the club.

After a disappointing fourth place finished this season Rovers will be keen to regain their title come March. But if they are to have any chance of doing so they must replace last season’s top scorer Twigg, a task that is much easier said than done.

Here Irish News Review considers five possible replacements for the Glaswegian.

Rory Patterson

Cup final hero Patterson may well be the man to replace Twigg. The Strabane native enjoyed a blistering start to his Derry City career last year, bagging a hat trick on his debut. Derry were a side in transition this year but Declan Devine got the best out of his men. Patterson’s form suffered shortly after due to injury, but the ex Linfield man grabbed two vital goals in the FAI cup final which brought the cup north at the expense of St Patricks Athletic. His talents are well regarded within the league and he remains contracted to the Candystripes for 2013. But with Rovers riches could the man who scored 107 goals in 126 appearances for FC United of Manchester be the man to bring the title back to Tallaght?

Christy Fagan

Ex Manchester United youngster Christy Fagan is without a doubt one of the best strikers in the league, having proved that during spells with Bohemians and St Patricks Athletic, where he netted 12 league goals last term. The Saints will be hoping Fagan won’t follow Croly and James Chambers in jumping ship to Rovers. But with Fagan on the PFAI transfer list anything is possible. Pats must act swiftly to secure their man or risk losing him to their fierce rivals.

Raffaele Cretaro

The Tubbercurry Tornado has spent most of his career at Sligo Rovers, helping guide The Bit O’Red to their monumental league success this year. Cretaro may well choose to remain in the North West and help Ian Baraclough’s men in their attempt to reach the Champions League. But a return to Dublin, where he previously spent time at Bohemians, may tempt him. Any move would see him link up with ex teammate Jason McGuinness, who opted to make the move from Sligo this week. Cretaro’s future is certainly up in the air and he like Fagan is also available on a free transfer. Although if Croly is looking for a long term replacement he may have to look elsewhere.

Mark Quigley

Ten goal Quigley, undoubtedly one of the best players in the league will always be a target for the top clubs. Croly may well be able to persuade the Dubliner to make a return to Rovers, having spent time there in 2005. But with such potential Rovers may find themselves fighting for Quigley’s signature against English and Scottish opposition as Millwall may be keen to bring Quigley back to the Den on a free transfer. However Quigley would be the perfect replacement for Twigg and any return to Tallaght could be the start of heralding the era of a new Rovers legend.

Other

Rovers could pursue alternative avenues in their search to replace Twigg. His replacement may already be at the club but it remains to be seen whether the likes of Gary O’Neill, Ciaran Kilduff or Tommy Stewart can emerge from his shadows. Much hope has been placed on the shoulders of young Aaron Greene who may thrive if given the opportunity but ultimately Croly may choose to entirely revamp his frontline.

Other possibilities could be Drogheda United star Declan O’Brien but it is highly doubtful he will leave the Boynesiders following the great season they have had.

Rovers may look to the first division for their replacement, crazy as it sounds. Danny Furlong, Seanie Maguire and Kevin McHugh all topped the goalscoring charts with 13 goals each. A move for Furlong, who had a remarkable season despite personal tragedy, and Maguire, regarded as the next big thing in League of Ireland may not be too far from reality.

Or maybe Croly will use his contacts elsewhere and we may see a foreign import drafted in to replace Rovers best ever foreign player.

 

2012
11/14
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Chambers and McGuinness Join Croly At Hoops

New Shamrock Rovers boss, Trevor Croly has made his first signings for the club bringing James Chambers and Jason McGuinness to the Hoops.

Trevor has added much talent and experience to the squad by signing a PFAI Player of the Year nominee and one of the most highly sought-after midfielders in the league.

The pair put pen to paper for the Hoops on Saturday and will be exciting additions to the Shamrock Rovers squad for the 2013 Airtricity League season.

Both players have previously worn the Hoops and have gone on to become some of the most sough-after players in the league.

Welcoming them back to Rovers, Trevor said: “We have signed two top class players, and they will be great for the club. Hopefully we can continue with that calibre of signings. These are two crucial positions on any team and they will be vital for us next year.”

Jason McGuinness comes to the Hoops as a league winner and was nominated for last night’s PFAI Player of the Year award.

Commenting on signing for Rovers, McGuinness (30) said: “I’m very happy to be back at Shamrock Rovers. When I left the last time, the ground wasn’t even finished, so it feels very different now. The progression has been unbelievable and I’m looking forward to being part of that.

“I’d like to thank everyone at Sligo Rovers who were fantastic to me during my time there. I’ve come to Shamrock Rovers for a mixture of family reasons and that I just couldn’t turn down the chance to come here. Trevor is one of the best around and I’m very much looking forward to working with him. I’m ready for a new challenge.”

James Chambers (25) has also previously played for Shelbourne, Hamilton Academical and spent the 2012 season with St Patrick’s Athletic,  opting to follow Croly to Tallaght following the Saints cup final heartbreak.

On his signing, Chambers said: “I’m glad it’s all done and I’m delighted to be back at the club. When Trevor said he wanted me to join him here, it was a very easy decision for me to make. To be back at Rovers is fantastic, and to get to work with Trevor again was a big draw, as was the rest of the backroom staff. I think next season is going to be an exciting one for us.”

2012
11/12
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League of Ireland Preview: Rovers Aim For Three In A Row

The League of Ireland returns this week as Shamrock Rovers seek to make it three successive titles in a row under the guidance of new manager Stephen Kenny.

The Hoops have enjoyed a good off-season and a smooth transition to the Kenny era after the departure of Michael O`Neill to take over as manager of Northern Ireland. Kenny has added well to the squad he inherited enlisting the services of Killian Brennan (Bohemians) and Daryl Kavanagh (St Patricks Athletic) amongst others. Anything other than title success will be deemed as a failure by Hoops fans who have high aspirations of cracking the Champions League this term after their Europa League adventure last year.

Many would have predicted Sligo Rovers to push the Hoops all the way this year yet their pre season plans have hit a wall with the departure of manager Paul Cook to Accrington Stanley. Prior to his departure Cook did well in the transfer market adding some talented stars such as Mark Quigley (Dundalk) and Danny North (St Patricks Athletic). The Bit O`Red have yet to find a replacement for Cook and it looks like they will begin their league campaign managerless. The club will be without the mercurial Richie Ryan who left the North West in the off season for SPL side Dundee United, John Russell who has joined St Patricks Athletic and Aaron Greene who has joined Shamrock Rovers.

Outside of last season’s top two St Patricks Athletic are expected to mount a title challenge although their squad may just fall short. Liam Buckley has taken over the reins at Richmond Park and culled much of last season’s squad. In their place he has brought in some of the finest rising stars in the league who will be looking to step up to the plate. Among the stars set to pull on the famous red shirt this year include the returning Brendan Clarke (Sligo Rovers), Ger O`Brien (Bohemians), Christy Fagan (Bohemians) and Jake Kelly (Bray Wanderers). Much focus will also shine on James Chambers who returns to the league after a spell in Scotland with Hamilton Academical. The Saints haven’t endured the best pre season to date having been dumped out of the Setanta Cup at the first hurdle by Cliftonville. Should the squad gel together quickly then a title tilt is likely however it will probably be next season when this team begin to flourish, if Buckley can maintain the solid core of the team.

Few would bet against Derry City vying against a title challenge and they will definitely be in contention for a European spot despite losing stars such as James McClean (Sunderland), Eamon Zayed (Persepolis) and Daniel Lafferty (Burnley). Declan Devine has taken over the managerial reins following Kenny`s departure and his stability will no doubt benefit the Foylesiders. Kenny`s former right hand man has acted swiftly in the transfer market securing the services of highly rated hitman Rory Patterson, who already has a Setanta Cup hat trick to his name. The golden boot may well be heading to the Brandywell for a second season in a row if Patterson can continue his blistering start.

The Candystripes may face a tough battle for Europe from newly promoted Cork City, who look set to be this years surprise package. Tommy Dunne has steadied the ship on Leeside and despite the loss of key striker Graham Cummins to Preston, Cork look like they will pose a threat to any team. Dunne has managed to convince Northampton Town striker Tadhg Purcell to return home and this signing could prove to be a shrew acquisition. The club will also be boosted by the return of former captain Dan Murray who arrives back at Turners Cross following a spell with Shamrock Rovers. Former Ireland international Colin Healy (Ipswich Town) has also returned to Turners Cross providing further evidence that this Cork side can push for a European spot.

The rest of the league is somewhat of a mixed bag. Bohemians and Shelbourne should have enough to avoid the drop. Mid table obscurity looks like the order of the day for the fallen Dublin giants. Bohs have blended some experience with a vastly young side while Shels have added considerably to their ranks following promotion. The First Division runners up will be glad to be back in the big time but a good cup run is probably the best both sides can hope for. Bohs however have been handed a huge boost with the news that they are to take Derry City`s place in the Europa League as the latter doesn’t meet the appropriate requirements. Sean McCaffrey and his new Dundalk side will be looking to challenge the Dublin duo. McCaffrey`s first foray into the League of Ireland has seen him assemble a young squad although in Shane O`Neill and Chris Shields he has secured two stars with real potential.

The battle to avoid the drop looks like a clash between four sides- Bray Wanderers, Drogheda United, Monaghan United and UCD. Bray and Drogheda have both been handed a boost with the return of key stars such as Jason Byrne (Bray) and Declan O`Brien (Drogheda). Both strikers will play a key role in helping their teams stay afloat. Drogheda seem like the best side among this quartet to retain their premier division status. Mick Cooke has built upon the foundations he inherited last term and if Paul Crowley can return to fitness it will further boost the Boynesiders cause. Bray have been rocked by some big departures such as Shields, O`Neill (Both Dundalk), Kelly (Pats), Gary Dempsey (Waterford United) and Conor Murphy (Monaghan United). Pat Devlin will do well to keep the Seagulls in the top flight this term.

UCD will benefit from Paul Corry`s decision to remain at Belfield. The midfield star looked set to join Pats but the two clubs failed to agree compensation. The club noted for their silky passing will no doubt have some talented youngsters to unleash on the league this year yet their time at the top table may just have run out.

Monaghan United are something of an unknown entity. Consistent performances in the first division combined with some impressive FAI Cup results will give their fans hope yet it remains to be seen how Roddy Collins charges will adopt to life in the premier division. The loss of Declan O`Brien to Drogheda will hit them hard. Shaun Maher (Limerick) and Robert Bayly (Bohemians) are the calibre of player the Gortakeegan outfit will rely on to stay in the premier division while a huge emphasis will be placed on the goalscoring ability of new recruit Conor Murphy (Bray Wanderers).

Predictions

1.Shamrock Rovers

2.Sligo Rovers

3.St Patricks Athletic

4.Derry City

5.Cork City

6.Bohemians

7.Shelbourne

8.Dundalk

9.Drogheda United

10.Bray Wanderers

11.UCD.

12.Monaghan United

2012
02/27
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