Irish Player Transfers, Loans and Contracts - July 2018

Transfers

Monday, 2nd July
Former Dundalk player Patrick McEleney returned to the Lilywhites after a brief spell at Oldham: 🔗

Tuesday, 3rd July
Following his loan spell at Gillingham in the second half of 2017/18, Callum Reilly signed a two year contract with the Gills: 🔗

Friday, 6th July
Former finalist of “Football’s Next Star” Connor Smith signed for Boreham Wood: 🔗

Monday, 9th July
Following his release from Everton, Sam Byrne signed an 18 month contract with former loan club Dundalk: 🔗

Thursday, 12th July
Rhys Murphy signed for non league Chelmsford Town: 🔗

Monday, 16th July
After a short trial, Reece Grego-Cox signed a two year deal with Crawley Town: 🔗

Wednesday, 18th July
19 year old FAI Women’s Team striker Leanne Kiernan signed for West Ham Ladies: 🔗

Thursday, 19th July
Adam Rooney signed a three year deal with non league side Salford City: 🔗

Sheffield United broke their transfer record to sign John Egan to a four year contract: 🔗

Huddersfield Town’s longest serving player Sean Scannell left the John Smith’s Stadium to sign for Bradford City: 🔗

Following his release from Bradford City, four times capped goalkeeper Colin Doyle signed a two year contract with Hearts: 🔗

Sunday, 22nd July
James McClean left West Brom to sign for fellow Championship side Stoke City: 🔗

Tuesday, 24th July
Following a short trial, Marc Wilson signed a 12 month contract with Bolton Wanderers: 🔗

Following a trial during preseason, David McGoldrick signed for Sheffield United: 🔗

Saturday, 28th July
Ireland U21 striker Liam McAlinden signed a two year contract with Cheltenham Town: 🔗

Loans

Friday, 6th July
After signing a two year extension to his contract with Leeds, Paudie O’Connor signed a season long loan deal with Blackpool: 🔗

Wednesday, 11th July
Danny Rogers signed a season long loan deal with newly promoted Scottish Premiership side St Mirren: 🔗

Monday, 16th July
Conor Sammon signed a season long loan deal with Motherwell: 🔗

Tuesday, 24th July
Former Finn Harps defender Shane Blaney signed for non league Tamworth Town on a six month loan: 🔗

Contracts

Thursday, 3rd July
Darragh Lenihan signed an extension to his contract with Blackburn Rovers, keeping the defender at Ewood Park until 2022: 🔗

Friday, 4th July
Ryan Delaney signed a new contract with Rochdale: 🔗

Wednesday, 11th July
Preston’s international midfielder Alan Browne signed a new three year contract at Deepdale: 🔗

Thursday, 12th July
Blackburn Rovers defender Derrick Williams signed a new deal that will keep him with the Lancashire side until 2021: 🔗

Tuesday, 17th July
Highly rated teenage striker Troy Parrott signed his professional contract with Tottenham Hotspur and will play for their U18 side as a first year scholar

Wednesday, 18th July
Former St Francis player Jack Connolly signed his first professional contract with Sunderland: 🔗

Thursday, 19th July
Southampton due Sean Brennan and Kameron Ledwidge signed their first professional contracts: 🔗

Round Up for weekend of Friday, 27th April 2018

Friday, 27th April 2018

Scottish Premier League

Aberdeen 2-0 Hearts

Anthony O'Connor's first goal since August was also his fifth goal for Aberdeen

Saturday, 28th April 2018

Premier League

Southampton 2-1 Bournemouth

Shane Long came off the bench for his 150th appearance for Southampton

Championship

Hull City 0-2 Cardiff

David Meyler was booked for the first time since October

Norwich 2-1 Leeds United

In what was his last appearance for Norwich City, Wes Hoolahan's start was his 470th appearance since leaving the League of Ireland, the goal he scored was his 70th since leaving the LOI, and his 30th in the Championship. #ThanksWes

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Bristol City

Daryl Murphy start was the striker's first appearance since since Saturday, 17th March

QPR 3-1 Birmingham City

Ryan Manning was booked for the first time since November

Sheffield United 0-1 Preston North End

Alan Browne's winner was his 15th goal for Preston

Middlesbrough 2-0 Millwall

Shaun Williams was booked for the fifth time this season

League 1

Bradford City 0-2 Southend United

Stephen McLaughlin's start was his 50th appearance of the season, and  his 150th appearance since leaving the League of Ireland

Bristol Rovers 1-1 Gillingham

Bradley Garmston made his 50th start for Gillingham

Oldham 0-0 Doncaster Rovers

Ian Lawlor was named in the Doncaster starting XI for the first time since February

Oxford United 2-1 Rochdale

Ryan Delaney was shown his first yellow card since Tuesday, 13th March

Peterborough 2-0 Fleetwood

Paddy Madden made his 300th appearance since leaving Bohemians

Plymouth 2-1 Rotherham

Graham Carey scored his 15th goal of the season
Richie Towell's first goal since Saturday, 17 March was his fifth goal League One

League 2

Chesterfield 1-2 Wycombe Wanderers

Michael Harriman's own goal was his first since March 2013

Colchester 0-0 Swindon Town

Donal McDermott was booked for the first time since November

Newport Co. 2-1 Cambridge United

Barry Corr was booked for the first time this season

Stevenage 3-1 Exeter

Luke Wade Slater's start was his first appearance since Tuesday, 7th November
Pierce Sweeney's ninth goal of the season was his first goal in a month

Yeovil 2-3 Mansfield Town

Connor Smith's start was his first appearance since Saturday, 10th March

Scottish Premier League

Hibernian 5-3 Kilmarnock

Alan Power's first yellow card in nearly two months was his fifth booking of 2017/18

Motherwell 2-1 Dundee

Darren O'Dea was booked for the first time since November

St Johnstone 1-1 Partick Thistle

Niall Keown made his 50th career start
Joe Shaughnessy scored his first goal since Thursday, 29th June 2017
Conor Sammon's first goal since Saturday, 24 February was his tenth goal of the season, and his 30th goal in the SPL

Tuesday, 1st May 2018

League 2

Chesterfield 1-0 Newport Co.

Padraig Amond's start was his 50th appearance for Newport County

Round Up for Tuesday, 6th March 2018

Tuesday, 6th March 2018

Championship

Burton Albion 0-2 Brentford

Damien McCrory first start since September was also the goalkeeper's 200th appearance for Burton Albion

Fulham 3-0 Sheffield United

Enda Stevens was booked for the first time in two months

Norwich 0-0 Nottingham Forest

Wes Hoolahan made his 25th appearance of the season

League 2

Accrington Stanley 1-0 Morecambe

Seamus Conneely made his 25th appearance of the season

Mansfield Town 1-1 Lincoln City

Lee Frecklington was booked for the first time since December

Newport Co. 3-3 Forest Green

Gavin Gunning scored his first goal for Forest Green Rovers since signing for them in January

Football League Trophy

Shrewsbury 1-0 Yeovil

Connor Smith was named in Yeovil's starting XI for the first time since Tuesday, 9th January

Round Up for week of Tuesday, 6th February 2018

Tuesday, 6th February 2018

Scottish Premier League

Motherwell 2-0 St Johnstone

Charles Dunne's start against St Johnstone was his 25th appearance in the SPL

Partick Thistle 0-2 Rangers

Daniel Devine returned to the Patrick starting XI for his first appearance since Wednesday, 27 December

English FA Cup

Birmingham City 1-4 Huddersfield

Sean Scannell came off the bench for his first appearance since the injury that cut short his loan spell to Burton - this was the winger's first appearance for Huddersfield since May 2017

Football League Trophy

Yeovil 3-2 Fleetwood

Connor Smith made his 25th appearance for Yeovil
Corey Whelan scored his first goal of his career, see below at 1:19
Cian Bolger's first goal in the Football League Trophy was also his tenth goal for the club. Unfortunately, Bolger also scored the third own goal of his career, his first against Yeovil, just over six years since his last OG in December 2011

Wednesday, 7 February 2018

English FA Cup

Tottenham 2-0 Newport County

Padraig Amond made his 25th start for Newport County.

Round Up for Tuesday, 9th January 2018

Tuesday, 9th January 2018

Scottish Championship

Inverness CT 4-1 Falkirk

Jake Mulraney scored his first goal of the season, this was also his first goal for Inverness Caledonian Thistle, and his first goal since April 2016

Football League Trophy

Bury 2-3 Fleetwood

Callum Reilly made his 25th appearance for Bury

Charlton 1-1 Oxford United

Canice Carroll was booked for the fifth time this season

Portsmouth 1-2 Chelsea U21

After signing for Portsmouth on loan, Connor Ronan made his first appearance for Pompey in their starting XI against Chelsea's U21 side

Yeovil 2-0 Forest Green

Following his debut in the FA Cup, Corey Whelan made his first start for Yeovil
Connor Smith scored his first goal of the season, more than a year after his last goal in October 2016

Round up for week of Monday, 1st January 2018

Monday, 1st January 2018

Premier League

Brighton and Hove Albion 2-2 Bournemouth

Shane Duffy made his 25th appearance in the Premier League

Stoke City 0-1 Newcastle Utd

Ciaran Clark made his 150th appearance in the Premier League

Championship

Derby County 1-1 Sheffield United

Enda Stevens made his 25th appearance for Sheffield United

Preston North End 2-3 Middlesbrough

Darren Randolph's booking was the goalkeeper's first yellow card since September

QPR 2-1 Cardiff

Brian Murphy made his first start for Cardiff since August

Aston Villa 5-0 Bristol City

Scott Hogan's strike was his fifth goal for Aston Villa, and his first goal since August
Conor Hourihane's goal was the midfielder's first since Saturday, 23rd September

League 1

Charlton 1-2 Gillingham

Mark Byrne made his 50th start for Gillingham
Bradley Garmston started his first game since Saturday, 28th October

Rotherham 1-1 Blackburn

Richie Towell made his 25th appearance of the season

Scunthorpe 1-0 Bury

Callum Reilly made his 50th appearance in League One

Shrewsbury 1-0 Oldham

Jack Byrne's (probably last) appearance for Oldham was his 25th appearance for the Latics

League 2

Colchester 0-0 Cambridge United

Sean Murray started his first game since Saturday, 21st October 2017

Crewe Alexandra 2-0 Grimsby

James Berrett started his first game since Saturday, 11th November

Luton 4-2 Lincoln City

James Collins made his 25th appearance for Luton
Alan Sheehan was sent off for the second time for Lincoln, the seventh time in his career, his last red card was almost a year ago on Saturday, 14th January 2017

Mansfield Town 3-1 Carlisle United

John O'Sullivan was booked for the first time this season

Yeovil 1-2 Crawley

Connor Smith's red card was the first time the player was sent off in his career

Tuesday, 2nd January 2018

Premier League

Today was the first day this season where more than one Irish player scored on the same day in the Premier League, this hasn't happened since Saturday, 4th February 2017

Southampton 1-2 Crystal Palace

Shane Long scored his first goal of the season

West Ham United 2-1 West Bromwich Albion

James McClean's first goal of the season was also his fifth goal for West Brom

Scottish Championship

Inverness CT 1-1 Livingston

Aaron Doran marked his first start in a year with his first goal since October 2016

Wednesday, 3rd January 2018

Indian Super League

ATK 1-1 GOA

Robbie Keane's goal was the first time he'd scored in consecutive club games since July 2016

Round Up for Tuesday, 17th October 2017

Tuesday, 17th October 2017

League 1

AFC Wimbledon 3-1 Rotherham

Anthony Forde picked up his first yellow card of 2017/18 in his 50th appearance for Rotherham

Blackburn 1-1 Plymouth

Graham Carey scored his 30th goal for the club. This was the midfielder's second goal in consecutive games, a feat he last achieved in September 2016.

Doncaster Rovers 2-1 Portsmouth

Ian Lawlor made his 25th appearance in the competition

Scunthorpe 1-1 Fleetwood

Cian Bolger was booked for the fifth time this season and is suspended for the next game

League 2

Cambridge United 2-1 Yeovil

Connor Smith reached two milestones against Cambridge. His appearance in the starting line up was his 50th career start, and it was also his 50th appearance in League Two

Carlisle United 3-3 Wycombe Wanderers

After not scoring since May 2016, Jamie Devitt scored two in two games, the first time the midfielder managed the feat since September 2015

Exeter 1-4 Luton

Glen Rea was booked for the first time in more than two months

Swindon Town 0-1 Lincoln City

Sean Long started a game for the first time since early September

June 2017 Transfers and Contracts

Transfers

Thursday, 1st June

Following the expiration of his contract at Brenford, midfielder Alan McCormack signed for Luton: http://www.lutontown.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/luton-town-football-sky-bet-league-two-alan-mccormack-3727772.aspx

Thursday, 8th June

Defender Eoghan O'Connell left Celtic to sign for League One side Bury on a three year deal: https://www.buryfc.co.uk/news/2017/june/confirmed-eoghan-oconnell-signs-for-the-shakers/

Friday, 9th June

Following the expiration of his contract at Chesterfield, midfielder Jay O'Shea signed a two year contract with for Bury: https://www.buryfc.co.uk/news/2017/june/confirmed-jay-oshea-signs-for-bury-football-club/

Wednesday, 14th June

After announcing he would be leaving former club MK Dons in April, midfielder Darren Potter signed a two year deal with Rotherham: https://www.themillers.co.uk/news/2017/june/signing--millers-secure-deal-for-darren-potter/

Saturday, 17th June

After five years at Aberdeen, Jonathan Hayes rejoined his former youth manager Brendan Rodgers at Celtic, signing a 3 year deal: http://www.celticfc.net/news/12794

Monday, 19th June

After a successful loan with Peterhead last season, Fiacre Kelleher left Celtic to join Oxford United on a two year deal: https://www.oufc.co.uk/news/2017/june/kelleher-signs/

Former U19 midfielder Tom Holland signed for Welsh Premier League side The New Saints: http://www.tnsfc.co.uk/player/tom-holland/

Wednesday, 21st June

Connor Smith signed a two year contract with Yeovil Town, after signing for the Pilgrims on a free transfer: https://www.ytfc.net/news/2017/june/connor-smith-signs/

Thursday, 22nd June

Defender Graham Kelly signed for Port Vale on a one year deal, with the option of a further 12 months: https://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/2017/june/welcome-to-port-vale---graham-kelly/

Friday, 23rd June

After six years, and more than 250 appearances, for Lincoln City, Alan Power signed a two year contract with Kilmarnock: http://www.kilmarnockfc.co.uk/Article?id=5792

Tuesday, 27th June

After signing a one year extension to his contract with Brentford, goalkeeper Jack Bonham signed for Carlisle on a six month loan: https://www.carlisleunited.co.uk/news/2017/june/bonhamsigns18jun17/

Defender Cieron Keane signed a year one deal with National League North side Kidderminster Harriers: http://www.harriers.co.uk/news/2017/06/27/harriers-land-defender-keane/

Thursday, 29th June

Former U21 striker James Collins signed a three year contract with Luton Town: https://www.lutontown.co.uk/news/2017/june/james-collins/

Mark Yeates left the Football League to sign for big spending Eastleigh Town: http://www.eastleighfc.com/2017/06/28/yeates-signs-for-the-spitfires/

After eight different loans during his time at Bolton, Conor Wilkinson has signed for Gillingham on a two year deal: https://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/2017/june/gills-clinch-conor-wilkinson-signing/

Friday, 30th June

David Mooney signed a two year contract with Leyton Orient, where he spent four years between 2011 and 2015, following the expiration of his contract with Southend: https://www.leytonorient.com/news/2017/june/mooney-signs/

Kevin O'Connor will join Cork City teammate Sean Maguire at Preston North End after signing a three year contract with the Lilywhites: https://www.pnefc.net/news/2017/june/preston-north-end-agree-to-sign-cork-citys-kevin-oconnor/

Charles Dunne followed his Oldham manager Steve Robinson to Motherwell, signing a one year contract, with the option of a further 12 months with the Steelmen: http://www.motherwellfc.co.uk/2017/06/30/charles-dunne-joins-the-steelmen/ 

Contracts

Tuesday, 6th June

Ahead of their return to the Championship in 2017/18, Shaun Williams signed a new one year contract with Millwall, with the option of a further 12 months: https://www.millwallfc.co.uk/news/2017/june/shaun-williams-signs-new-deal/

Friday, 23rd June

U21 defender Connor O’Grady signed an extension to his contract with Sheffield Wednesday until Summer 2018: https://www.swfc.co.uk/news/2017/june/ogrady-extends/

Monday, 26th June

Following her two assists in the Women’s FA Cup Final, Megan Campbell signed a one year extension to her contract at Man City: https://www.mancity.com/news/mcwfc/mcwfc-news/2017/june/man-city-women-megan-campbell-contract-extension

Thursday, 29th June

Graham Carey ended speculation about his future by signing a new contract with Plymouth Argyle: https://www.pafc.co.uk/news/2017/june/gc10-again/

Friday, 30th June

John O’Shea agreed a new one year deal with Sunderland, after his previous contract expired at the end of the 2016/17 season: https://www.safc.com/news/team-news/2017/june/oshea-pens-new-deal

Round Up - Week of 22nd November 2016

Tuesday, 22 November 2016

League 1

MK Dons 2-3 Chesterfield
Connor Dimaio made his 25th appearance for Chesterfield.
In the same game, Jay O'Shea scored his 40th goal for the Spirites, and unfortunately picked up his first booking this season

League 2

Cheltenham 0-3 Colchester
Owen Garvan marked his first appearance of the season (his first appearance since the end of April) with an assist

Luton 1-3 Portsmouth
Defender Glen Rea made his 25th appearance for Luton

Plymouth 0-2 Barnet
Connor Smith returned to the Plymouth starting XI for the first time October 4th, and was booked for the first time in three months

Scottish Championship

Raith 1-1 Ayr
Joel Coustrain marked the first start of his career with his first senior strike

Wednesday, 23 November 2016

MLS

Seattle Sounders FC 2-1 Colorado Rapids
Kevin Doyle scored his first goal for the Rapids since October 14th, and was booked for the first time since October 16th

Thursday, 24 November 2016

Europa League

Sparta Prague 1-0 Southampton
Shane Long returned from injury last weekend, and made his first start for the Saints since October 20th in their Europa League trip to Prague

Australian A-League

Central Coast Mariners 2-0 Perth Glory
Roy O'Donovan scored his fifth goal against Andy Keogh's side

Round Up - Weekend of 14th October 2016

Friday, 14 October 2016

Scottish Premier League

Inverness CT 0-1 Rangers
Robert Kiernan returned to the Rangers' starting XI for his first appearance since September 10th

MLS

Colorado Rapids 2-1 San Jose Earthquakes
Kevin Doyle marked his return to the Rapid's starting XI (his first start since September 4th) with two strikes, his first goals since July. Before this brace, the Wexford striker hadn't scored twice in the same game since December 2012!

Saturday, 15 October 2016

Premier League

Manchester City 1-1 Everton
James McCarthy came off the bench to make his first appearance for Everton since the end of August
Seamus Coleman was booked for the first time this season

West Bromwich Albion 1-1 Tottenham
James McClean made his 50th appearance for West Brom. THe Baggies have yet to lose a game the winger has started this season (via football365)

League 1

Charlton 3-0 Coventry
Chris McCann was booked for the fifth time this season and is suspended for the next game

Fleetwood 2-0 Peterborough
Jimmy Ryan was booked for the first time this season

Northampton 1-3 Millwall
Shaun Williams made his 250th appearance in England

Scunthorpe 2-1 MK Dons
Paddy Madden's two goals were the striker's first goals in more than a month, and the first time the former League of Ireland player had scored a brace since January

League 2

Accrington Stanley 2-1 Blackpool
John O'Sullivan made his 25th start for Accrington Stanley

Cambridge United 0-1 Grimsby
James Berrett scored his first goal for Grimsby

Carlisle United 3-2 Hartlepool
Padraig Amond's opener was his fifth goal for Hartlepool and his 40th goal in League Two

Leyton Orient 1-2 Luton
Glen Rea's return to Luton's starting XI after seven weeks was his 25th career start

Plymouth 2-2 Portsmouth
Connor Smith marked his 50th career appearance with his first goal in League Two

Scottish League One

Airdrie Utd 1-3 Peterhead
Joe Gorman made his first appearance in two months

Cypriot Premier League

Omonia Nicosia 2-0 Anorthosis Famagusta FC
Cillian Sheridan scored his fifth goal in his last five games

Sunday, 16 October 2016

MLS

Portland Timbers 1-0 Colorado Rapids
Kevin Doyle was booked for the fifth time this season

Further Reading
The Premier League's most defensive attackers - football365

Round Up - Week of 4th October 2016

Tuesday, 4 October 2016

Football League Trophy

Bolton 1-0 Blackpool
Eddie Nolan returned to the Blackpool starting XI for his first appearance since Tuesday, 30 August

Cambridge United 2-1 Middlesbrough U23
Coincidentally, Sean Long also returned to the Cambridge starting XI for his first appearance since Tuesday, 30 August

Carlisle United 2-0 Blackburn Rovers U23
Anthony Stokes made his first appearance since 27 August 2016

Fleetwood 0-2 Oldham
After coming off the bench against Bradford a week ago, Cian Bolger made his first start since Tuesday, 30 August

Doncaster Rovers 2-2 Derby County U23
Paul Keegan made his first appearance of the season and was booked for the first time in more than a year

Rochdale 2-1 Notts County
Niall Canavan made his 25th start for Rochdale
Graham Burke's start for Notts County was his first appearance since 31 August 2016

Grimsby 0-1 Leicester City U23
James McKeown was sent off for the first time in his career

Sheffield United 1-2 Walsall
Kevin Toner was booked for the first time this season

Bristol Rovers 0-0 Yeovil
Kevin Dawson was sent off for the first time in his career

AFC Wimbledon 2-1 Plymouth
Connor Smith scored his first goal of his career

Southend United 1-0 Leyton Orient
Alan Dunne made his first appearance of the season, before this the defender had not played since Sunday, 15 November 2015

Millwall 2-1 Gillingham
Emmanuel Osadebe made his 25th appearance for Gillingham

Thursday, 6th October 2016

FIFA World Cup European Qualifying

Republic of Ireland 1-0 Georgia
Seamus Coleman scored his first goal in what was his 40th appearance for Ireland
Jeff Hendrick was booked for the fifth time in his 20th start for Ireland
James McCarthy made his 40th appearance for Ireland
Robbie Brady made his 30th appearance for Ireland
Shane Long made his 70th appearance for Ireland
Jonathan Walters made his 30th start for Ireland

Round Up - Weekend of 20th August 2016

Saturday, 20 August 2016
Championship
Fulham 2-2 Cardiff
Anthony Pilkington scored his first goal of the season

Nottingham Forest 4-3 Wigan
Stephen Henderson's booking this afternoon was his first yellow card since December 2015

Reading 2-2 Brighton and Hove Albion
Paul McShane's equaliser for Reading was his first goal since February

Derby County 0-0 Aston Villa
Richard Keogh was booked for the first time this season

League 1
Millwall 2-1 Sheffield United
Shaun Williams' strike for Millwall today was the midfielder's first goal since December 2015

Rochdale 0-1 MK Dons
Conrad Logan marked his second debut for Rochdale with a penalty save

Southend United 1-1 Bristol Rovers
Simon Cox's booking today was his first booking in more than a year. Previous to this, the striker hadn't been booked since 8th August 2015

League2
Plymouth 2-0 Mansfield Town
Connor Smith made his 25th career start
Graham Carey opened his goalscoring account for the season with the first brace of his career

Portsmouth 2-0 Colchester
Adam Barton made his 25th appearance for Portsmouth

Scottish First Division 
Dundee Utd 3-0 Ayr
Willo Flood scored his first goal since 2 April 2014

Sunday, 21 August 2016
Premier League
West Ham United 1-0 Bournemouth
Harry Arter was sent off for the third time in his career, his last red card came Saturday, 5 April 2014

Round Up - Week of 16th August 2016

Tuesday, 16 August 2016
Championship
Brentford 1-0 Nottingham Forest
John Egan's yellow card in this game was his first booking since January

Preston North End 0-1 Derby County
Greg Cunningham's start in this game was his 50th appearance for Preston

Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-0 Ipswich
Matt Doherty made his 100th start for Wolves

League 1
Coventry 0-0 Bury
Chris McCann made his first appearance for Coventry as part of his loan at the Sky Blues until the new season starts in MLS next year

MK Dons 1-2 Bradford City
Billy Clarke scored his first goal of the season
Josh Cullen scored his first goal of his career

Oldham 0-0 Northampton
After signing a short term deal with Oldham, Charles Dunne made his first appearance for the Latics

Port Vale 1-0 Rochdale
Sam Foley made his 50th start for Port Vale
Niall Canavan was shown his first yellow card since February 2016

Sheffield United 0-3 Southend United
Simon Cox scored his first goal for Southend

League 2
Crewe Alexandra 3-3 Hartlepool
Padraig Amond scored his first goal for Hartlepool

Doncaster Rovers 1-0 Cambridge United
Keith Keane made his first appearance since the end of March

Notts County 1-2 Plymouth
Graham Carey made his 50th appearance for Plymouth in the same game that Connor Smith made his first start for the Pilgrims

Wednesday, 17 August 2016
Championship
Cardiff 2-1 Blackburn
Not a night to remember for Shane Duffy after scoring two own goals, and then being sent off for the second time in his club career, only five months after his first career red card in April

Newcastle Utd 4-1 Reading
Ciaran Clark made his first appearance for Newcastle

League 1
Bristol Rovers 1-2 Bolton
Conor Wilkinson was booked after making his first appearance of the season

Round Up - Week of 9th August 2016

Tuesday, 9 August 2016
English League Cup
Accrington Stanley 0-0 Bradford City
John O'Sullivans first appearance of the season was his 50th career appearance

Barnsley 1-2 Northampton
John-Joe O'Toole scored his 15th goal for Northampton

Blackpool 4-2 Bolton
Mark Yeates made his first start since February
Eddie Nolan made his first start for Blackpool since signing for them in the summer

Brighton and Hove Albion 4-0 Colchester
Louis Dunne came off the bench to make his first appearance since April

Derby County 1-0 Grimsby
Richard Keogh scored his first goal of the season in his 200th appearance for the club, this was the defender's first goal October 2015

Doncaster Rovers 1-2 Nottingham Forest
After coming off the bench to make his first appearance for Nottingham Forest at the weekend, Stephen Henderson made his first start for the club

Leyton Orient 2-3 Fulham
Sean Kavanagh made his twenty-fifth appearance for Fulham, this was the defender's first appearance since March

Mansfield Town 1-3 Blackburn
After coming off the bench to make their first appearance for Blackburn at the weekend, Anthony Stokes and Jack Byrne made their first starts for the club and Stokes marked the occasion with a brace
Shane Duffy scored his first goal in the League Cup

Preston North End 1-0 Hartlepool
Jake Carroll made his fiftieth appearance for Hartlepool - all of which he started
Eoin Doyle scored his first goal since March

Rotherham 4-5 Morecambe
Anthony Forde's first goal for Rotherham was also his first goal in the League Cup

Southend United 1-3 Gillingham
Emmanuel Osadebe made his first appearance in the League Cup
Stephen McLaughlin's fifth goal for Southend was his first goal in the League Cup

Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 Crawley
Joe Mason scored his first goal since 30th April
Mark Connolly was booked for the first time since December 2015. Connolly's subsequent sending off was the second red card of his career - the first once came on 26th February 2013

Wycombe Wanderers 0-1 Bristol City
Michael Harriman made his 150th career appearance
Derrick Williams was booked for the first time in almost 20 months, his last yellow card was on 20th December 2014

Barnet 0-4 Millwall
Aiden O'Brien scored his first goal in the competition, and his second goal in two games

Reading 2-0 Plymouth
Connor Smith came off the bench in the second half to make his debut for Plymouth

Scottish League Cup
Alloa 1-0 Inverness CT
After three games as an unused substitute, Aaron Doran came off the bench to make his first appearance for Inverness Caledonian Thistle in more than a year. The winger's last appearance came since 23rd July 2015

Dundee Utd 3-1 Partick Thistle
Willo Flood was booked for the second time this season, just over a month since his first booking on the 7th July

Rangers 5-0 Peterhead
Robert Kiernan captained Rangers on his fiftieth appearance for the club
Fiacre Kelleher scored the first own goal of his career

Wednesday, 10 August 2016
English League Cup
Burton Albion 3-2 Bury
In his first start of the season (his first since early April), Callum Reilly
scored his first goal since September 2014

Fleetwood 2-2 Leeds United
Cian Bolger made his first appearance for Fleetwood since moving to the Cod Army in the summer

Irish Player Transfers - May/June 2016

With the 2016 summer transfer window opening today, we've compiled a list of the Irish players who have already transferred, signed loan deals and signed new contract

Permanent Deals

22nd May 2016

Following his release from Southend, Cian Bolger signed a three year deal with Fleetwood Town: http://www.fleetwoodtownfc.com/news/article/fleetwood-town-cian-bolger-transfer-3121628.aspx

25th May 2016

Following the expiration of his contract with Bradford City, Alan Sheehan signed a two year deal with Luton Town: http://www.lutontown.co.uk/news/article/alan-sheehan-joins-luton-3125200.aspx

Southend midfielder Gary Deegan signed a two year deal with Shrewsbury Town: http://www.shrewsburytown.com/news/article/shrewsbury-town-gary-deegan-sky-bet-league-1-3125294.aspx

After being released by Wolverhampton Wanderers, former Monaghan United goalkeeper Aaron McCarey signed a two year contract with Ross County: http://www.rosscountyfootballclub.co.uk/news/archive/four-new-signings-for-201617-season/

31st May 2016

Folllowing a loan at Rochdale at the end of the 15/16 season, Niall Canavan has signed a two year deal with the Dale: http://www.rochdaleafc.co.uk/news/article/canavan-agrees-two-year-deal-3130195.aspx

Following loan spells at Shrewsbury and Crawley in 2015/16, Liam McAlinden signed for Exeter City: http://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/news/article/grecians-complete-third-signing-of-the-summer-3130226.asp

6th June 2016

After making almost 100 appearances for Morecambe, winger Jamie Devitt signed a two year deal with Carlisle United: http://www.carlisleunited.co.uk/news/article/winger-jamie-devitt-joins-on-....-year-deal-3131660.aspx

After impressing on trial, U18 midfielder Leo Donnellan signed a one year deal with for Dagenham and Redbridge, with an option for a further year: http://www.daggers.co.uk/news/article/leo-donnellan-signs-dagenham-and-redbridge-3136218.aspx

10th June 2016

Paddy Kenny signed with Northampton Town as their goalkeeping coach, and is registered as a player, if required: http://www.ntfc.co.uk/news/article/paddy-kenny-northampton-town-3139886.aspx

15th June 2016

Midfielder Mark Byrne has rejoined Justin Edinburgh, his former manager from Rushden & Diamonds and Newport County, at Gillingham FC on a two year deal: http://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/article/mark-byrne-joins-the-gills-3143289.aspx

17th June 2016

Following his release by Celtic, striker Anthony Stokes has signed a three year deal with Blackburn Rovers: http://www.rovers.co.uk/news/article/anthony-stokes-3145787.aspx

After loans at Dagenham & Redbridge and Stevenage in 2015/16, Jake Mulraney signed a two year deal with Inverness Caledonian Thistle: http://ictfc.com/news/team-news/1780-2-year-deal-for-jake

20th June 2016

Following a record breaking season with Grimsby in non league football, Padraig Amond has signed  for Hartlepool United: http://www.hartlepoolunited.co.uk/news/article/hartlepool-united-sign-grimsby-town-striker-padraig-amond-3146931.aspx

21th June 2016

After playing against them in the League Two play off final just a few weeks ago, Connor Smith signed for Plymouth Argyle: http://www.pafc.co.uk/news/article/connor-rolls-in-3147167.aspx

23rd June 2016

Striker Pat Hoban signed for Mansfield Town following his release from Oxford: http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/2016-17/-stags-capture-striker-3151559.aspx

25th June 2016

Defender Anthony O’Connor left newly promoted Championship side Burton Albion to sign for Aberdeen: http://www.afc.co.uk/news/8045.php

27th June 2016

After ten appearances for Luton Town on loan in 2015/16, Glen Rea signed for the Haters on a two year deal deal: http://www.lutontown.co.uk/news/article/glen-rea-luton-town-brighton-republic-of-ireland-nathan-jones-3158276.aspx

29th June 2016

After making 29 appearances on loan at Preston North End in 2015/16, striker Eoin Doyle signed a three year deal with the Lilywhites: http://www.pnefc.net/news/article/2016-17/eoin-doyle-completes-permanent-move-to-preston-north-end-3161236.aspx

30th June 2016

Former U21 winger Anthony Forde signed with Rotherham United: http://www.themillers.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/rotherham-united-anthony-forde-3162249.aspx

James Berrett left York City to sign for Grimsby Town on a two year deal: http://www.grimsby-townfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/mariners-sign-berrett-3162278.aspx

Loans

29th June 2016

After spending 2015/16 on loan with Dutch side SC Cambuur, promising U21 midfielder Jack Byrne signed a one year loan with Blackburn Rovers, joining Shane Duffy, Darragh Lenihan, John O’Sullivan and Anthony Stokes: http://www.rovers.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/rovers-jack-byrne-manchester-city-3160876.aspx

New Contracts

9th June 2016

Despite having his career with Everton disrupted by injury, Darron Gibson signed a two year extension: http://www.evertonfc.com/news/2016/06/09/gibson-pens-new-deal

10th June 2016

A one year extension was triggered in Wes Hoolahan’s Norwich City contract: http://www.canaries.co.uk/news/article/norwich-city-contracts-3139779.aspx

29th June 2016

West Ham’s Declan Rice signed a three year deal with the club: http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2016/June/29-June/Rice-signs-new-contract

30th June 2016

Defender Stephen Kelly signed a one year extension to his contract with Rotherham: http://www.themillers.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/stephen-kelly-rotherham-united-3161698.aspx

May 2016 Appearance Stats

Irish Abroad players appearance statistics for May 2016

Wins
Shane Long and Anthony Stokes both finished 2016/16 with three wins in the last month of the season

Draws
Robbie Keane and James McClean's started two draws in May

Losses
Aberdeen teammates Willo Flood and Jonathan Hayes started three losses as the Don's title challenge petered out

Starts/Completed Games
Stokes started and completed all six of Hibernian's games in May, two more than any other player

Substitutions/Introductions
Flood was also substituted in two of hid games, as many as fellow midfielder Josh Cullen and striker Connor Smith, while striker Richie Foran was introduced three times for Inverness

Stayed On Bench
Due to a reduced number of games in May, defender Aidan White has the rare distinction of being an outfield player left on the bench more than a goalkeeper - three times in total

Goals
Strikers Keane, Stokes, Graham Cummins and defender Daniel Devine all scored twice in May while Foran and David McGoldrick were the only players to score a penalty. For each of the top scorers, their respective teams went on to win when they scored, except for Cummins who won one and drew one of the games where he scored

Discipline
Stokes was also the only player to be shown more than one yellow card, the on loan striker was booked twice in May

Round Up - Weekend of 15th April 2016

Friday, 15 April 2016
Championship
Hull City 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
David Meyler returned to the Hull starting XI for the first time since 8th March

Saturday, 16 April 2016
Premier League
Everton 1-1 Southampton
Darron Gibson returned to the starting XI for his first start since 9th January, this was also his first league start of the season. Remarkably, his booking today was the first time he'd been booked since September 2013 - it's been more than 900 days since his last yellow at club level!

Championship
Blackburn 0-2 Huddersfield
Shane Duffy and Darragh Lenihan were both booked for the tenth time this season. All of Lenihan's bookings this season have come in 2016.

Sheffield Wednesday 1-1 Ipswich
David McGoldrick made his first for Ipswich start since 31st October

League 1
Coventry 2-1 Millwall
Shaun Williams was sent off for the third time for Millwall (fourth in his career), his last red card was in December 2014

Gillingham 0-2 Port Vale
John Egan made his first start since 13th February

League 2 
AFC Wimbledon 1-0 Crawley
Connor Smith was booked for the first time this season, after more than two years since his last booking in February 2014
Charles Dunne was booked for the first time this season, having not been booked since January 2015

Bristol Rovers 2-1 Yeovil
Rory Gaffney scored his tenth goal of the season, more than a month after his last goal

Portsmouth 1-2 Plymouth
Carl McHugh was booked for the tenth time this season

Stevenage 2-1 Newport Co.
Jake Mulraney scored his first goal for Stevenage, which was also the first goal of the season, and the first goal of his career! Congratulations Jake!

Scottish FA Cup
Hibernian 0-0 Dundee Utd
Conrad Logan made his first appearance since December 2014, after recently signing a short term deal with Hibs

Sunday, 17 April 2016
Premier League
Arsenal 1-1 Crystal Palace
Damien Delaney made his 150th appearance for Crystal Palace

Monday, 18 April 2016
Premier League
Stoke City 0-4 Tottenham
Shay Given made his first start since 22nd September, and his first league start since May!

Further Reading
DAVID SHONFIELD: Cesare Maldini: The Italian who turned defending into an art - Irish Examiner
Football clubs trawl social media for gaffes by transfer targets - The Guardian
"The future for the League of Ireland is to have academies" according to Ruud Dokter - Off The Ball

Round Up - Midweek games of 23rd February 2016

Tuesday, 23 February 2016
Championship
Brentford 3-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Matt Doherty made his one hundredth appearance for Wolves

Bristol City 0-4 Brighton and Hove Albion
Alex Pearce made his first start for Bristol City since signing for them on loan

Middlesbrough 3-1 Cardiff
Following his man of the match performance at the weekend, Anthony Pilkington made his fiftieth appearance for Cardiff against Middlesbrough

Reading 1-0 Rotherham
Paul Green made his fiftieth start for Rotherham, while Stephen Kelly returned to the matchday squad for the first time in more than two months

League 2
York City 1-2 Northampton
James Collins scored his fifth goal for Northampton

AFC Wimbledon 1-0 Carlisle United
Connor Smith made his first start for AFC Wimbledon since signing for them following his release from Watford, it was the player's first minutes of football since September

Accrington Stanley 3-2 Notts County
Graham Burke came off the bench to make his first appearance for Notts County since early January, while fellow substitute Ronan Murray scored his first goal of the season

Barnet 1-0 Portsmouth
Enda Stevens made his one hundredth career appearance in England since leaving Shamrock Rovers

Thursday, 25 February 2016
CONCACAF Champions League
LA Galaxy 0-0 Santos Laguna
Robbie Keane led the line for LA Galaxy in their first game of the 2016 season
Further Reading
Giovanni Trapattoni praises Roy Keane impact with Ireland - goal.com
On being tired of football - Popular Stand

January 2016 Transfer Window - Permanent Deals

Permanent Deals
Tuesday, 5th January 2016
After negotiating a release from his contract at Tottenham Hotspur, U21 winger Kenny McEvoy signed for York City until the end of the season: http://www.yorkcityfootballclub.co.uk/news/article/kenny-mcevoy-inks-permanent-york-city-contract-2885894.aspx

Wednesday, 6th January 2016
Following a succesful loan, former QPR midfielder Michael Harriman signed for Wycombe Wanderers on a three and a half year deal: http://www.wycombewanderers.co.uk/news/article/michael-harriman-signs-permanent-deal-2887055.aspx

Thursday, 7th January 2016
Darren O'Dea has returned to the Scottish Premier League after a nomadic career including Canada, Ukraine and India and has signed for Dundee FC until the end of the season: http://www.dundeefc.co.uk/news/odea-is-a-dee
In a similar situation to James Collins, Liam Lawrence signed for Bristol Rovers until the end of the season: http://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/news/article/liam-lawrence-signs-for-the-club-2888454.aspx
Mark Yeates signed for Blackpool on a 18 month deal: http://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/news/article/yeates-agrees-blackpool-deal-2889176.aspx

Friday, 8th January 2016
Following a release from his contract at Rotherham, former U21 defender Aidan White has signed for Barnsley until the end of the season: http://www.barnsleyfc.co.uk/news/article/aidy-white-signs-for-the-reds-2889972.aspx
After training with the club, Stephen Hunt signed for Coventry City on a short term contract: http://www.ccfc.co.uk/news/article/signing-stephen-hunt-coventry-city-short-term-2890421.aspx
Midfielder Jimmy Keohane signed for Sligo Rovers following his release by Woking Town: http://www.sligorovers.com/news/16/jan/keohane-latest-agree-terms

Monday, 11th January 2016
After making only one appearance for Peterborough since signing for them in the summer 2015 transfer window, U21 midfielder Kieran Sadlier has signed for Sligo Rovers ahead of the new season in the League of Ireland: http://sligorovers.com/news/16/jan/sadlier-joins-bit-ored

Thursday, 14th January 2016
Following a successful loan spell earlier in the season, in which he scored five times in seven games, Rory Gaffney returned to Bristol Rovers on a permanent deal: http://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/news/article/signing-rory-gaffney-becomes-a-rovers-player-2901352.aspx

Thursday, 16th January 2016
Following international clearance, Joe Gorman signed for Conference South side Maidenhead United: http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/maidenheadunited/news/gorman-cleared-to-join-squad-for-woking-tie-1552785.html

Friday, 15th January 2016
Fury FC’s Cork born defender Colin Falvey signed for NASL rivals Indy Eleven: http://www.indyeleven.com/news/2016/01/15/falvey-transfer

Friday, 22nd January 2016
Kevin Foley signed for Ipswich until the end of the season: http://www.itfc.co.uk/news/article/ipswich-town-sign-kevin-foley-as-a-free-agent-2914921.aspx
After negotiating a release from his contract with Watford, Connor Smith signed for AFC Wimbledon: http://www.afcwimbledon.co.uk/news/article/done-deal-connor-signs-2915251.aspx

Thursday, 28th January 2016
James Chambers signed with United Soccer League side Bethlehem Steel: http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/post/2016/01/27/bethlehem-steel-fc-add-eight-roster
Former U21 striker Joe Mason moved from Cariff to Wolverhampton Wanderers on a three and a half year deal: http://www.wolves.co.uk/news/article/read-mason-nets-wolves-move-2926297.aspx

Monday, 1st February 2016
Following a short trial after being released by Sheffield United, midfielder Connor Dimaio signed for Chesterfield FC until the end of the season: http://www.chesterfield-fc.co.uk/news/article/young-midfielder-signs-2932503.aspx
After making his fiftieth appearance for former club Carlisle at the weekend, Gary Dicker signed for Kilmarnock on a permanent deal: http://www.kilmarnockfc.co.uk/Article?id=3404