Irish Player Transfers, Loans and Contracts - July 2016

Transfers
1st July 2016
After being named Gillingham’s Player of the Season, and named in the League One Team of the Season for 2015/16, John Egan signed for Brentford on a three year deal: http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/brentford-sign-john-egan-on-three-year-deal-3164535.aspx

2nd July 2016
Mark Connolly returned to Crawley Town, where he made 80 appearances before signing for Scottish Premier League side Kilmarnock: http://www.crawleytownfc.com/news/article/2016-17/crawley-town-3165042.aspx

4th July 2016
Defender Paul Rooney left Bohemians to sign for Millwall and will go into their U21 team: http://www.millwallfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/millwall-paul-rooney-lions-fans-the-den-league-one-efl-3167141.aspx

5th July 2016
After his contract with Plymouth Argyle expired, Carl McHugh signed a two year deal with Motherwell: http://www.motherwellfc.co.uk/?p=52391

6th July 2016
Midfielder Chris McCann has signed for new MLS side Atlanta United, and will go on loan until joining them for the 2017 season next year: http://atlutd.com/atlanta-united-signs-irish-midfielder-chris-mccann/

7th July 2016
Former U21 striker Rhys Murphy signed for non league side Forest Green Rovers: http://www.forestgreenroversfc.com/news/first-team-news/2016/rhys-murphy-signs-from-oldham-athletic

11th July 2016
After his contract with Shrewsbury town was cancelled, striker James Collins signed a three year deal with Crawley town: http://www.crawleytownfc.com/news/article/2016-17/crawley-town-james-collins-english-football-league-two-3178052.aspx

12th July 2016
Bradford City triggered Colin Doyle’s release clause of £1 to sign the goalkeeper on a two year deal: http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/city-complete-doyle-deal-3180658.aspx

13th July 2016
Jimmy Dunne signed for Burnley on a two year deal, and will join their development squad: http://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/news/article/2016-17/jimmy-dunne-joins-the-clarets-3183298.aspx

14th July 2016
Winger Callum O’Dowda left his hometown club Oxford to sign a three year contract with Championship side Bristol City: http://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/odowda-wings-in-from-oxford-3186218.aspx

Willo Flood signed a one year contract with Dundee United, the fourth time the winger has signed for the Tangerines: http://dufc.co/news/flood-signs/

15th July 2016
After a short trial at Raith Rovers, Limerick midfielder Joel Coustrain signed a one year contract with the Kircaldy side: http://www.raithrovers.net/25716/further-signing-news.htm

16th July 2016
Striker Simon Cox signed a two year deal with Southend United, after his contract with Reading was cancelled: http://www.southendunited.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/simon-cox-signs-3188812.aspx

22nd July 2016
After spending two seasons at Charlton, goalkeeper Stephen Henderson signed a three year contract with Nottingham Forest: http://www.nottinghamforest.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/nottingham-forest-stephen-henderson-signing-transfer-3200360.aspx

25th July 2016
Wexford Youths defender Ryan Delaney signed for Burton Albion on a two year deal, with an option of another year: http://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/brewers-confirm-three-more-additions-to-nigel-cloughs-squad-3206024.aspx

27th July 2016
After being released by Liverpool, defender Daniel Cleary signed for Birmingham City on a one year deal, with an option of another year:  http://www.bcfc.com/news/article/2016-17/birmingham-city-daniel-cleary-3209393.aspx

28th July 2016
After a brief trial, midfielder Paul Green signed a one year contract with League One side Oldham Athletic: http://www.oldhamathletic.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/signing-midfielder-green-pens-contract-with-latics-3212161.aspx

Wicklow born defender Pierce Sweeney signed for Exeter City, where his wages will be paid by the 1931 fund: http://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/exeter-city-new-signing-pierce-sweeney-3212093.aspx

29th July 2016
Following his release from Leeds United, and a trial with Portsmouth, U21 goalkeeper Eric Grimes signed for Cork City: http://www.corkcityfc.ie/home/2016/07/29/eric-grimes-signs-city/

Loans
8th July 2016
U19 defender Shaun Donnellan signed for Stevenage FC on loan until January 2017: http://www.stevenagefc.com/news/article/2016-17/defender-shaun-donnellan-signs-on-loan-from-west-brom-3174517.aspx

Following his successful season at Falkirk in 2015/16, Danny Rogers has returned to the Bairns for another season long loan: http://www.falkirkfc.co.uk/bairns-delight-as-rogers-returns/

25th July 2016
Celtic defender Fiacre Kelleher signed for Peterhead FC on a six month loan: http://www.peterheadfc.com/news/item/1582-peterhead-complete-kelleher-signing

28th July 2016
Reading defender Sean Long signed for Cambridge on a six month loan: http://www.cambridge-united.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/-cambridge-united-sign-full-back-sean-long-on-six-month-loan-3213014.aspx

29th July 2016
Millwall goalkeeper David Forde signed a season long loan with League Two side Portsmouth: http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/pompey-sign-goalkeeper-david-forde-on-loan-from-millwall-3212084.aspx

30th July 2016
Everton’s Ireland U17 midfielder Stephen Kinsella signed for St Patrick’s Athletic on loan until the end of the current League of Ireland season: http://www.stpatsfc.com/news.php?id=7244

Contracts
4th July 2016
Promising striker Jean-Yves Poame signed a two year contract with Sunderland: https://www.safc.com/news/academy-news/2016/july/scholarship-announcement

12th July 2016
Glenn Whelan extended his contract with Stoke City to the summer of 2018: http://www.stokecityfc.com/news/article/2016-17/glenn-whelan-new-contract-3180812.aspx

U19 winger Adam McDonnell signed a new two year contract with Ipswich Town: http://www.itfc.co.uk/news/article/adam-mcdonnell-signs-a-contract-extension-3150363.aspx

14th July 2016
U21 defender Noe Baba signed a one year extension to his deal with Birmingham City: http://www.bcfc.com/news/article/2016-17/noe-baba-birmingham-city-3185967.aspx

15th July 2016
U21 midfielder Harry Charsley signed a one year contract at Everton, keeping him at Goodison Park until the summer of 2017: http://www.evertonfc.com/news/2016/07/15/new-deals-for-charsley-and-robinson

19th July 2016
Rob Kiernan signed a one year extension to his contract at Rangers, keeping him at Ibrox until 2018: http://rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/wes-rob-extend-contracts/

21 July 2016
Shane Long signed a new four year deal with Southampton: http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/20160721-shane-long-new-southampton-contract-announcement-3199534.aspx

31st July 2016
Ahead of their first appearance at the Olympic Stadium, West Ham have confirmed that Darren Randolph has signed a new four year deal with the Hammers: http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2016/July/31-July/New-deal-for-Darren

The Italian Jobs

Following the Republic of Ireland's win against Italy in Euro 2016, we wondered if there was anything interesting to be found in the history of Italian losses in international tournaments - FIFA World Cup, FIFA Confederations Cup and UEFA European Championship. Note that these results are over 90 minutes only, losses on penalties and losses in extra time (e.g. the 2-1 loss to France in 2000 European Championships) were not taken into account.

Only 17 teams hold tournament victories over the Azzuri - Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Ireland, Netherlands, North Korea, Poland, Slovakia, Soviet Union, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Uruguay.

Of these, Netherlands, Soviet Union, Switzerland and now Ireland have beaten Italy twice in international competitions. Brazil have a record four tournament wins (Two World Cup, two Confederations Cup) victories over Italy.

Both of Switerland's wins have come in World Cup games. Only Netherlands, Soviet Union and Ireland have beaten Italy in both the World Cup and the European Championships.

Both of Ireland's wins have come in the group stages of tournaments (1994 and 2016), a record we share with Brazil's two group stage victories in the 2009 and 2013 Confederations Cup. The Netherlands' wins came in the group stages of Euro 2008, and in the second group stage of the 1978 World Cup - there was no "knock out" stage in that tournament, the eight winners and runners up of the first group stage were grouped into two groups of four for the second round, with the winners of each group facing off in the final.

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