DFC | Busy winter expected at Oriel Park with Sloggett due to arrive but Benson looks set for a move to Pat’s
CEO Mark Devlin announced his departure this week
Derry City midfielder Greg Sloggett is set to become Dundalk’s first new signing of the winter after agreeing personal terms with the SSE Airtricity League champions.
The former UCD star enjoyed a fine campaign at the Brandywell, making 34 league appearances to help the Candsytripes to a fourth-placed finish and a place in Europe next season.
A native of Meath, Sloggett’s desire to move closer to home meant he was reluctant to stay on Foyleside for another season and the 23-year-old, who was pictured at Sunday’s FAI Cup final, will be unveiled as a Dundalk player when he returns from holiday.
A busy winter is anticipated at Oriel Park with question marks hanging over a number of squad members. Stephen Folan’s departure to Australian side South Melbourne FC has already been confirmed while full-backs Dean Jarvis and Cameron Dummigan are also set to move on.
Despite being at the club since 2012, John Mountney’s future is unclear while Jamie McGrath, whose contract is coming to an end, has yet to commit to a new deal with the Lilywhites.
The most surprising exit, however, could be that of Robbie Benson who is expected to join up with his former teammate and housemate Stephen O’Donnell at St Patrick’s Athletic.
Dundalk have offered Benson a new deal but after four seasons at Oriel Park, the 27-year-old is keen for a new challenge and his move to Inchicore is set to be finalised after the Unite the Union Cup second-leg tie with Linfield next week.
O’Donnell has also been linked with a move for Lilywhites captain Brian Gartland. The 33-year-old, who was Dundalk’s man of the match in the FAI Cup final, is under contract at Oriel Park until the end of the 2020 season but has been frustrated at his lack of game time since penning a new deal in July.
Speaking on the St Pat’s website on Thursday afternoon, O’Donnell said that he had identified targets and that new signings were imminent at Richmond Park.
“If you have players with good attitudes then that’s half the battle,” said the former Dundalk captain. “That’s what I’m hoping to build. I want hungry enthusiastic players that want to progress their own career and in doing that they’ll help St Patrick’s Athletic.”
Changes have also taken place off the field in recent days with CEO Mark Devlin confirming on Tuesday that he was leaving the club, just seven months after taking up the role.
“I may only have been here for a relatively short period of time, but I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience and time in Dundalk,” said the former Brentford chief executive.
“The club is fortunate to have a very dedicated set of staff and volunteers and a playing squad which represents the club so well on and off the pitch.
“It has been a pleasure to work here and I wish the club every success in the future. However, family issues mean the time is right for me to return to the UK and seek a new challenge.”
