Wexford Youths have signed former Ipswich Town midfielder Paul Murphy and goalkeeper Matthew Connor as they gear up for life in the Airtricity League Premier Division.
Twenty-four-year-old Wexford native Murphy has signed from from local side North End United. He has had previous spells with Ipswich and Waterford United and represented Republic of Ireland from U15 to U19 levels.
"It's a great feeling joining my hometown club," he said. "[Manager] Shane Keegan rang me a few weeks and said he wanted me in his panel.
"He's very impressive and leaves no stone unturned in his preparation. It was too good an opportunity to turn down. I came to Ferrycarrig Park for every home game last season and it'll great to be part of it this year."
Murphy admitted he almost joined Youths on a number of occasions, but the timing never seemed to be right until now.
"There were a couple of times when I could have joined, the closest was last season. I played in a friendly with Youths in Carlow in July.
"It was all but signed and last minute I pulled out. I felt the lads had put the mileage in and were going to win the league anyway so I decided that I wouldn't jump on the bandwagon."
Murphy is looking forward to teaming up with fellow Wexford native Danny Furlong but is under no illusion he has a massive job to do in pre-season to get to the level required, as Keegan's men look to make an impression on the top flight.
"A few people have mentioned that they're looking forward to me and Danny playing together, and it is exciting but firstly I've got to get myself fit and ready.
"I have some way to got to catching up with the lads who have been playing at a standard that requires a certain fitness level. Not only that, but I also have to prove to the boss that I'm worthy of a place in the team ahead of some quality players."
"I got a call off Shane (Keegan) a few weeks back and I had a very positive meeting with him" - Matthew Connor
Also joining is 18-year-old goalkeeper Connor, who has spent the last two seasons at Waterford United.
Connor has been capped for the Republic of Ireland at U17 and U18 level and played his schoolboy football with Tramore AFC in Waterford. He also lined out for numerous Waterford Schoolboy League teams and the Waterford Inter League Youth squad.
“I’m delighted to be joining the club,” Connor said after signing. “It's a club that’s going in the right direction and there's a great bunch of lads here; staff and players, and I’m already impressed with the level of professionalism around the club and I'm really looking forward to the challenges ahead.
“I got a call off Shane (Keegan) a few weeks back and I had a very positive meeting with him.
"I knew a lot about the club from being away with a few of the players in Korea during last season (with the Irish college’s team). With what Shane had to add, it really was a no-brainer to join.”
Wexford Youths won promotion to the Premier Division for the first time last season and begin life in the top flight at home to Longford on 4 March.
