Chris Forrester has given St Patrick's Athletic a boost as the PFAI Player of the Year nominee has signed a new long-term contract with the club.
The 28-year-old enjoyed a fine season at Inchicore and helped the Saints to victory in the FAI Cup as he bagged a memorable goal in the final.
Manager Stephen O’Donnell resigned last week ahead of a surprise move to Dundalk and the expiry of Forrester’s contract was a worry for Pat’s.
However, owner Garrett Kelleher was on hand in Inchicore this afternoon as it was confirmed Forrester had penned a new deal today.
Kelleher said: "Chris has had a great season with the club and is thoroughly deserving of his nomination for PFAI Player of the Season.
"He will continue to be an integral part of the club over the next few years. On behalf of the board and myself we are excited about what the future holds for the club with personalities like Chris here."
Elsewhere Shelbourne have continued their squad-building under new boss Damien Duff with the acquisition of Mark Coyle from Finn Harps.
Coyle was voted Player of the Year at Harps as the Donegal side now lose another key player from their squad.
Adam Foley (Drogheda United) and Sean Boyd (Shelbourne) have already departed along with Shane McEleney (Derry City).
Duff said: "It is brilliant that Mark has decided to join Shelbourne Football Club. He has an amazing desire and hunger to win, on top of his impressive footballing qualities. He wears his heart on his sleeve and he is someone that the fans, the players and staff will relate to"
Coyle is moving to Dublin after several season at Harps and is eager to start at his new club: "I’m excited about moving down and joining a club like Shelbourne and one now which is an exciting project. Chatting to Damien, it was really exciting and clearly a massive opportunity for myself.
"I’m really excited too for games like the derbies where it will be hostile and the fans will be on top of the tight ground here. I want to improve and make a mark on the team. There’s high ambitions here and that’s what will drive us on."
Will Fitzgerald has become Sligo Rovers' first signing for next season.
The 22-year-old featured in all but one of Derry’s games this season, contributing seven assists over the year and continuing his fine career so far in the League of Ireland.
The Limerick man has played over 80 games in the league despite just being 22, having previously featured for his hometown club and Waterford FC.
