Former Bohemians midfielder Liam Burt has signed for Shamrock Rovers ahead of the 2023 SSE Airtricity League season.
The 23-year-old Scot began his career with Rangers, making his first-team debut in March 2016, while enjoying loan spells with Dumbarton and Alloa Athletic
Burt then spent some time with Celtic before moving to Dalymount Park in February 2021. He made 62 league appearances for Bohemians, bagging 15 goals - including the winner in their 1-0 win over Rovers in September.
He also found the net against Stjarnan at the Aviva Stadium during last year's Europa Conference League run. Burt represented Scotland at various youth levels up to Under-21 level. He is one of only six post-war players to have played for the two main teams in Glasgow.
"Liam has really good attributes that can definitely improve us. He's very quick and direct and he's a different type of attacking player than what we have in the group at the moment," said Rovers head coach Stephen Bradley.
"When you look at his history and the moves that he's had, it takes a strong character and a strong person to make those moves and I don't see this one being any different. He's a great age for us and he has great attributes, so I've no doubt he'll deal with the move quite well."
Rovers have also been boosted by the decision of goalkeeper Alan Mannus to prolong his stay at the Dublin club for another season, at least.
The veteran keeper was expected to hang up his gloves at the end of the title-winning campaign, however, Mannus is one of a number of players who have re-signed ahead of the 2023 campaign, including Lee Grace, Roberto Lopes, Gary O'Neill, Aaron Greene and Sean Kavanagh.
Bohs have softened the blow of losing Burt with the arrival of attackers James Akintunde from Derry City and Dean Williams from Drogheda United on multi-year deals.
Englishman Akintunde, 26, joins after three seasons on Foyleside having been signed for the Candystripes by Declan Devine - now Bohs boss - in 2020.
"When James became available it was a no-brainer for me to try to bring him to Bohemians," said Devine.
"I brought him to Ireland, and I know all of his qualities and attributes. He will offer us tremendous versatility in the front three positions."
Williams, 22, came through the ranks at Shamrock Rovers before loan spells with Athlone Town, Bray Wanderers and Longford Town, before moving to the Drogs last winter.
"Deano is a Dublin-based player and that is something I want at the club; local lads who get the club and who will have a feel for it," Devine added.
"He is a young player who I feel is going to have a big future in this league."
Earlier on Friday Shamrock Rovers announced that midfielder Chris McCann has departed after two seasons at the club.
The 35-year-old Dubliner signed for the club in late 2020, winning two Premier Division titles in two seasons at the Tallaght club and emerging as an ever-present in their first ever Europa Conference League campaign in 2022.
Shelbourne have brought in Matty Smith from Derry City.
The 25-year-old Scottish attacker arrives from the Brandywell on a permanent deal having spent half of last season on loan at Tolka Park.
The Reds saw off stiff competition for the signature of the highly sought-after Scotland native, who had plenty of offers at the conclusion of the 2023 League of Ireland season.
Smith made 15 appearances for Damien Duff's side after joining at the end of July 2022.
"Matty is back to his best and will improve again which is exciting," said Duff.
"He is a big player in the league and very popular in the dressing room too. He is very happy here hence there was no reason for him to leave."
Waterford have captured striker Thomas Oluwa from Athlone Town.
The 21-year-old scored 11 goals last season for Athlone and becomes Danny Searle's first new signing ahead of the new campaign.
"I’m delighted to be signing for such a great club," said Oluwa.
"Everything here is set up brilliantly and the facilities are top class. I’ve seen first-hand what the players here are capable of and I know the buzz that the fans create both home and away.
"I’m excited to get the chance to play my football here and play my part in the push for promotion for the club."
