Sligo Rovers have signed defender Reece Hutchinson on loan from English League One side Cheltenham Town ahead of the upcoming SSE Airtricity League campaign.
Hutchinson, who has signed for the club until the end of June 2023 came through the youth ranks of Burton Albion, making 43 appearances in League One as well as a number of cup appearances for the Brewers before moving to Cheltenham Town in 2021.
Bit O' Red Manager John Russell was on the look out for defensive cover heading into the new season after injuries to Garry Buckley and Garry Boylan and he is happy to secure the signing of the 22-year-old left back.
"I’m delighted to sign Reece on a loan deal until July," said Russell.
"When Gary Boylan suffered his injury, it was important we brought in another full back to add quality and depth to our group.
"Reece is an attacking full back who comes to us with a lot of experience at League One and I know from our conversations he is excited by the challenge ahead and we’re all looking forward to working with him’’.
Hutchinson is in line to make his debut on Friday night as Sligo Rovers take on Wexford at The Showgrounds in a pre-season friendly.
"I’m really excited to be here," said Hutchinson. "As soon as I heard of an opportunity to come abroad and play in Ireland I wanted to get it done as soon as possible.
"I spoke with John and he has big ambitions for the club as well as me for the season ahead. I want to perform at a high level and this is the perfect platform for me to progress in my career."
Cork City have added to their Scandinavian contingent with Swedish attacker Daniel Krezic moving to Turner's Cross.
He joins the club having played for Degerfors and Varberg in the Swedish top-flight for the last three seasons.
Krezic said: "I am really excited to be at Cork City. It is a new adventure for me and I am really looking forward to helping the team in the season ahead. I am fast winger, I like to attack and take defenders on one-on-one, and I hope I can add some goals and assists to the team."
City manager Colin Healy said: "Daniel is a good player and he will add to our attacking options. He's played for the last few years in the top division in Sweden, so he has played at a good level and he has good experience. We are very pleased to have him at the club and we are looking forward to seeing him in action soon."
Meanwhile, Finn Harps have announced the signing of midfielder Katlego Mashigo. The South-Africa international is the latest addition to Dave Rogers' squad ahead of the 2023 campaign.
Mashigo began his career with St Kevin’s Boys before moving to Fleetwood Town. He returned to Dublin with Bohemians before spells at Waterford, Athlone Town and most recently Portadown.
"I am delighted to put pen to paper and sign a one year deal with Finn Harps," said Mashigo.
"The moment I knew Dave had an interest in me and we met in person I was drawn by the professionalism, standards and vision he has in this new exciting era at the club.
"He is a real players’ manager and I know that he and his backroom staff are committed to helping us grow as both people and players, as well as creating a real environment of togetherness in the group combined with a winning mentality."
Manager Rogers, expressed his excitement at the signing, saying: "Kat fits all the criteria we are looking for in a midfielder: tenacious, energetic, dynamic and an energy to run and work hard constantly in the middle of the park.
"We really feel that Kat can and will fulfil his potential here at Finn Park and he has a strong desire and enthusiasm to be a part of the club and sees this as a solid opportunity to progress his career with us.
"Kat also has ambitions to get back into the South African international set up and we will make sure he gets the arena and environment and the support of the Blue and White Army to help him achieve his goals."
