Waterford have taken advantage of Dundalk’s relegation to the First Division by signing one-time Republic of Ireland international Andy Boyle.
Boyle won four League of Ireland Premier Division titles, alongside two FAI Cups during his time at Oriel Park.
He moved to Preston North End in 2017 at the height of that success, where he made 12 appearances before having loan spells at Doncaster, Dundee FC and Ross County.
In the same year, he played 45 minutes for Ireland against Iceland at the Aviva Stadium.
The experienced central defender made the move back home to Dundalk in the summer of 2019 and has over 450 League of Ireland appearances to date.
He was unable to help the crisis-hit Lilywhites avoid the drop this year and was out of contract, agreeing a deal with Keith Long’s Blues today.
Boyle said: “It’s brilliant to be here. As soon as Keith rang me a couple of weeks ago, I was really happy to hear he wanted me to come down. I’m really happy to get going now.
“It’s a club that’s going places. Every time you play against them, they’re an exciting team to play against. I think the little bit of experience I have will help the group here.
“Of course it was a difficult decision to leave Dundalk. Over the last number of years it hasn’t gone to plan – I think everyone knows of the off-the-field issues, but look I’m just looking forward now to the future and a fresh start.
“The experience was something Keith mentioned to me, to come in and help the group. I’m just looking forward to meeting the lads now and the new season.”
Long is happy to bring the veteran to Waterford as he looks to improve on this year’s seventh place, establishing the club in the Premier Division after promotion.
“Andy is the type of player we need at the club,” the Blues boss stated.
“He’s got a huge amount of League of Ireland experience and European experience, along with experience playing in the UK.
“I think if we’re looking for leaders, Andy will certainly bring those leadership qualities to the team. He has lots of experience like I said and I’m sure he can help the team progress on the pitch this year.
“He’s a great professional with a great attitude, and we’re delighted to have him.”
Waterford gave a detailed squad update yesterday, with Ben McCormack and Darragh Leahy signing new contracts.
They confirmed the departures of Christie Pattisson, Connor Evans, Connor Parsons, Dean Larkin, Gbemi Arubi, Joseph Forde, Niall O’Keeffe, Robbie McCourt and Sam Bellis
Barry Baggley and Kacper Skiwerczynski return to their parent clubs, along with summer loanees Louis Jones and Sam Glenfield from sister club Fleetwood Town.
Elsewhere, Collie Whelan has signed for Bohemians in a multi-year agreement.
He joins from Derry City having recently returned to the field after doing his cruciate twice in 12 months, injuries which prevented him showing his true potential at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.
Previous to that, the Kilkenny native played for UCD, scoring 15 goals in their First Division campaign in 2020 and continuing that form into the following season, leading to a call-up for the Republic of Ireland U21s.
He had scored four goals in the top flight in 2022 before suffering the first of his cruciate injuries but he says it’s a fresh start in Phibsboro.
“I’m delighted to get it over the line, and I am really looking forward to getting started,” said Whelan.
“Bohs is a good fit for me and having spoken with Rennie [manager, Alan Reynolds], he was a big sway in me coming here. I have a good relationship with him already.
“He likes me and trusts me, so I am really looking forward to it. I’ve had a tough couple of years but that humbles you, and makes you work hard to get back out on the pitch.
“Over the past few months, I’ve played a good few minutes with Derry City, and now I’m looking forward to getting more, and trying to win games for Bohs.”
Reynolds added: “Collie is an outstanding talent with a real eye for goal and I am delighted to have him on board as our No 9 for next season.
“He is a player that I had with Waterford, at Derry City and worked with for the Ireland U21s. I have a long connection with him and I know how good a player he can be.
“His link-up play is good, and he is a player who just wants to score goals, and I think he is a massive signing for the club. He has been back playing for four or five months now after his injury. That time back will stand to him and I feel that with a strong pre-season under his belt and a run of games, he will be a serious asset to this club.”
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