Bohemians have made another big acquisition for next season with Sligo Rovers captain Niall Morahan ending his long association with the Bit O’ Red to move to Dalymount Park.
The Gypsies recruited former Republic of Ireland Under-21 striker Colm Whelan yesterday from Derry City and have followed it up with the Sligo midfielder.
He played over 190 games for the Bit O’ Red after coming through their academy.
Alan Reynolds has made early moves in the market, confirming the departure of eight players and bringing in Whelan and Morahan.
Speaking about the addition of Morahan on a multi-year contract, Reynolds said: “This is another big coup for us. Niall is a really exciting player, a real leader and he will be a massive addition to our squad, giving us real options and competition in midfield.
“His age profile is perfect for the club, he’s 24 years of age, captain of Sligo Rovers last year, so has the leadership qualities we need to push on together as a group.
“It’s a big move for him to come to Bohemians after so many years with Sligo Rovers, so I am delighted that we have been able to bring him to the club and that he believes in what we are trying to achieve here.
“He’s the type of midfielder that we were really missing at times this season due to injuries to certain players, and I believe he is going to cement himself as a real fans’ favourite at Dalymount Park.
“Despite still being young, he knows this league inside out, and he has a lot of experience under his belt.
“He played nearly every minute for Sligo this year and had a pivotal role in the improvements they made this year. We can’t wait to get working with him.”
Morahan said he felt the time was right to try his hand with a different club, having established himself firmly in the league with Sligo over the course of seven seasons.
He explained: “I’m delighted to be here. The support from Bohs fans is something that’s known across the league, and I can’t wait to experience it first hand at Dalymount. I look forward to seeing them all next season.
“I loved my time in Sligo, but I felt like I had reached the stage in my career where I needed a new challenge. Bohs is a club with a lot of history and an incredible fan base, so when Alan spoke about his plans and my role in that, this felt like the right next step for me.
“It’s exciting to see how ambitious he is and how determined he is to push the club forward. His plans definitely align with what I want to achieve as a player.
“I want to be a part of that, and contribute as much as I can to help the team succeed. I’m sure everyone involved with the club wants to bring silverware and European football back to Dalymount.”
The transfer period is proving tough for Sligo Rovers after losing winger Simon Power to St Patrick’s Athletic this week.
Ellis Chapman is another out of contract player unlikely to stay in The Showgrounds after a magnificent first season in the League of Ireland.
He has interest in England and Scotland as well as offers from top four sides in Ireland.
Meanwhile, Waterford FC have signed former Arsenal and Cheltenham Town midfielder James Olayinka.
He featured on the Arsenal bench for their FA Community Shield victory over Liverpool at Wembley Stadium in 2020, before heading out on loan to Northampton Town where he helped the Cobblers earn promotion to League One through the play-offs.
In 2021 saw the tough-tackling midfielder made a loan Southend United where he made 20 appearances in League 2 for the Shrimpers.
A permanent move to Cheltenham town followed in 2022 with 38 appearances in League 1 for Cheltenham Town over the course of two seasons.
Blues boss Keith Long revealed the move has been assisted by their parent club Fleetwood Town: “James gives us a slightly different profile in the middle of the park. He’s a player that has been training with Fleetwood for the last month – He’s someone we’ve looked at since the summer, and obviously coming in now gives us a different option in our midfield.
“He’s dynamic, he looks after the ball really well, he can get around the pitch very well, and of course he came up through Arsenal’s academy which is such a high-calibre academy where so many big names have come out of.
“He’s been in Fleetwood getting his fitness for the last month to be ready to come in with us in January when we start pre-season.
“I think the players and supporters will really be excited with what he can bring to the team. So, we’re delighted to have him in at the club.”
