Tommy Dunne concludes his 2016 squad

Galway United have added yet another player to their vast playing squad for their upcoming SSE Airtricity League campaign.

19-year-old goalkeeper Aaron Dillon has joined Tommy Dunne’s men, becoming the 26^th member of their 2016 squad.

The young ‘keeper signs for the Tribesmen having spent a period in England, where he played for Rugby Town FC.

Having returned to Ireland, Dillon completed pre-season with the Tribesmen, and his performances have earned him a contract at the club.

Dillon’s addition looks like the final piece of business that the Galway manager is likely to do, and he is pleased with the squad he has assembled for 2016.

Dunne said: "We've got a nice mix in our squad. There are four goalkeepers within our 27, one of which is eligible for (the) under-19s (Kevin Horgan). We've also got a few (other) under-19s mixed into our group.

"I think when you're looking at the squad, there's a lot of young guys that will be on the fringes trying to burst through which is very healthy. I'd say you're realistically looking at a core of 22 players making up the first team group. The remaining 5 players will primarily be playing under-19s football as a pathway through to the first team, but they are eligible for the first team and we will call upon them during the season."

Galway have signed 11 new players over the course of the off-season, including Stephen Folan, Eric Foley, John Sullivan and Vinny Faherty, and the manager feel’s that his squad has progressed with the new signings set to add more depth to the panel.

"I'm happy with the new players I've brought in and also too, the players that we've retained which is very important. It's a good group of players, I do think there is always room for improvement, but there's an added layer of experience and strength and depth this year,” Dunne added.

"The new additions have bedded in nicely. Pre-season went according to plan. There were one or two niggling situations, but otherwise everything was okay. We worked hard, we got some good games under our belt that opened our eyes to a few things. We're as ready as we possibly can be.”

The Tribesmen begin their 2016 campaign with a trip to Inchicore to face St. Patrick's Athletic, and Dunne is aware that his new-look side must start the season well to avoid another relegation battle.

"The fixtures we received this year are possibly even tougher than last year. We have three away games in our first four outings. St Patrick's Athletic away is always a difficult game.

“They've made a lot of changes in the off-season but Liam Buckley has signed well and they'll be regarded as one of the favourites.

"Our first home game is against Bray Wanderers, who have really upped the ante, signing a lot of quality players and improving their squad.

"We want to start the season with purpose," he concluded.