Purdy and McCaffrey sign on with Drogs for 2017 season

Drogheda United have added two more players to their 2017 squad, following on from the thirteen players announced on Saturday. 

Forward Gareth McCaffrey and midfielder Richie Purdy, who were both on loan at Drogheda from Shamrock Rovers last season, have now agreed permanent deals to keep them at United Park for the 2017 season.

McCaffrey joined Drogheda on loan from Shamrock Rovers mid-way from through the 2016 season, making his competitive debut away to Shelbourne in July. The former Hibernian player would go on to score six times in 12 games. 

Speaking to www.droghedaunited.ie after signing for the Boynesiders’, McCaffrey revealed that it was manager Pete Mahon and everyone involved at the Louth club that has made him enjoy his football again.

“I’m over the moon to sign on for next season, I took a week off from football after the Wexford game to think about my options, there were a couple of offers from other Premier Division clubs, but I’m confident I’ve made the right decision to stay at Drogheda."

“I joined the club at a difficult time for myself. I was considering hanging up my boots because I was frustrated with football but Pete Mahon and everyone at the club helped me enjoy my football again and I’m a happier person for it."

“It wasn’t just the fact that we got promoted that convinced me to stay. There’s some very good people at the club from the fans, players, coaches, all the way up to the chairman.”

McCaffrey also expressed his delight at the signings already made by Drogheda, including his former Shamrock Rovers teammate Gavin Brennan.

“It’s great to see that the spine of the squad have re-signed and we all know the quality Gavin Brennan has and him joining has given us another big lift ahead of next year.” 

Teenager Richie Purdy, like McCaffrey joined Drogheda on loan from Shamrock Rovers mid-way through the 2016 season having appeared on the Rovers bench occasionally beforehand.

Purdy made his debut in a 1-0 victory over Cabinteely and went on to make himself a permanent name on the teamsheet for the remainder of the season as he made 14 appearances for Pete Mahon’s side.

Speaking to the club website, Purdy said that he never had any intention of leaving Boyneside after they achieved promotion from the First Division thanks to a second leg comeback against Wexford Youths.

“I’m thrilled to have it sorted and to be able to look forward to next season. I had no intention of leaving the club after what we achieved last season. It takes a very good team to come back from 2-0 down against Wexford Youths and to win 3-0 in such a high-pressure game.”

“Pete Mahon, John Gill, Mark Kinsella and all the other coaches have been brilliant to me since I signed so I want to continue to repay their faith in me."

Like McCaffrey, Purdy also expressed his delight at the signing of former teammate McCaffrey, along with the re-signing of players such as Sean Brennan and Sean Thornton.

“It was great to see Gavin Brennan sign back yesterday. I’ve played with him at Shamrock Rovers last year and I know all the quality he has, similar to both his brother Sean and Sean Thornton. I think we have the quality and experience in the group to have a successful year next season.”