Shamrock Rovers sign up midfielder Greg Bolger from Cork City

Greg Bolger will wear the green and white hoops of Shamrock Rovers next year as Shamrock Rovers confirmed on Tuesday their first new signing for the 2018 season.

Bolger, who won the 2017 league and cup double with Cork City and scored in the penalty shootout, will return to Dublin where he played for four seasons with St. Patrick’s Athletic prior to his time on Leeside.

On signing, Bolger stressed that he had come to Shamrock Rovers to win trophies.

“I haven't come here to be mid-table,” said Bolger told the club's official website.

“Rovers are a big club. I'm here to win titles and that's what the aim is next year. Talking to Stephen Bradley and what his plans are for next year, I think we have a good chance.

“The words Shamrock Rovers speaks for itself. It's one of, if not the biggest club in the country and there's the brand of football that Stephen is trying to play.

“He wants the game played the right way and I'd probably be of the same opinion as him.”

The 29-year-old midfielder will bring valuable experience to Stephen Bradley’s playing squad. The Hoops' head coach was looking to bring in a player with the experience and mentality of Bolger to compliment the younger players in his squad.

“We were looking for that type of player to come into the group that's been there and won things,” said Bradley.

“He understands how to win things. We've got some really talented young players in this squad.

“I think Greg is at the right age of his life and his career. He's at a stage where he'll bring on our young players by how he behaves on and off the pitch.

“I think he's one of the top players in the league and has been for a number of years. He dictates games. He'll get us playing and create a tempo for us.

“We spoke to people that have worked with him and all reports have been really good. He works hard, he's a team player and goes about his business in the right way.

“We wanted to see what sort of character and personality he was. It's a big thing for us when we sign players, it has been from day one and it was no different with Greg.”

Bolger was part of the superb Students side that won the First Division title in 2009, a UCD team that included a large number of players who have had great success since, such as Rovers captain Ronan Finn, Paul Corry, Ciaran Kilduff, David McMillan and Andy Boyle.

“I had great times playing with Ronan,” recalled Bolger. “He's a top player so another motivation of coming here is playing with the likes of him. I think he knows my game and I know his game so hopefully we get a good comradery and do the business on the pitch.”

It was with St. Pat’s that he won significant silverware having moved to Inchicore in 2012.

He was a key component of the league title success with the Saints in 2013 and was part of the Pat’s team that won the FAI Cup in 2014 after a 53 year wait. The following season he added an EA Sports Cup to his palmarès.

Moving to Cork in 2016, he made 27 league appearances and scored one league goal, in a 3-0 home win over Shamrock Rovers, and won the last year’s FAI Cup with the Leesiders.

His game time was more limited with the Leesiders this season with 14 starts and six appearances off the bench and that may have influenced his decision to move to Tallaght.

Bolger will get to play along his namesake 17-year-old Aaron Bolger.

“I was really impressed with Aaron Bolger when Rovers beat Cork in the league this season – he was the best player on the pitch.

“I'm looking forward to playing with him, he's a great prospect and hopefully he can develop and get even better.”