Patrick Hoban returns to Oriel Park as Dundalk bag three Black Friday signings

Stephen Kenny made it a Black Friday to remember for Dundalk fans, bolstering his squad with the signings of Patrick Hoban, Dean Jarvis and Stephen Folan at their 2018 home jersey unveiling.

Hoban, who is understood to have signed a two-year contract, returns for his second spell at Oriel Park and will be looking to add to the 34 league goals he amassed from 60 appearances between 2013 and 2014.

He was Dundalk’s top scorer in each of those two campaigns after signing from Mervue United and fired the Lilywhites to their first league title in 19 years before spending two-and-a-half seasons in English football with Oxford United, Stevenage, Grimsby Town and most recently Mansfield Town.

“It’s great to be back. It has been such a long time since I had even seen Oriel Park and it was great to see it all again. I want the season to start now,” said the 26-year-old Galway native.

“I am looking forward to getting back playing the likes of Cork City and Shamrock Rovers. I am definitely looking forward to it.

“Since I left, Dundalk have done really well everywhere and I became a supporter of Dundalk since I have been away.

“Watching them doing well in Europe has given me the hunger to want to do that and have a good campaign in 2018.”

Jarvis and Folan have also put pen to paper on two-year deals, with the former playing over a century of matches – predominantly at left-back – for Derry City over the best part of five seasons after beginning his professional career with Aberdeen in the Scottish Premier League.

“I am buzzing to get the deal finally done. It’s good to get my future sorted and looking forward to getting the season underway now. Pre-season can’t come quick enough,” he said.

“The last couple of seasons Dundalk have won leagues and cups. They have been brilliant and that is something I wanted. I want to get my place in the team and win more trophies with the club.

“It was difficult to leave Derry City. It’s my hometown club and it’s tough leaving but I have been there five years and thought maybe a change would do me good. It will give my career the boost it needs I think and I am hoping to have good success.”

Folan has spent the last two years with his hometown club Galway United, who were relegated on the final day of the season after losing 4-3 to Dundalk at Eamonn Deacy Park.

The defender had previously been on the books of Newcastle United and has also played for Limerick, Sligo Rovers and Cork City.

“I am over the moon to sign for Dundalk. It’s the pinnacle of Irish football and it’s a great place to be. I am in a very lucky position. Just delighted to get it done and want to get going now.

“I had heard of the interest from Stephen Kenny but I wasn’t sure it was going to happen. Then when I got the phone call it was brilliant and the highlight of my career so far to come here.

“I can’t wait now to get going and get playing. All the hard work starts now and I have to make sure that I come back in good shape. I am looking forward to getting to play with the rest of the squad.”

The three acquisitions bring the total number of players already signed up by Dundalk for the upcoming season to 14 after goalkeeper Gabriel Sava, defenders Sean Gannon and Brian Gartland, and midfielder Chris Shields recently committed their immediate and long-term futures to the club.