Harry Kenny makes Georgie Poynton latest addition at Pats

St Patrick’s Athletic have signed midfielder Georgie Poynton from Dundalk.

Moments after being revealed as a Saint, the 21-year-old midfielder explained his delight at finalising his move.

“Absolutely delighted. As soon as I knew there was a chance of coming to Pat’s, I knew that it was a move I was quite interested in, especially with Harry (Kenny) coming in as the manager,” Poynton explained after the announcement.

“I’ve only had great games against Pat’s over the years and they play football a great way so I was quite keen to come to Pat’s when I heard the initial interest was there.”

The midfielder will be hoping to prove himself at Premier Division level having found it difficult to make a break through during his time at Dundalk, although he did have a positive loan spell with Bohemians in 2017.

“I really enjoyed my time at Bohs. I got a good season under my belt and gained plenty of experience. I suppose in other ways I’ve gained plenty of experience at Dundalk in the last five years.

“Very frustrating for me, I have to say. I had to be very patient.  But at the same time I was playing and training with some of the best players in the country for five years so it’s a different experience that I’ve gained but one that will stand to me in the future going forward,” the midfielder spoke honestly about his time at Oriel Park.

With midfielder Cian Coleman also arriving from Limerick in recent weeks and with the likes of James Doona, Conor Clifford and Darragh Markey all signed up for next season, Poynton knows how intense the competition will be at Richmond Park but is hopeful it can have a positive impact on his game.

“There was a lot of easier places to go where I could’ve been guaranteed game time, but I wanted to come here and challenge myself and prove myself and to show everyone that I’m good enough to play at this level.”

Poynton is excited with the level of player Harry Kenny has attracted for the 2019 campaign and insists the Saints can qualify for Europe in 2019.

“Pat’s has always been a difficult venue to come and play in.  You always get good games here and with the signings coming in, Gary Shaw, getting other players back on board like Kev (Toner) and James Doona, Dave Webster coming in. The lads can only push forward now.  It’s definitely an ambition to get into Europe this year and I think it’s an achievable task.”