Corbet and Barker amongst host of new signings announced at Bohs

Bohemians manager Keith Long has continued to build his squad ahead of the 2019 Premier Division which kicks off in February.

Niall Corbet, Michael Barker, James Finnerty and Daniel Mandroiu have all arrived at Dalymount Park while Ryan Swan and Paddy Kirk have both signed new deals with the Gypises.

Goalkeeper Corbet has been around the league of Ireland since joining UCD towards the end of the 2011 season, developing through the club’s youth system before making sporadic appearances in 2014 and eventually making the break through as the club’s number one in 2015.

Corbet enjoyed three seasons as the Students’ number one, playing Europa League football and coming close to promotion on a number of occasions.

At the end of 2017 Corbet departed Belfield to play full-time football at Waterford.  Corbet began the season as Waterford’s number one before the signing of Lawrence Vigouroux and the return to form of Matthew Connor left him fighting for a place in the Blues’ matchday squad, leading to his arrival at Dalymount Park.

At 24, Keith long believes Corbet is at a mature age where he can challenge James Talbot to fill the shoes left by Shane Supple who was forced to retire from the game last month.

“Niall is a good age for a goalkeeper with his prime still very much ahead of him but with good experience in the league already.

“Obviously there is a big void to fill with Shane Supple retiring but Niall and James Talbot are two excellent keepers who I believe will push one another.”

19-year-old defender James Finnerty arrives from Rochdale having also had three years playing in Aston Villa’s youth system.

Long believes that while Finnerty is far from the finished article, he can use his time at Bohemians as a springboard in his career.

“He’s had a good schooling with Villa. He’s a young lad and, like Danny Mandroiu, it’s a big step for him and will take a while to adjust.

“Nobody at that age is the finished article but he has a really good pedigree and with a bit of patience, we can bring him on further to another level.”

Defender Daniel Mandroiu arrives from Brighton’s under 23 side.  The 20-year-old was a product of St Kevin’s Boys before heading to England and Long believes Mandroiu has the talent it takes to make it at Premier Division level.

“Danny’s an extremely talented young player who’s been away with Brighton now for four years.

“He’s technically very good. Obviously it’s a culture change coming from U23s football to first-team football but he’ll have a full pre-season to get up to speed.”

Michael Barker makes his return to Bohs having left in 2014 to sign for UCD.  Since then he’s had spells with Bray Wanderers and St Patrick’s Athletic and Long is delighted to have the 25-year-old back at Dalymount Park.

“Michael was at the club before my time here and is someone I’ve tried to sign for the last two closed seasons so it’s third time lucky and I’m delighted to finally get him in.

“He’s a very under-valued defender. He is an excellent tackler and can play at right-back, centre-back and left-back and in midfield too so he gives us a number of options.

“I think he will prove to be a very valuable player for us.”

Long has also managed to re-sign forward Ryan Swan who missed the 2018 season through injury as well as 20-year-old midfielder Paddy Kirk.

Bohemians Player that are signed for 2019: Andy Lyons, Cristian Magerusan, Conor Levingston, Daniel Grant, Daniel Mandroiu, Darragh Leahy, Derek Pender, Dinny Corcoran, James Finnerty, James Talbot, Keith Ward, Michael Barker, Niall Corbet, Paddy Kirk, Promise Omochere, Rob Cornwall, Robbie McCourt, Ryan Graydon, Ryan Swan.