Former Cork City defender Gary Boylan links up with John Caulfield again at Galway United

Former Sligo Rovers and Cork City defender Gary Boylan has signed for Galway United ahead of the 2021 League of Ireland season.

The Mayo man returns to the league with Galway after playing one season of Gaelic football with his parish Belmullet.

He links up once again with Galway manager John Caulfield, who signed him for Cork City from Sligo back in 2018.

“I’ve been keeping a close eye on Galway United’s progress since John took over,” Boylan told the club’s website.

“I’ve worked with him previously at Cork City and I know he’s a serial winner. There’s no doubt in my mind, he’ll bring success to the club in the future

“It’s a big club. I’ve played here before. There’s a really good fanbase in Galway and it’s a nice place to play.

“John brings a huge intensity to training and games and that’s something I want to be a part of.

“I know the ambitions John has for the club and where he wants to bring it, so hopefully next year we can bring success to the club.

“Preferably I’m signing here as a centre-half. It’s a position I enjoy, but if John wants me to play in the centre of the park, or at right-back, I’m happy to facilitate whatever the team needs.”

Caulfield said::“Gary was keen to join us and he was a player I really wanted to bring to the club. He can play at centre-back, right-back or in the middle of the park. He’s a very good footballer.

“Gary has played a lot of games at the highest level in this country and he gives us that level of experience, which will help the younger players at the club.

“After losing Jack Lynch and Kevin Farragher, we needed to bring in players that are strong defensively, but also fit into the profile we’re trying to build at the club.

“I’ve no doubt that Gary will be a massive signing for us. From day one, we’ve been trying to get a team together where you have a large portion from the west of Ireland.

“We have the local lads from the city and outskirts, but certainly we have a few lads from Mayo, Clare, Limerick and some from further afield also. Gary is the perfect fit for us.”