Mons swoop to add strength in depth
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As the start to the 2010 season rapidly approaches, Monaghan United have been occupied with the process of constructing a new squad.
After finishing fifth in the First Division last term, Mick Cooke is determined to bring in players that will be able to help lift the club higher up the table and challenge for automatic promotion.
He started that process with the double signing of Darren Kelly and Philly Hughes from Kildare County before convincing Anthony Costigan (St Patrick’s Athletic) to move to Gortakeegan.
Now Austin O’Neill has joined from Limerick and Aidan Collins arrives after recovering from injury, but boasts Bohemians, Shelbourne and Sporting Fingal as former employers.
That brings the tally of new signings up to five, although the big news for Mons supporters is that Cooke has persuaded Aidan Lynch, Philip Donnelly and Karl Bermingham all to re-sign for the club.
With that key trio onboard the squad is already looking quite strong as 12 players from last year’s squad have also agreed fresh terms, while youngsters Darren Coleman, James Clarke and Conor Moynagh will be given a chance to compete for first-team places.
After finishing fifth in the First Division last term, Mick Cooke is determined to bring in players that will be able to help lift the club higher up the table and challenge for automatic promotion.
He started that process with the double signing of Darren Kelly and Philly Hughes from Kildare County before convincing Anthony Costigan (St Patrick’s Athletic) to move to Gortakeegan.
Now Austin O’Neill has joined from Limerick and Aidan Collins arrives after recovering from injury, but boasts Bohemians, Shelbourne and Sporting Fingal as former employers.
That brings the tally of new signings up to five, although the big news for Mons supporters is that Cooke has persuaded Aidan Lynch, Philip Donnelly and Karl Bermingham all to re-sign for the club.
With that key trio onboard the squad is already looking quite strong as 12 players from last year’s squad have also agreed fresh terms, while youngsters Darren Coleman, James Clarke and Conor Moynagh will be given a chance to compete for first-team places.
About Gareth Maher
Gareth Maher is an award-winning journalist who has covered domestic, international and women's football for the best part of a decade. Previously a columnist for the Irish Daily Mail and Football Editor for Setanta Sports, … View Full Profile