Saints sign Mark Doyle from Drogheda

Mark Doyle battles with Callum Thompson of Longford Town

Mark Doyle battles with Callum Thompson of Longford Town Credit: Gerry Shanahan (ETPhotos)

St. Patrick’s Athletic have announced the signing of versatile attacker Mark Doyle from Drogheda United. 

The North Dublin native had spent his entire senior League of Ireland career with the Boynesiders, netting his 50thgoal for the club on his final appearance - the consolation strike in a 2-1 Tallaght Stadium defeat against Shamrock Rovers. 

He made his league debut for the club under Pete Mahon in the opening game of the 2016 season, a campaign which ended in promotion for the club following a play off victory over Cobh Ramblers. 

The following season ended in relegation for the side, with Doyle netting a single league goal before a nine goal return in 2018 resulted in a play-off place. The following season saw more play-off heartache as Finn Harps edged out Tim Clancy’s men before the First Division title arrived in 2020. 

Doyle’s 26 league strikes across two First Division seasons contributed handsomely to their success before he netted another 13 in the Premier Division last season.

Speaking to stpatsfc.com, Doyle said he was looking forward to linking up with former manager Tim Clancy once more

“I'm absolutely delighted,” said Doyle. “I really enjoyed my time at Drogheda United. I was there since I was 16 and I'd like to thank everyone for my time there. I felt it was time to move on and move to a full-time set up at St Pat's. I'm looking forward to putting all of my time and focus into being a full-time footballer. It's an honour to sign.

"Tim put a lot of faith and belief in me from the moment he joined Drogheda so I'm obviously looking forward to working with him again. He's a top manager and I think he will do really well at St Pat's. He'll give us all a good platform to perform and kick-on as individuals and as a group and I just can't wait to get going now."

For his part, Clancy was equally as enthusiastic about the move in the same interview with his club’s media team. “There was a lot of interest in Mark from clubs at home and abroad. He's one we really wanted to get into the club and we are really happy he's signed. Mark is a wide player who scores a lot of goals. I know him very well from our time together at Drogheda.

“He'll add goals to the team. He is excited by the prospect of full-time football. He's got a lot of experience in the league and he's still only 23, so he still has plenty of improvement in him. Myself and the coaching staff are looking forward to helping him continue his progress.”



    About Tom O'Connor

    Dundalk based reporter following the league since Monaghan United’s goalless draw against Athlone Town in 1996. Special interest in education and underage football. Shortlisted for the 2018 FAI Communications Award for series on Life beyond … View Full Profile