Dundalk sign John Martin from Waterford

John Martin of Waterford in action against Dundalk's Cameron Dummigan last April

John Martin of Waterford in action against Dundalk's Cameron Dummigan last April Credit: Michael P Ryan (ETPhotos)

Dundalk have secured the services of John Martin for next season following his signing from Waterford FC and have also re-signed goalkeeper Peter Cherrie.

The 22-year-old spent five seasons at the RSC where he made 89 appearances for the Blues scoring 23 times. Last season he excelled despite the club’s eventual relegation scoring 10 goals in 31 league games. 

Prior to Waterford, Martin played his youth football with Belvedere, Shelbourne and St. Patrick’s Athletic and was capped by the Republic of Ireland at under-18 and under-19 levels. 

Speaking to dundalkfc.com about signing, Martin said “I’ve been speaking to Dave Mackey and Stephen O’Donnell over the past week and I’ve been sold on everything they’ve told me.

“Dundalk is a massive club with great history and they have been one of the best teams in the league over the past few years. As an opposition player, I hated coming up to Oriel Park so I’m delighted to be on the other side of it now.

“I enjoyed my time at Waterford,” he added. “I had a bit of a rocky stage where I was wondering if I was going to forge out a career there but I went on loan to Bray, enjoyed that and I think last year I really cemented my place as a good player.

“There is no point in doing that for one season, though. It’s all about consistency now and I have to show my pedigree. I had a couple of weeks off but I’m back in the gym to get myself ready and give it a good crack at Dundalk in January.”

Lilywhites head coach Stephen O’Donnell also spoke to the clubs’ media about the Kilkenny natives' arrival “John is a great age profile and is ready to kick on with his career,” said O’Donnell. “He gives us great flexibility in the attacking positions and his goal return last year was brilliant. We’re delighted to have him on board and we can’t wait to work with him and develop him.

“Balance wise, we’re trying to find a nice blend. We have a core of really experienced lads that we have re-signed and then we are trying to blood through some of the younger ones to carry that on and bring energy and real-life into the squad. 

The Louth side have also announced the re-signing of experienced goalkeeper Peter Cherrie. The Scot, who is in the second spell with the club, spoke to the club’s media after confirming his new deal.



“I’m absolutely delighted to be back,” he said. “You can see what the club is trying to build again. We have a management team that is made up of winners and who knows what it takes to play for this club and it looks very exciting.”

 

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