Darren Craven and Dylan Barnett sign for Longford

Longford Town have announced the signing of attacker Darren Craven ahead of the 2022 season. The ex-Malahide United player will link up once again with his former Bray Wanderers manager Gary Cronin who has recently stepped into the hotseat at Bishopsgate.

26 year old Craven was a shining light in the Bray attack last season, recording three goals and four assists as The Seagulls narrowly failed in their promotion bid, losing out to eventual winners UCD in the playoffs. Having skippered LSL side Malahide United to league success in 2020, last season was his first in the League of Ireland and speaking with club media on ltfc.ie, he expressed his enthusiasm for the season ahead, “I’m delighted to have signed with Longford for the upcoming season. Everyone I spoke to only had positive things to say about the club so I can’t wait to get started. Hopefully we can get the club straight back to the Premier Division.”

Another to travel the same journey from the Carlisle Grounds to Bishopsgate is left back Dylan Barnett. The 25 year has been a key player for the Seagulls since signing for the club ahead of the 2019 season recording five goals and fourteen assists over the past two seasons. He began his career at St Joseph’s Boys before signing with Brighton and Hove Albion and then returning home to play in the League of Ireland with Waterford in 2018 ahead of his transfer to Bray Wanderers.

New Longford Town manager Cronin played a crucial role in the defender’s move to the midlands as he explained in an interview with ltfc.ie, “I’m absolutely delighted to get this deal done to sign for Longford and to get back working with Gaz. He was the main factor here, we’ve had a great relationship over the last three years and I’m looking to build on that again. I can’t wait to get going with Longford now for the new season.”

    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