Hoops losing Andy Lyons to Blackpool in January

Shamrock Rovers have confirmed the transfer of Andy Lyons to English Championship side Blackpool.

However, the Hoops won’t lose the player until January and so the 22-year-old player will be part of the Rovers squad for their upcoming Europa Conference League group games.

Fee

The club noted that after “initial approaches were declined” they have accepted an offer from Blackpool for a significant “undisclosed fee…with the potential for additional performance-based benefits accruing subject to Shamrock Rovers F.C. over the term”.

He has joined the Seasiders on a three and a half year deal including an option for an additional year.

The initial fee is understood to be €350,000.

The Hoops joined the club from Bohemians at the start of the season.

He has been one of the club’s standout players for Rovers as they sit seven points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand on Derry City and two on Dundalk, are in the quarter-final of the FAI Cup and have a further six European games to come.

He has scored eight goals from 32 appearances across all competitions – only Rory Gaffney (10) with ten goals has more for the club.

His goals include the winner in Rovers’ last two games – the 1-0 second leg Europa League play-off win over Ferencvaros and last Sunday’s extra-time goal in the 2-1 FAI Cup win away to Drogheda United.

The six figure sum earned by this transfer will be added to a lucrative European run that has earned them €3.6m so far.

Fine

However, the Hoops have been hit with a heavy fine for crowd behavior in their 2-1 home win over Ludogorets last month.

UEFA have fined the club €16,875 for the plastic bottles thrown onto the pitch in Tallaght at the end of the game plus €5,000 for the 'invasion of the field of play' by a specator.

Derry City were fined €3,500 for lighting of fireworks and a €5,000 fine for a pitch invasion in their away game against Riga.

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— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) August 28, 2022