Dundalk snap up Louie Annesley from Blackburn Rovers as Robbie Benson returns

Dundalk lost eight players in the January transfer window and have now started the process of strengthening the squad ahead of the 2023 season with their first signing, 22-year-old Gibraltar international Louie Annesley.

Defenders Lewis Macari, Sam Bone and Brian Gartland (retired) have all departed Oriel Park so defensive cover has been one of Stephen O ‘Donnell’s priorities.

And he has made his first move in the transfer marker by bringing in Annesley.

The London born player is normally a centre back but he can also play in midfield and he has packed in a lot to his relatively short career to date.

He was on the books of Chelsea and AFC Wimbledon as a teenager before a spell with non- league side Cobham.

He then moved to Gibraltar to join Lincoln Red Imps, made his debut in a Europa League match against The New Saints before departing for Blackburn Rovers in January 2019.

He played primarily with Blackburn’s Under-23 squad although he did manage one Carabao Cup game with the senior side, playing the full 90 minutes in a 2-1 win over Bradford City in August 2022.

He has the distinction of being the only player to play for Gibraltar in every age group from Under-16 up to the senior side and has since gone on to amass 35 caps for the senior squad, mostly as a holding midfielder.

Speaking on his move to Dundalk, Annesley said: “Dundalk is a club I was aware of from the success they’ve had over the past decade and from playing in the Europa League group stages so when Stephen (O’Donnell) rang me, my ears pricked up straight away.

“The vision he sold me, aiming to win league titles and cups, and making real progress in Europe, is something that definitely appeals to me and everything added up to make it the perfect move for me at this stage of my career.”

Annesley joins Dundalk on a multi-year deal and was introduced to his team mates on Monday before taking part in his first training session.

The Lilywhites have also sealed a deal for Robbie Benson to return to the club on a fresh one-year deal.

And boss O’Donnell said: “His attitude and the way he carries himself throughout the week is indispensable.

“Once he gets into a rhythm of games, he’s one of the best midfielders in the country.”