Cousins adds three to Longford squad

Tony Cousins has announced his first new signings of the season. Ex-St. Patrick's Athletic right back Noel Haverty, Shamrock Rovers’ Craig Hyland and Karl Bermingham will all be lining out for “the Town” next season.

Haverty will bring some much needed experience to the side having competed for the Inchicore side on various occasions, while Craig Hyland can finally get a chance at first team action. Hyland was third choice for Shamrock Rovers last season, seeing Ryan Thompson, Alan Mannus and Richard Brush all favoured ahead of him. Karl Bermingham didn’t have the greatest impact for Shelbourne last year, given the use of a single striker by Alan Mathews for the majority of the season, but the ex-Waterford and Monaghan striker may prove a wise buy come October.

Haverty should play a crucial role for Tony Cousins in his promotion chasing campaign. The Kildare native plays at right back and has made nineteen appearances for the Saints in first team action. Haverty was loaned to Shels in 2007, before returning to Inchicore. The 22 year old took a year out from football last year, and will embark on a new adventure this season in Flancare Park. Noel has represented his country at under 17, 18 and 19 levels in the past.

Hyland signed for Shamrock Rovers from Newbridge Town in the summer having previously played for Bray Wanderers. Being only 21, Craig found it hard to break into the champion’s first team and has opted for Longford Town in the hope of getting some first team action under the management of Tony Cousins.

Karl Bermingham had a tough 2011. While his side were promoted, Bermingham only featured a handful of times, and started even fewer games. Goals were hard to come by for the striker, who was picked up by Alan Matthews after showing some good potential while at Monaghan and Waterford United. Longford Town fans will be hoping that a string of games will re-ignite his goal scoring prowess.

Cousins appeared delighted with his signings. “We’re very pleased with the signings made so far and they will all definitely add to the overall strength of our squad” enthused the Town boss. “We have another couple of irons in the fire and we would be hopeful of adding a further one or two between now and the start of the season”.