Cummins & Paterson complete UK moves

The League of Ireland saw two more players secure contracts across the water on Wednesday as deadline day deals were completed. Cork City striker Graham Cummins and former Shamrock Rovers defender Jim Patterson both signed on the dotted line.

 

City striker Cummins has penned a two-and-a-half year deal with League 1 side Preston North End after they agreed a fee with Cork City on Monday morning, allowing Cummins to travel to Deepdale to discuss personal terms. 

 

The League 1 side had been watching the attacker for some time but with just a day until the transfer window cross-channel closes, they've finally made an official offer. After a spell on trial with Wolves cross-channel, Cummins had returned with the rest of the City squad for pre-season training but was not involved in a friendly against Wexford Youths last week.

 

"I have been waiting for a move to England all my life," Cummins told the club website. "Throughout my whole career I have been looking to get over here and I can already see how big football is in England by just looking at the stadium, it is unbelievable.

 

"It hasn't yet sunk in that I am Preston North End player and I keep on thinking I am heading back over to Ireland. I think the move will only sink in when I make my debut for the Club and I can't wait to walk out onto the pitch on Saturday."

 

Jim Paterson, meanwhile, has completed a move to League 2 side Bristol Rovers. Paterson was part of the Shamrock Rovers side that regained their League of Ireland Premier Division crown this season and compete in the UEFA Europa League group stages. Paterson has signed a deal until the end of the season. 

 

His new manager, Mark McGhee, was happy to get the deal completed. "Jim is a player who did ever so well for me at Motherwell before signing for Plymouth. He was arguably our best player up until he left, and we went on to finish third that season.

 

"He has a lot of experience and is desperate for the opportunity to play. He has kept himself fit playing in Ireland and I think he is the right type of player for this club."