New Lilywhites look to hit the ground running

Dundalk have been quite busy in the transfer market over the past fortnight signing a number of players and today, two of those, Andy Boyle and Patrick Hoban stopped to talk to extratime.ie about their moves.

Andy Boyle came in from Shelbourne and the deciding factor in his move was the manager.

“I spoke to Stephen and I liked his ideas and what way he was going with the club. I weighed up all the offers and I made the decision to come to Dundalk and we can just go from here.”

Boyle, who is only 21, is hopeful of turning Oriel Park into a fortress and is aiming to enjoy his football.

“I would say we will play a good bit here and play a good brand of football which will hopefully get the crowds back, make it a tough place to come and hope all of us enjoy our football together.”

The pitch is a talking point for players but he admitted he likes the pitch and doesn’t buy into the ‘hype’.

“I don’t mind the pitch, the past few years I have enjoyed playing on it. I don’t see all the hype of it, I just don’t see why we won’t do well on it.”

On the season ahead, the former Student is hopeful of a good season and doesn’t want to limit where they can go.

“Hopefully we can build on the signings we’re making now and look forward to a better season than last year. We have a good manager here and I don’t see a limit to what we can do.”

Patrick Hoban has made the switch from first division Mervue United and he couldn’t hide his delight at moving East.

“Stephen Kenny, I met him a few weeks ago and straight away I wanted to come here. The calibre of the manager is what really made the difference and I’m delighted to be here.”

Hoban will be joining a former team mate in John Mountney and he was full of praise for his friend.

“I played with John two seasons ago. He’s a great player has a great engine on him so hopefully we’ll link up well again. I didn’t speak to him but I am glad that there is someone here I know.”

The striker will be making the step up from the second tier of Irish football but he doesn’t see it as a big jump, pointing out he spent a year in England already with Bristol City which he hopes will stand to him.

“I’m not looking at it. I feel like I’m ready for it. I’m going to grab this opportunity with both hands. I was already over in England so hopefully that will stand to me but I am looking forward to the step up.  Next season the basic aim is to stay up obviously but I’ll be looking to achieve more than that.”

Speaking on his new recruits, manager Stephen Kenny is delighted with both, highlighting their individual quality.

“Patrick’s a very good player. I think he is quite dynamic. He’s creative and he can also get goals too.”

“I am delighted with Andy Boyle’s signing. He’s a terrific player. Only 21 and has already played three full seasons in the league. One with UCD and two with Shelbourne and even played in an FAI Cup Final. He is a terrific footballer, cultured centre-back and very good on the ball.”