UCD add four players for 2013 season

UCD have confirmed the addition of four players ahead of the 2013 League of Ireland season.

Martin Russell has been quick to assemble his squad and has moved to re-sign Hugh Douglas, Sean Russell, James Kavanagh and Dean Clarke. The four players made their breakthrough into the first team last season after spending the 2011/12 season in the Under-19 squad.

“It's great that these lads see UCD AFC still playing a major part in their continuing development,” manager Martin Russell said. “The club can boast a proud reputation of giving young players valuable playing experience, I am sure this group can use this platform to their advantage and I think we will see great progression among some of our young players again this season.”

Hugh Douglas is happy to have re-signed and is looking forward to the new season. “I'm delighted to have signed back with the club, UCD have been great to me so far. I’m really looking forward to the new season and hoping we push on as a team. I had a few offers but the gaffer has always been great for me. He gave me my debut and I knew once I talked to him I was always going to stay. He wants the best for any player at the club.”

Sean Russell is hoping to make more of an impression after injury last season. “I’m very happy to have signed back for the 2013 season, it is another opportunity to play in the Airtricity League and hopefully we can start the same way we finished the end of last season. My main hopes for the season are to play as many games as possible, after being out for the majority of last season through injury I hope to start this season injury free and carry that on through the course of the season.”

James Kavanagh is also looking ahead to the new season and was happy to re-sign for UCD to help with his progression. “I think it’s the right club if you want to progress and I think we should have big expectations as a team this year.  We have good players and good staff so it should be a good season. We are one of the very few clubs that are in the league that believe in the right style of play.”

Attacker Dean Clarke believes that now is the chance for the younger players to make their mark on Martin Russell’s side and the League of Ireland. “It’s time for some of the younger players to step up really and achieve what they came to UCD AFC to do. I think we will find it tough for the first couple of weeks but since I’ve here that always seems to be the case. By the end of the season I think we will be finishing strong once we get a bit of confidence.”