THE BIG NEWS today is that Richie Towell has agreed a two-and-a-half year deal to join Championship table-toppers Brighton and Hove Albion.
It is safe to say that few players have had a bigger impact on the SSE Airtricity League over the past three seasons since he returned to Ireland and joined Dundalk having been released by Celtic.
Here’s what we will miss most about the 24-year-old Dubliner.
1. The goals
Towell clocked up a whopping 43 goals in 96 league appearances for the Lilywhites — 25 of which came last season.
His knack for scoring is incredible, and the fact that many were spectacular finishes makes it even more impressive.
2. His professionalism
“In previous years I’ve done a lot of stuff off the field in the gym and but now after training I’ve just been practising and practising everyday.
The manager has been giving out to me trying to get me off when I’m doing my shooting, telling me to save my legs for the game. But it seems to be working so far so I’m not going to change anything.
“I’m still doing the gym work as well but I’ve just been putting in a bit more practise on the pitch as well.”
That is Towell speaking earlier this season. Fully-committed to living his life the way a professional footballer should, he put in countless hours of work in the gym and on the training ground to propel himself to the top.
3. The celebrations
Here’s a sample.
4. His style
On top of the trendy hairstyle and flashy boots, anyone who follows Towell on Instagram will know he likes his clothes and is prone to wearing some questionable outfits.
5. That hair
Soccer Republic even did a piece on it.
The look really has come a long way since his Celtic days…