LAST UPDATE | 6 Jul 2022
DERBY COUNTY HAVE announced the signing of Ireland midfielder Conor Hourihane, with former international David McGoldrick also joining the Rams.
While the 31-year-old Cork native has agreed a two-year deal with the club, having been released by Aston Villa last month, veteran striker McGoldrick has agreed a one-season deal which will be subject to approval by the English Football League.
Hourihane spent five years at Villa, scoring 29 goals across 151 appearances for the West Midlands side.
He spent last season on loan at Sheffield United, playing over 30 times as the Blades reached the Championship play-off semi-finals, where they lost out to Nottingham Forest.
The midfielder has also been capped 35 times for Ireland, scoring one goal.
We are thrilled to confirm the signing of Republic of Ireland international midfielder @ConorHourihane on a two-year deal 🪄🐏
— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) July 6, 2022
Give him a warm welcome, #dcfcfans! 👋#DCFC
New Derby manager Liam Rosenior has been busy rebuilding the Rams squad ahead of the 2022/23 League One season.
Rosenior succeeded Wayne Rooney in the Derby hotseat after the former Manchester United star stepped away from his position last month, following the club’s relegation from the Championship.
Rooney guided Derby through a season of uncertainty, with the club entering administration last September.
However Derby’s future was recently secured after Clowes Developments completed their takeover at Pride Park last week.
While the club have also been linked with a move for Cardiff’s Irish striker James Collins, McGoldrick’s arrival was confirmed shortly after Hourihane was unveiled.
🅳🅸🅳🆉🆈 💪#DCFC pic.twitter.com/Wl0g3i7fvC
— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) July 6, 2022
The striker also admitted he turned down more money elsewhere because of the all round package the club offered. “I’ve never been blistering quick, that has never been part of my game, but I don’t think you ever lose it in your brain and that’s the main thing.
“I still feel as hungry and ambitious as ever and I know I can still play at the top level, but this is a big pull for me.
“There were other offers which were probably more lucrative but I just felt this was right. I’m local as well so it’s good for me and my family and the whole project of the club and what the players have said about it, it’s just perfect for me.”
Meanwhile, closer to home in the League of Ireland, Galway United have bolstered their First Division promotion push with the signing of striker Rob Manley from Bray Wanderers.
The 24-year-old was top scorer for the 2019 First Division and also claimed the player of the year award.
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