LAST UPDATE | 2 Feb
ON A DAY of arrivals and departures in the League of Ireland, Dundalk confirmed the exit of one experienced midfielder for England’s League One, Drogheda United added two players to their ranks, and UCD saw one of their most promising stars sign for a club chasing automatic promotion to the Premier League.
Greg Sloggett has said his farewells at Oriel Park after 130 appearances and a Europa League group stages campaign in 2020.
The midfielder has signed a short-term deal with Cheltenham Town in England’s third tier as they bid to survive relegation to League Two. Cheltenham are seven points from safety in 22nd place and host Wycombe Wanderers in 19th tomorrow.
UCD have announced that promising young defender Daniel Babb has signed for Championship high-flyers Ipswich Town.
Babb turned 18 earlier this month and the Republic of Ireland underage international has chosen to take the next step in his development with the Tractor Boys
UCD FC can today confirm the permanent transfer of Daniel Babb to Ipswich Town @ipswichtown .
— UCD AFC (@UCDAFC) February 2, 2024
Daniel joined our affiliate academy @UCDMMYFCACADEMY u15s in 2021 from partner club Mount Merrion. In 2022 he graduated from the Academy into our LOI u17 side, pic.twitter.com/CCDdj8gqbp
In the League of Ireland Premier Division, Drogheda have added veteran centre back Dave Webster to their squad.
The 33-year-old was most recently with Bray Wanderers in the First Division and was previously at Finn Harps, St Patrick’s Athletic, Waterford and Shamrock Rovers.
Drogs manager Kevin Doherty has also secured the services of an unknown prospect in the league with the arrival of Zishim Bawa from Swedish side Bodens BK.
The 21-year-old winger has agreed a one-year contract with Drogheda holding an option to extend for a further season. joins on a one-year deal for 2024, with a club option for the 2025 season.
Born in Dublin, Bawa is a dual Nigerian and Irish citizen and he told the club website of his excitement at coming home.
✍️ Drogheda United are delighted to announce the signing of winger Zishim Bawa from Swedish side Bodens BK.
— Drogheda United F.C. (@DroghedaUnited) February 2, 2024
The 21-year-old joins on a one-year deal for 2024, with a club option for the 2025 season.
🔗 https://t.co/zWbOkmwwOW
🟣🔵 #WeAreDrogs | #OurTownOurClub pic.twitter.com/H9bUhTYpPK
“It feels great to be here at Drogheda. I’ve settled in very quickly, everyone at the club has been very good to me.
“I moved to the USA from Nigeria and continued playing football while in high school there, before moving to Sweden to play with Bodens. Once I heard about Drogheda United’s interest and learnt more about their project for the coming years, I was keen to join the club.
“I’m new to the league here, but it’s all been positive so far. I’ve got to know the coaching staff and players, and enjoyed the pre-season games and I can’t wait to get going.”
Jon Daly continues to build his squad with the signing of @arranpettifer from Bolton Wanderers
— St Patrick's Athletic FC (@stpatsfc) February 2, 2024
The 20-year-old midfielder joins us on a permanent deal
Pettifer featured in the recent pre-season wins against Cork & Drogheda & could make his competitive debut in the LSC tomorrow pic.twitter.com/Dbm19g0fpH
Elsewhere, St Patrick’s Athletic have completed the signing of 20-year-old midfielder Arran Pettifer from Bolton Wanderers.
Pettifer featured in Saints’ recent pre-season wins over Cork City and Drogheda United and could make his competitive debut for the Inchicore club in the Leinster Senior Cup tomorrow.
Stockport native Pettifer joined Bolton’s academy at the age of eight, signing his first professional contract in the summer of 2022. He made two senior appearances for The Trotters.
