ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC have made a significant addition to their squad as they continue preparations for next season.
The Saints, who’ll begin their 2018 SSE Airtricity League Premier Division campaign at home to champions Cork City on 16 February, today announced the signing of Kevin Toner on a two-year contract from English Championship club Aston Villa.
A versatile defender who can play as a centre or left back, Toner has been on the books at Villa since 2012, having previously played for Home Farm and his hometown club Ashbourne United.
Although the 21-year-old Meath native has been on loan at League Two club Stevenage this season, he did make four Premier League appearances for Villa during their 2015-16 campaign and subsequently had his contract extended until the summer of 2018.
The former Ireland U19 international, who has also spent time on loan at Kidderminster Harriers, Walsall and Bradford City, came off the bench for Villa against Southampton before starting the final three games of their most recent season in England’s top flight.
The signing of Toner comes after Pat’s confirmed that Jordi Balk has left the club to return to his native Netherlands. Despite only joining the club in July, the 23-year-old defender quickly became a fan favourite at Richmond Park and had a substantial role in helping the Inchicore side to avoid relegation.
Balk, who turned down the offer of a new contract at Pat’s and also attracted interested from elsewhere in the SSE Airtricity League, has joined FC Lienden in the third tier of Dutch football.
Pat’s supporters will be encouraged by the club’s business in the transfer market this winter. As well as signing key players like Ian Bermingham, Conan Byrne, Killian Brennan and Owen Garvan to new contracts, manager Liam Buckley has also brought in Simon Madden (Shamrock Rovers), Ryan Brennan (Bray Wanderers), James Doona (Shamrock Rovers), Thomas Byrne (Drogheda United) and Dean Clarke (Limerick).
