david_smith
Dundalk have confirmed that Patrick McEleney has joined Oldham Athletic.
The 25 year old has joined the League One side on a two-and-a-half year contract after a hugely impressive season for the Lilywhites.
McEleney emerged as Stephen Kenny’s most important player following several high profile departures, and scored 13 goals in 49 appearances for the club.
CONFIRMED | Patrick McEleney has left the club to join @OfficialOAFC. We would like to thank Patrick for his effort, commitment and professionalism and we wish him all the very best in his future career 👍 https://t.co/jfNgmlBWVk
— Dundalk FC (@DundalkFC) December 29, 2017
The move to Oldham marks McEleney’s return to English football, as he spent three months with Sunderland before joining Derry City in 2010.
“It was an easy decision after I met the manager and I had been around the place,” McEleney said.
“The style of play is going to suit me and I’m looking forward to getting started now.
“My first target is to get into the team and then after that I’ll take it from there.
“Getting into the team is the main thing because I can’t just expect to roll up and jump straight in, I need to get myself fit and get myself sharp but I back myself to do well.â€
Latics boss Richie Wellans has also expressed his excitement at working with the former Dundalk playmaker.
“He’s two footed, he can go either way and he can dribble past players and I think we’ve lacked a bit of that,” he said.
“We’ve got really good footballers who get in pockets of space and Patrick will give us a different dimension.
“He can go past players, he can score goals and he’s got good delivery as well.
“He’s a player that I’m looking forward to working with and he’s the type of character you want in the building.â€
McEleney will link up with Richie Wellans’ squad on the first of January.
