david_smith
Dundalk have re-signed Patrick McEleney just six months after he left the club.
McEleney has rejoined the Lilywhites on a three-and-a-half year deal after suffering relegation with Oldham Athletic.
The 25-year-old played just nine times – scoring once – for Oldham since joining the English club in January, and had become available for transfer following their relegation from League One.
The playmaker enjoyed an excellent two years for Dundalk after signing for the current league leaders in 2015, and also previously starred for Derry City under Stephen Kenny.
“I am buzzing to finally get the deal done,” he said today.
“It was a long process but it’s great to be back at the club.
“I am happy to be back here and I enjoyed my first spell here so to be back is great.
“I can’t wait just to get back playing for the side again. I have been keeping an eye on things since I left and they are going well here. Hopefully I can add to that.â€
Speaking to the Dundalk Democrat, he admitted that his move to Oldham was a bad decision.
“It was a bad decision,†McEleney conceded.
“It was just a bit of a disaster. When I got in we were in a relegation fight and everything changed. We changed our style of football, it was about going longer and it didn’t suit me playing on right midfield in a 4-4-2.
“It was a tricky situation. It’s been in the media about us not being paid right so that sort of had an effect as well. I wanted out and they agreed. It all rolled really quickly and I’m just happy to be here.â€
Dundalk – who beat rivals Cork City 2-1 on Friday at Oriel Park – have also snapped up exciting UCD star Georgie Kelly.
The 21-year-old has scored 14 goals this season in the First Division, and has been signed for an undisclosed fee.
“It was too good an opportunity to turn down for me,” Kelly said.
“I have come here to try and win trophies. That has to be the ambition coming to the likes of Dundalk.
“That is the goal. There’s a culture here of winning, especially over the last couple of years. Winning leagues, winning Cups and progressing in Europe. I want to be a part of that and I can’t wait to get started.”
