Shamrock Rovers complete the signing of Daniel Cleary
Shamrock Rovers F.C. is delighted to welcome Daniel Cleary to the club on a multi-year contract. The formalities were completed over the last couple of days which see Cleary go straight into consideration for Friday’s FAI Cup game at Tallaght Stadium.
Speaking about capturing the signature of Dan Cleary, Hoops Head Coach, Stephen Bradley said:
“It’s no secret that Dan is someone that we have admired for quite some time. We spoke at length before he went to St. Johnstone and kept in touch. The opportunity to sign him came up recently and we are delighted to get him in the door.”
“He has a lot of the attributes that we require from our defenders. He’s a very experienced player that has won everything that there is to win. We feel that he is someone that will improve our team and our squad. We look at the whole package that he brings, with European experience, and trophies, he’s played at a good level for all of his career, and he is a good age for us as well. He ticks all the boxes that we look for in a player.”
“He’s fit, he’s had his pre-season minutes and he is ready to go. He trained with us this morning (Thursday) and he is available for tomorrow as well (as Simon Power).”
In an interview for SRFCTV on his signing, Dan Cleary said:
How do you feel about joining Rovers?
“Yeah, I’m absolutely buzzing, delighted to get over the line and looking forward to getting stuck in.”
Were you happy with how your spell in Scotland went?
“Yes, I loved it. I went over and was straight in the team – it was a tough few months but we got the end result, to avoid relegation and stay up. I’m grateful for the club and the gaffer over there as well.”
Stephen Bradley tried to sign you in the winter as well. What made you decide that now is the right time to come to Rovers.
“There is a family situation going on at the moment, so I am happy to come back home. Stephen, made contact with me so it was perfect timing”
You’ve been on trial here before during Stephen Bradley’s second full year 2018 preseason when Dundalk were top dogs. Much has happened since then instead with two league titles for Rovers, and the team growing stronger every year, hasn’t it?
“Rovers have always been a massive club in Ireland, back then they were big as well. It’s good to see how well they have been doing the last few years and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”
You had that great Europa League run with Dundalk a couple of years ago. Now Rovers are aiming to do the same. You must be just as hungry to reach those heights again.
“Yeah, definitely. It’s unbelievable. Feeling playing at that level, playing big teams in big stadiums. I think this squad can definitely reach it so that has to be the aim”.
We know that you are good friends with Jack Byrne, are you looking forward to having Jack as a teammate both on and off the pitch?
“Yes, we get along quite well, we’ve been friends for years. Years ago, we went on trial when we were about 13, so I’m looking forward to seeing him every day”
