DUNDALK FC PLAYER PROFILES

1999/2000

BRENDAN MURPHY

GOALKEEPER

Meathman who has spent the last few seasons at Wimbledon and during his time there was first choice in the Ireland under 21 side. Now 23 he was released this Summer by Wimbledon and after joining Dundalk on trial he impressed so much in his first match that he was signed immediately and will battle with John Connolly for the first team place. Standing at six foot plus he is good on crosses and will hopefully fill the gap left by Steve Williams.

JOHN CONNOLLY

GOALKEEPER

Had a spell with Dundalk previously when Turlough O Connor was manager. Also had a season with Bohemians and Kilkenny City. Resigned for Dundalk from Wayside Celtic after Brendan Murphy picked up an injury. Now commands the regular first team place

DAVID CRAWLEY

DEFENDER

Left sided defender who has been a regular fixture in the side for the past three seasons since returning home from an unsuccessful stint at Manchester City. Has been promoted to free kick taker and scored a memorable 25 yarder against Bohemians in Dalymount Park last season. Is currently one season through a 3 year contract

PADRAIG STAUNTON

DEFENDER

Promising young defender, brother of Irish international Steve. Made his brekathrough in the pre-season and his first senior start was in the friendly against Dundee United. Versatile player who can play as a centre back or a fullback. Good distributor of the ball who could have a good future at Oriel Park.

PAUL WHELAN

DEFENDER

Experienced central defender who has had spells at Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers in the 90's. Captained Bohs to the FAI Cup early in the decade and joined Shamrock Rovers where he won a League winners medal. Joined Dundalk in the summer of '99 on a free transfer.

PADRAIG GOLLOGLEY

DEFENDER

Tall central defender, another product of the clubs youth teams who finally made his breakthrough to the first team last year after a couple of years waiting in the wings. On his day can be brilliant but unfortunately prone to the occasional error and many will remember him for his own goal in the Cup against Derry last year. Has benefitted hugely from first team experience in Division One

NOEL MELVIN

DEFENDER

28 year old versatile player who can also play in midfield. Formerly with Finn Harps and Monaghan. Joined Dundalk in the summer of 1997 and has been at Oriel Park since then. Threatened to retire before the start of the 1999/2000 but had a change of heart which was a relief to Dundalk fans because Noel showed his best form ever for the club when reverting to centre back and has formed a good partnership with Gollogley

JOHN WHYTE

DEFENDER/MIDFIELDER

 

Arrived at the club shortly after Terry Eviston and Ollie Ralph. Nearly broke through to the first team when Turlough O Connor was in charge and moved up North soon after where he has played since. He has played for Glenavon and most recently two seasons at Newry although he was out on loan for some of that time. Has been coaching the Dundalk under 12's for the past year and his move to Oriel will see him contribute on and off the pitch

JOHN FLANAGAN

DEFENDER/MIDFIELDER

Utility player, signed as cover at the start of the 1999/2000 season after spells with Drogheda and Home Farm. Can play in defence or midfield. Scored hat-trick in League game against St Francis and has proved to be a strong player in the centre of midfield. Can also play at right back.

PAUL CAMPBELL

MIDFIELDER

Midfielder who joined Dundalk in November '99 after ten seasons with St Patricks Athletic. Will have fond memories of Oriel Park after scoring the goal which won the League for St Pats on the hallowed turf in 1995. Marked his Dundalk debut with a headed goal against Kilkenny City.

DAVID HOEY

MIDFIELDER

Knockbridge midfielder who missed most of the 98/99 season with a serious illness and was not fully fit when returning at the end of the season. Sure to be an asset in Division One and on his day can be one of the most exciting players in the League to watch. Broke through to the team during the 1996/97 season as a central midfielder in the playoff against Waterford and a return to that form would be a welcome boost for Dundalk fans

 

MICHAEL HARTE

MIDFIELDER

Drogheda native, brother of Irish international Ian. Started his career at Drogheda but moved up North to Glenavon before moving back to Drogheda during the 1996 season. A left winger with plenty of skill, Harte moved to Newry at the start of the 1998/99 season but could not breakthrough there and moved to Dundalk in November when he hit a rich vein of form. Did not get the right opportunities for the rest of that season and is now behind Brian Morrisroe in the pecking order

JOHN SHARKEY

MIDFIELDER

Pint sized midfielder from Blackrock who has not yet quite established himself as a regular but was one of the first players to sign new contracts when Terry Eviston arrived. Made fleeting appearances last season on the left side of midfield and scored a memorable 92nd minute winner against Shelbourne in Tolka Park. Chances came few and far between after that and has also been used on the right side. In Division One he has been given more chances and time to settle in the Dundalk side.

BRIAN MORRIS-ROE

MIDFIELDER/STRIKER

Exciting winger, won a league winners medal with St Patricks Athletic earlier in his career and moved to Dundalk in August of 1999 from Shamrock Rovers. A player who has scored goals in the past his goalscoring touch and his style which causes defences problems will be crucial to Dundalk in their battle for promotion. Has scored some crucial goals since signing for Dundalk.

DAVID WARD

STRIKER

Capable but enigmatic striker who came to prominence at the end of the 1997/98 season with goals against Pats and Shels but suffered last season with a lot of pressure on him after the injury to Byrne and departure of Withnell. Would be a huge asset if returning to his best form and hopefully will be toughened up a bit in Division One. Narrowly missed out on getting into Brian Kerr's squad for the youth championships in Sweden. He is now an invaluable player to Dundalk in the quest for promotion.

DAVID MARTIN

STRIKER

Red haired striker who after a fine scoring record in the youths and reserves broke through in the second half of the 98/99 season and found the net five times despite having to start most games on the bench. When he did play he showed an eye for goal and when the oppourtunites were presented to him he took them. Given a long run in the first team he could well be a 15 goal a season striker

DEREK DELANY

MIDFIELDER/STRIKER

Dundalk native, came through the youth teams at Dundalk and made several first team appearances during 1997/98 before spending a season at Ipswich Town before returning home this year and joining Dundalk. Very capable player who is very skilful and exciting to watch on his day.

MARK REID

STRIKER

Tall striker who started his career at Stoke but moved back to Ireland to join Sligo Rovers where he had a good spell and scored plenty of goals. A subsequent move to Shamrock Rovers did not work out and came to Dundalk this season via a two year spell at Waterford which was interrupted by injury. Reid has shown an eye for goal in the past and if he can return to full fitness he will be a useful addition to the Dundalk squad

BRIAN HONAN

STRIKER

Well travelled striker who has had spells in the past with Drogheda, Bray, Shamrock Rovers and more recently Monaghan. Target man who has worked well with David Ward up front since joining in September

ANTO REILLY

STRIKER

Local striker, prolific scorer with Dundalk Summer League side Shamrocks and signed early on in the 1999/2000 season and marked his first two starts for Dundalk with two goals, one of which a memorable strike against Monaghan

TONY IZZI

STRIKER

Prolific goalscorer with Limerick and Cobh Ramblers in Division One who joined Dundalk after a brief loan spell with Athlone at the turn of the century. Italian who played with Shels and Pats earlier in his career. Marked his Dundalk debut with two goals over Longford and will be instrumental in Dundalk's promotion challenge. Immediately looks like forming a profitable partnership with Ward