Shamrock Rovers have stated their intent for the 2021 season with the signing of Sean Hoare from rivals Dundalk and midfielder Chris McCann from Oldham Athletic.
Hoare joins the Hoops following four seasons at Oriel Park, winning two League of Ireland Premier Division titles and two FAI Cups whilst with the Lilywhites. Hoare also scored the third goal in Dundalk's 4-2 FAI Cup final victory over his new club.
Speaking to the Rovers media team, Hoare stated that he didn't take the decision to leave Dundalk lightly, but he simply wanted a "new challenge".
Alongside Hoare, Rovers have also announced the signing of former Burnley and Wigan Athletic midfielder Chris McCann.
McCann played over 250 times for Burnley, including in the 2009-10 Premier League season. Furthermore, the Dublin native also played in the MLS for Atlanta United and DC United before returning to English football in 2019.
Speaking on his new signings, Stephen Bradley stated that it was vital that Rovers keep improving, with the double signing allowing the Hoops to push on from their 2020 league win.
On Hoare, Bradley remarked that he tried to sign the centre-half before, with the former St Patrick's Athletic man's playing style a perfect fit in his Rovers team.
"We tried to sign Sean Hoare a few years back and we didn’t get him but we’ve always liked him. He fits our type of profile for a defender and he’s very versatile.
"He’s a good age as well so he’s one we’ve liked for quite some time. He’s played in the league a long time and obviously been very successful.
"He’s played in Europe and knows what the league’s about. Everything about him suits the type of player we bring in."
Welcome to The Champions, @seanhoare5 ☘️ pic.twitter.com/TecCs5TjWs
— Shamrock Rovers FC ☘️ (@ShamrockRovers) December 14, 2020
On Chris McCann, Rovers boss Bradley said that the Hoops saw off interest from English clubs to sign the veteran midfielder, whose family are lifelong Shamrock Rovers fans.
"He had a lot of interest in England and he had a lot of offers but his family are life-long Shamrock Rovers fans.
He’s been to games when he’s come home from England and when he was younger. He’s watched us play the last 12 months or so and really liked how we play."
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