Dec 21,2024
Shelbourne have confirmed the signing of striker Mipo Odubeko from Fleetwood Town, while Ronan Manning is a new addition at Sligo Rovers.
The 22-year-old Odubeko has agreed a long term contract at Tolka Park, this after making 11 appearances for the League 2 club.
The Republic of Ireland U-21 international, started his career at Manchester City before he made the short hop across the divide to join rivals Manchester United, where he played in their academy for three years. Spells at West Ham, Doncaster Rovers, Port Vale and Maritimo in Portugal followed before signing for Fleetwood.
On his move to the Premier Division champions, Odubeko said: "I'm honoured to join Shelbourne FC, a club with incredible history and loyal supporters. My focus is clear: work hard, improve every day, and give everything to help the team win. I’m here to play my part, fight for this badge, and contribute to a successful season. I can’t wait to get started."
Shels boss Damien Duff believes he has a "fascinating signing" on his hands, and added: "Every team in Ireland wanted Mipo but I am proud that he has chosen this special club. He was excited to join the champions but I think the real reason he is here is because we are the No 1 place to unlock potential and get the best out of players.
"He has amazing power, speed and finishing that maybe not enough people have seen. Myself and the staff plan on unleashing all of it."
Sligo Rovers have added attacking midfielder Ronan Manning to their ranks. The 24-year-old has signed a one-year deal at the Showgrounds after joining from Galway United and becomes John Russell's 17th signing ahead of the new campaign.
The Galway native began his career with local side Mervue before joining Galway United in 2017. He made his first team debut midway through that season and became a regular the following year.
He moved on to Athlone Town in 2020, before returning to Eamonn Deacy Park in 2021. The former Republic of Ireland underage international missed most of that season with injury but returned in 2022, re-establishing himself as a mainstay in the Tribesmen's starting sides before going on to win the First Division title with his hometown club in 2023.
Another injury saw his miss the entire 2024 season.
Manning is now looking forward to joining up with John Russell's squad.
He told sligorovers.com: Myself and John (Russell) spoke before the season finished and more so the last few weeks.
"The plan he laid out in terms of the direction Sligo Rovers is going and where he wants to take the club was impressive. Once I spoke to him, there was nowhere else for me.
"I've had some bad luck with injuries in the past but I feel I've emerged well from all that and I'm looking to put that behind me. I'm feeling at my best now and I'm ready to get going at Rovers.
"The style John likes to play suits my style. The supporters can expect to see someone who's creative and always wants to get on the ball. I love to run at defenders and make things happen. I feel every player that has signed for Sligo Rovers has become a better player and I feel that can be the case with myself also."