National League: Having raised eyebrows with last week's signing of former England international Carlton Palmer, Roddy Collins, Dublin City's irrepressible manager, wasn't going to be outdone on transfer deadline day
Somewhat predictably, Collins made the most obscure signing in a slow market when persuading former Wimbledon and Nigeria international striker Efan Ekoku to join his floundering quest to steer Dublin City away from relegation.
"He's as lean as the butcher's dog and we've had a good chat and I know he won't let me down," said Collins of the 37-year-old who comes straight into the squad for tomorrow night's clash with Collins' former club Bohemians.
Ex-Derry City, Dundalk and Finn Harps striker Alex Nesovic, whom Collins signed when he was at Bohemians, also joined Dublin City yesterday to bring to nine the number of new players Collins has brought to the club.
Leaving the club is former Irish youth international midfielder Cillian Brennan who is one of three new signings by Derry City, manager Stephen Kenny's first deals since taking charge two weeks ago.
Also going to the Brandywell are ex-Galway United and West Ham goalkeeper David Forde and Ruaidhri Higgins, a former Northern Ireland youth international midfielder.
Much of yesterday's other wheeling and dealing was in the first division. Defenders Keith Foy, a UEFA under-16 title winner in 1998, and Barry Burke joined Monaghan United from Dublin City.
Leaders UCD signed goalkeeper Paul Whelan, a member of Brian Kerr's under-20 side that finished third at the 1997 World Cup in Malaysia, along with Anthony Murphy, released last week by Monaghan.
Finn Harps signed defender Ian Rossiter from rivals Sligo Rovers. Cobh Ramblers have got Waterford United reserve goalkeeper David Hennessy on loan.while Kilkenny City have signed Kenny Browne and Ian Ryan from Waterford.
