News round-up: Vinny Arkins, the Irish League's most prolific goalscorer over the last decade, is returning to the eircom League after agreeing a one-year-deal with Bohemians.
The Dubliner was told last month he could leave Portadown - where he scored 248 goals - during the January transfer window.
Bohemians manager Gareth Farrelly is particularly pleased with the signing as a number of rival clubs, most notably Longford Town, were also interested in the 35-year-old striker.
Newry City were the first club to move for Arkins but he rejected their approach in favour of a move back to Dublin.
Arkins, who previously played for Notts County, Dundee United, Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers, joins goalkeeper Stephen O’Brien and defenders Barry Ferguson and Jason McGuinness as new arrivals at Dalymount Park.
Supporters hope Arkins proves a hit in front of goal as the club looks to strengthen that department following Irish international Glen Crowe’s move to Shelbourne a season ago.
St Patrick’s Athletic, meanwhile, have poached Lee Roche from under Glentoran’s nose.
The striker parted company with Shamrock Rovers at the end of the season and although he spent a brief spell in Belfast since then, he rejected the Glens’ offer of a long-term contract.
Roche joins former Rovers team-mates Mark Rutherford and Mark Quigley at Richmond Park.
Alan Cawley, meanwhile, rejoins UCD after quitting the Belfield outfit two-years ago for a controversial and ultimately unsuccessful spell with Shelbourne.
Finally, details of the first four live television broadcasts of this season’s Setanta Cup - which starts next month - were announced today.
The game between holders Linfield and Derry City at Winsdor Park on February 20th will be broadcast live by tournament sponsors Setanta Sports.
On February 27th, the station will screen Cork City’s game with Drogheda United and then the following night Derry City against Shelbourne.
The final game confirmed at present will be the meeting of Cork City and Dungannon Swifts on March 6th. Further details in relation to these broadcasts and subsequent games will be announced at a later date.
Upcoming friendly fixtures
January 26th
Dundalk v Shelbourne, Oriel Park, 7.30
February 3rd
Limerick v Dublin City, Hogan Park, 7.45
Galway Utd. v Shelbourne, Terryland Park, 7.30
February 4th
Longford Town v Athlone Town, Flancare Park, 7.30
February 8th
Longford Town v Shamrock Rovers, Flancare Park, 8.00
February 9th
Dundalk v St. Patrick's Athletic, Oriel Park, 7.45
February 12th
FC United v Galway Utd, (Wycombe Wanderers' training ground), TBC
February 14th
Galway Utd. v Cork City, Terryland Park, 7.30
Dundalk v Drogheda United, Oriel Park, 7.45
February 17th
Galway Utd v Bohemians, Terryland Park, 7.30
February 23rd
Dundalk v Longford Town, Oriel Park, 7.45
February 25th
Dundalk v Dublin City, Oriel Park, 7.45
February 28th
Longford Town v Limerick, Flancare Park, 7.45
March 2nd
Dundalk v Bohemians, Oriel Park, 7.45
Galway Utd v Longford Town, Terryland Park, 3.00
