Shane McEleney joins USL side Ottawa Fury

Former Derry City and St Patrick's Athletic defender Shane McEleney has completed a move to United Soccer League (USL) side Ottawa Fury.

 

McEleney – the brother of Dundalk midfielder Patrick – has been without a club since parting company with the Saints towards the end of last season.

 

The 25-year-old, who has represented both the Repulic of Ireland and Northern Ireland at underage level, spent seven seasons with his hometown club Derry City before moving to Dublin in 2015.

 

“Shane is another key player profile for us,” Fury head coach Paul Dalglish told the club website.

 

“He is an extremely technical defender with fantastic pace. His technique will allow us to build from the back and his pace with allow us to play with a high line.”

 



McEleney added: “I'm overwhelmed to be signing with Ottawa Fury FC, I can't wait to get started.”

 

 “I needed a change in my career and when I spoke to Paul about his plans for the club’s USL debut season in 2017 it got my attention from the get-go.

 

“His enthusiasm for the coming season was just what I wanted to hear.

 



“I'm excited to say the least and looking forward to meeting the players, staff and fans come February. Let's hope the 2017 season is a memorable one.”

 

The Canadian side – who were losing finalists to New York Cosmos in the 2015 NASL season before joining the USL for the coming season – are no strangers to League of Ireland graduates.

 

Former Sligo Rovers midfielder Richie Ryan captained that side alongside former Cobh Ramblers defender Colin Falvey, while ex-Shamrock Rovers and Derry City striker Tommy Stewart spent the second half of last season at the Ontario club.