Shane Tracy returns for an eleventh season with Limerick

While the furious transfer activity face continues apace in the League of Ireland, one player will be entering a remarkable 11th season with his beloved hometown club.

Local boy Shane Tracy has committed to signing a new one-year deal with Limerick after being awarded a testimonial last season.

Fears were growing that the former Wembley Rovers schoolboy was about to call time on his long association with Limerick – and with senior football.

There was huge relief among everyone connected with the Markets Field outfit, when the deal was announced on Saturday evening.

“We were obviously happy to secure safety last season, and now I’m looking forward to starting up again in January – it’s a familiar feeling,” A happy Tracy told the club's website.

Tracy contemplated hanging up his boots from the professional game, but his insatiable hunger and love of the club kept the fire burning inside.

“I’m working full-time too, so I had to take everything into consideration. I was always more in favour of re-signing,” Shane said.

“It will be my objective to play week in, week out – I wouldn’t have signed if I felt I couldn’t keep going and keep competing. I’ve been like that throughout my career – I want to compete, and next year will be no different.”

Despite his experience, Tracy is still only 29, and the former Galway United man is already planning for the new season.

“I’m just going to focus on the season ahead and not look past that,” Tracy said.

“It’s an old cliché but that’s all the focus is on. We will see how the season goes and not worry about anything beyond that.

“Last year, you could see the quality of the teams in the league and it will be even more competitive next season with Waterford coming up – they have investment behind them, which always helps in this league.”

The reliable left-back continues his long association with the club which stretches back to 2007. The club won two first division titles in that period, in 2012 and 2016.

Tracy endured a frustrating opening four months last season, as he was sidelined with injury missing the Blues return to the top flight.

Sunderland loanee Tommy Robson filled the void and Dave O’Connor was the man Neil McDonald’s turned to as first choice left-back at the beginning of his term in Limerick.

Tracy played his way back the side and regained his place for an FAI Cup quarter-final clash with Galway United. McDonald was delighted with Tracy’s decision and was full of praise when asked about the re-signing.

“Shane has been a credit to himself and his family, representing Limerick for over ten years. He had a well-deserved Testimonial.

“Shane got himself back in the team by training really well, waiting for his chance and showing what he can do. We hope he can contribute more on the pitch next season than this year, but that is up to him.

“His attitude has been top-class and it’s great to have a Limerick player through and through in the squad.”