Galway United boost goalkeeping ranks with signing of Gleeson and Mamala

Galway United have bolstered their goalkeeping ranks with the signing of Arek Mamala and Connor Gleeson ahead of the 2018 First Division campaign.

 

The pair of keepers will complete with fellow netminder Tadhg Ryan, who signed from Huddersfield Town earlier this month.

 

Gleeson will be a familiar face at Eamonn Deacy Park as he enters his third spell with The Tribesmen, having spent the 2017 season with Athlone Town.

 

The 24-year-old made 38 appearances during his first two spells and was a key member of Galway’s promotion-winning squad in 2014.

 

The Dunmore native brings plenty of experience with him on his return to the club having made his League of Ireland debut in 2010 for Mervue United as well as having two spells with Athlone Town.

 



“Connor came in training with us and you could see he has plenty of experience,” manager Shane Keegan told the club's media team.

 

“He has the size and he knows what the club is all about and what is required in this division,” he told the club’s website.

 

“We spoke and asked him to come on board. Everything fell into place. Connor is happy enough to bide his time. We’ve got three goalkeepers now who offer different qualities to us.

 



“Connor has the opportunity to work his way into the team. We had have two keepers signed already and Connor further strengthens our options.”

 

Mamala joins United from Clare District League side Coole FC having also represented the Clare Oscar Traynor team, who won the competition the last two seasons in a row.

 

He made three appearances for Limerick under-19s during 2014 and 2015.

 

The 20-year-old had been on trial with the club last season and Shane Keegan is happy to add the Polish goalkeeper to his squad for the 2018 season.

 

“He came in last year to do some training with us and impressed. Realistically, you’re looking for three goalkeepers who can all compete.

 

“I think Arek realises that it’s probably Tadhg’s jersey at the moment, but he’s coming in there to keep Tadhg on his toes and see can he prise that jersey from him.

 

“While Arek is young and is still learning, he hasn’t come on board to sit on the bench, he wants to push it all the way.

 

“Athletically he’s phenomenal: his shot-stopping, his leap and narrowing of angles. He’s also very comfortable with the ball at his feet, which is a big help to us.”

 

The signings bring Keegan’s squad for 2018 up to 19 with the club preparing for the opening match of their First Division campaign against Athlone Town on Friday, February 23rd.