Chris Forrester returns to Ireland and signs for the Saints on a three-year deal
Credit: Peter Fitzpatrick (ETPhotos)
St Patrick’s Athletic have made a major statement of intent with the re-signing of midfielder Chris Forrester on a three-year deal.
The Dubliner cancelled his contract at Aberdeen by mutual consent on Tuesday, citing ‘personal reasons,’ and wasted little time returning to the club with whom he made his name.
Forrester spent three-and-a-half seasons with Pats before signing for Peterborough United in 2015, and was at the club when current manager Harry Kenny was assistant to Liam Buckley in 2013.
The Saints also announced the acquisition of Scottish midfielder Rhys McCabe from Buckley’s Sligo Rovers as the fully professional side look to return to the top table of Irish football.
"With everything that has gone on in my life, I was always going to come back to Pat's, a club that is very close to my heart,” Forrester told the club’s website.
“We had a good few years when I was here and hopefully we can do that again this season. The times we had before were great and we brought a lot of history to the club.
“I'm looking to working under Harry too. I really enjoyed the year I worked with him when he was at the club, and it was one of the main factors in coming back.
“I know what he is about from that and from speaking to him, so I'm looking forward to working with the lads and what looks to be a really good team.”
Forrester joined the Saints from Bohemians in 2012 and became an instant fan favourite, and helped the club to the league title in 2013 and their first FAI Cup in 53 years the following season.
In 2015, Pats agreed a deal to sell him to Peterborough, where he initially flourished and was made captain for the 2016/17 season, but he moved onto Aberdeen during the summer.
“With me coming home, it gives me a fresh start,” he added. “I’m around my family and my little girl, my friends, everything.
“I’m back at a club I think genuinely likes me. As a footballer, you just want to be loved, and coming back to Pats, if I can do the business, that’ll be it for me.”
