Sean Connor has started the process of constructing a Galway United team after agreeing terms with five players to stay at Terryland Park.

The former Dundalk boss has taken his time to weigh up his options since taking over at the club, but has now been able to confirm that Barry Ryan, Ciaran Foley, Jonathan Keane, Derek O'Brien and Alan Murphy have penned new deals.

Foley and Keane did not feature for The Tribesmen last term, but they have re-joined the club as they aim to get their League of Ireland careers back on track, while the trio of Ryan, O'Brien and Murphy provide much-needed experience.

Ryan, in particular, was a stand-out player for the Connacht-based side last year and his re-signing is considered something of a coup as several teams were chasing him.

Galway are continuing to monitor a number of players in pre-season training and will look to test them in freindly games over the coming weeks as Connor tries to build a squad strong enough to survive in the Premier Division.

Several players from last year's squad, including Ger Hanley and Seamus Conneely are expected to pen new deals, while Thomas Heary (Dundalk) is a reported target.