Ollie Horgan begins recruitment for 2019 Premier Division campaign

Finn Harps have announced the signature of the quartet of Sam Todd, Nathan Boyle and former Longford Town duo, Daniel O’Reilly and Sam Verdon.

The securing of Todd’s signature will be a massive boost for Ollie Horgan’s men after the Donegal native enjoyed a stellar 2018 on-loan at Finn Park from near neighbours Derry City.

Also re-signing for the Harps is striker Nathan Boyle who joined the club from the Candystripes during the July transfer window.

Boyle, 24, played a significant role in the Co. Donegal’s side promotion push with four goals in seven league games for the Harps after his acrimonious departure from their local rivals on the Foyle.

In addition, Boyle played a stirring role in Harps Playoff success with his clinching strike in Limerick securing an ultimately comprehensive three-nil aggregate win over a beleaguered Limerick side at the Market’s Field.

Two new arrivals also join the club from First Division side, Longford Town, in Daniel O’Reilly and attacking midfield star Sam Verdon.

O’Reilly, a commanding central defender by trade, was once on the books of the Fulham academy in England after excelling at Dublin schoolboy side Cherry Orchard.

Before returning home, O’Reilly dipped his feet into non-league football with Hereford United (now defunct) before financial irregularities at the famous non-league side saw the Kildare native cut his stay in England short to join Bray Wanderers.

Following a brief stint at Bray, O’Reilly moved to the midlands to enjoy a spell at Longford Town over two and a half years which saw the now 23-year-old enjoy a renaissance as such in the First Division with De Town.

In his two full years playing in the second tier, the Celbridge man made two PFAI First Division team of the years before he called time on his career in the Red and Black.

Completing the quartet of new signings for Harps is Sam Verdon, who has previous Premier Division experience from his time with St Patrick’s Athletic.   

Now 23, Verdon has established himself as one of the hottest properties the First Division had to offer in 2018 with many composed showings for Longford Town.

Utilised primarily as an attacking midfielder, Verdon even played up front for Neale Fenn’s side as the lack of goalscoring options held De Town’s title ambitions back somewhat last term in the summer months following Dean Byrne’s nasty long-term injury.         

Speaking with the club’s official media team, Harps boss Ollie Horgan noted that he is looking for even more quality as the Co. Donegal look to stay up for next year.

“We’re pleased to have agreed terms with these four players but there is a long way to for myself and Paul Hegarty in terms of putting a squad together that can compete in the Premier Division.” Horgan remarked.

“We saw quite a bit of Daniel O’Reilly and Sam Verdon last season with Longford who were in the hunt for promotion right up to the final games of the season. This is a big chance for them to prove themselves in the Premier Division again. They have experience there which hopefully will stand to them when we come up against the likes of the Corks and Dundalk’s.

“Sam Todd has signed as well. He had a good season with us there, but this will be a new challenge at a higher standard. Sam is committed and is really looking forward to testing himself against quality teams.

“Nathan Boyle has also agreed a contract for next season and it’s good to have him in the squad again. Nathan did well for us when he signed in July. Again, he has decent experience of the Premier football with Derry so hopefully that will be another plus for us” Horgan then concluded.