General
- Tuesday December 3rd, 2024 @ 16:45
Barry Baggley Is A Saint
A busy week at Richmond Park continued with the news that Barry Baggley has joined the club from Fleetwood Town for an undisclosed fee.
The Northern Ireland U21 international has signed a long-term contract and will link up with his new team-mates for the first time tomorrow, he'll wear the number 19 shirt.
Baggley (22) began his career with Linfield and Glentoran before a move to Fleetwood Town in September 2018.
The Belfast native made his senior league debut on March 9th 2019, becoming Fleetwood's youngest ever league player, at the age of 17 years and 57 days, after coming on as a late sub in a defeat at Walsall.
A loan spell with National League side Altrincham followed in 2021 before Barry moved to the League of Ireland, spending two seasons on loan with Waterford FC.
He was part of 'The Blues' promotion via the play-offs in 2023, and was named in the LOI 1st Division Team of the Season, before making 18 league appearances last season (2024) as Keith Long's side finished 7th on their return to the Premier Division.
Baggley said:
"I'm delighted to get things done and I'm really excited about the season, I think it's going to be a really good year, we've got a strong squad and I can't wait to get started.
When I met Stephen Kenny, I thought straight away that it would be a perfect fit for me to come to St Pat's, I think the type of football that Stephen likes to play will suit me and I'm looking forward to meeting the lads tomorrow.
St Pat's is a brilliant club to be at, things are going in the right direction, we want to compete and the crowd here is unbelievable too, it's always sold out and will be great to play in front of."
Our latest recruit spoke to the St Pat's FC YouTube channel shortly after signing, you can watch the full interview below.
Manager Stephen Kenny added:
"I'm delighted that Barry has joined St Patrick's Athletic, he is a really good footballer, a left-footed midfield playmaker who has a great understanding of the position.
He has the flexibility to play in different roles within the midfield, he's had a good bit of experience for a player who is still an U21 international with Northern Ireland.
Barry has the capacity to really improve, he has a strong personality having been Captain of Waterford FC and he'll be a excellent addition for the forthcoming campaign."
While Director of Football Ger O'Brien also gave us his thoughts on our newest Saint:
"Barry is a player who we have watched closely over the last couple of seasons, he has been excellent for Waterford, and he has gained good senior experience too, making over 50 appearances across his two years in the League of Ireland.
Barry is an excellent midfielder, at 22, he is an ambitious young man who wants to play at highest level, we feel he will fit into our group well and we are looking forward to working with him over the next few years."
