Bohemians secure capture of five-time League of Ireland winner from Dundalk

Hot on the heels of Ryan O’Kane’s departure to champions Shelbourne, Dundalk have lost experienced captain and five-time League of Ireland winner John Mountney to Bohemians.

Mayo native Mountney has joined on a so-called ‘multi-year’ contract. He is the third close-season arrival at Dalymount Park after Colm Whelan from Derry City and Niall Morahan from Sligo Rovers.

Mountney won five leagues and three FAI Cups during his time at Oriel Park, while he won another FAI Cup during a spell at St Patrick’s Athletic.

Read More: Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley confirms the worst as scan results return on key player

Read More:Brighton to take highly rated Cork City and Ireland underage star on trial

Bohs boss Alan Reynolds said: “I am delighted to get a player of John’s experience and quality on board. To push on as a club, we needed to strengthen with players who know the league and have a winning mentality.

“John has that in spades. He was the captain of Dundalk this year for a reason, so as well as being a player of great quality, he brings an extra layer of leadership to the group, much like Niall Morahan does.

“The players coming through at this club need players around them in the dressing room who have won trophies that they can learn from.

“With Keith Buckley and Rob Cornwall to come back, we have great experienced pros at the club who will set the tone and set the standards for everyone around them.

“John is a player who is comfortable in a number of different positions, which is a great asset, but we see him primarily as a defender.

“We’re delighted with the players we have brought in so far. They really strengthen the squad, and we are looking forward to working with them.”

Sign up for our League of Ireland news service on Whats App

Click this link or scan the QR code to receive the latest League of Ireland news and top stories from the Irish Mirror. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Mountney spent all but one of his last 13 seasons at Dundalk, but he was delighted with the opportunity to be reunited with his former Lilywhites teammate and manager Stephen O’Donnell, now assistant boss at Bohs.

He said: “When Alan contacted me originally, it was something that really excited me. Everyone knows how big a club Bohs is.

“I want to be a part of something and I believe Bohs is the perfect fit for me to try to do that. The fanbase is one of the biggest in the country so when Alan reached out, I was very interested.

“I worked with Alan at Dundalk, obviously I have a connection with Stephen O’Donnell as well having played with him at Dundalk and having played under him at both St Pat’s and Dundalk.

“There are already great characters at the club, the likes of Keith Buckley, and I want to add to that and help push the club in the right direction.

“At 31, I’ll be one of the older lads, one of the more experienced lads, so I want to play my part here and live up to the demands the management put in place. I’m really looking forward to meeting the lads and getting ready for next season.”

Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts