REDMOND COMMITS FUTURE TO SAINTS

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC have moved quickly to ward off potential suitors of Joe Redmond by agreeing a long-term contract with the young defender, almost a year to the day he learnt of his release from Birmingham City. ‘I’m delighted to get it done and to commit here,’ said Redmond, who grew up a Saints fan, and followed Tim Clancy from Drogheda United to Inchicore in the close season.

‘For Pat’s to recognise that I’m doing well is an honour. I only had a one-year deal so to sign and commit is a weight off my shoulders,’ said Redmond, a cousin of the Irish internationals Stephen and Alan Quinn. Clancy has always held Redmond in high regard and feels he’s a better player now than when he signed for Drogheda last August. ‘Joe was probably a little bit lost when he came back,’ said Clancy.

‘When he came to train with us at Drogheda, straight away you could tell he was a very good player. ‘We’d 14 games of the season left and he started all 14,’ said Clancy.

‘When this (St Pat’s) opportunity came up for me, you look to recruit players you think will get better and with a good age profile. Joe fitted the bill. ‘From the performances, he’s probably been our standout player and most consistent player in every game,’ added Clancy.

At 22, Redmond is one of the ‘senior’ figures in Clancy’s progressive youth policy at Pat’s where players are getting thrust forward, irrespective of the numbers on their birth certificates.

‘On a regular basis we’ve had a 19-year-old, Darragh Burns, playing nearly every game, you’ve Ben McCormack (19) James Abankwah (18) starting games; you’ve Adam Murphy starting on his 17th birthday, and Sam Curtis doing excellently at right-back as a 16-year-old.’ The Saints striplings are away to Sligo Rovers tomorrow night seeking to consolidate third position in the table.