Bit O’Red signings for this campaign
JR WILSON
JOHN Russell’s first signing of the window, JR Wilson arrives from Shelbourne with a reputation as a dogged, hard-working defender. While Johann Brannefalk impressed in attack from right-back, Rovers need a more assured defensive presence in this position and Wilson certainly offers that.
WILSON WAWERU
AFTER impressive spells in the First Division with Galway United and Cobh Ramblers, Waweru makes the step up to the Premier Division for the first time. Always on the move and a strong, pacey forward, the 22-year-old is physically capable but has to prove he can adjust to the skill level required.
SIMON POWER
A VERY talented wide midfielder but someone who comes with the caveat of a horrible injury record. If he can stay fit, Wicklow native Power could prove to be one of the best signings of 2024. He is due a slice a luck and Rovers will be hoping he gets to make the most of it at The Showgrounds.
ELLIS CHAPMAN
ALTHOUGH an unknown talent to Rovers fans, loan signing Chapman has already wasted no time proving himself to fans as a goalscoring midfielder in pre-season. If he can carry this form into the season he’ll be a source of goals from midfield – something that was sorely lacking last year.
CHARLIE WIGGETT
A PLAYER of potential, Wiggett is only dipping his feet into first team football for the first time in his career. He will need to quickly adapt to the physicality of the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division and show why he attracted the attention of two top English academies in Newcastle United and Chelsea.
OLLIE DENHAM
DESPITE just a handful of first team appearances for Cardiff City and an unsuccessful loan spell at Dundee United, Denham has already proven to have enough potential to be on the fringes of the senior Wales team. The former Manchester United academy player, a loan signing, can definitely provide a big presence in defence but has to prove he has the nous to go with it.
CONNOR MALLEY
The Englishman could be a massive asset in midfield if he can reproduce the best of his Dundalk form on a more consistent basis. A big presence and intelligent on the ball, Malley has potentially loads to offer in the engine room.
ED MCGINTY
For weeks it seemed like a case of ‘will he or won’t he?’ but netminder Ed McGinty is back – until the end of June at least – at a time when Rovers surely need a reliable pair of hands. McGinty, pictured left, who is on loan from Oxford United, needs game time first and foremost but if he can pick up where he left off in 2022 he’ll win points on his own for Rovers during his second stint here.