Tiernan out to fill Moulden’s gloves
JIM Mcnulty moved swifty to replace departed goalkeeper Louis Moulden with the loan signing of Tiernan Brooks from Notts County.
The 21-year-old joins on loan until the end of the season.
Brooks, who won promotion from the National League with The Magpies last season, is looking forward to his time at the Dale.
“I’m buzzing and I can’t wait to get started,” he commented.
“I knew a couple of days ago that something was happening here, with Louie [Moulden] going back. I found out yesterday morning that the interest was there. It’s a similar style of football [to Notts County], so it’s already in my favour that it’s my natural play style.
“It’s something I’m happy to be a part of.”
Head Coach Jimmy Mcnulty commented: “I’m very happy to get Tiernan in. He’s got the whole skillset to come into the team and amplify our qualities.
“He is a goalkeeper that we were very interested in during the summer, but he already had a move to the League of Ireland sorted.
“I think we’ve signed a very good young goalkeeper and I’m really thankful that it has all come together.”
Brooks started his footballing journey with hometown club Sheffield Wednesday, before joining Notts County’s Academy.
He has spent time on loan at Lincoln United, Worksop Town, Coalville Town, Hednesford Town and Boston United, whilst also spending the first half of this campaign in Ireland with Cork City The stopper made four appearances for County in the National League last season, winning two and drawing two, as they ran Wrexham all the way for automatic promotion back to the EFL, eventually winning promotion via the playoffs.
He has also won two caps for the Republic of Ireland Under-21s.
“It was critical to react quickly once Louie Moulden was recalled, but even with the pressure on to get a goalkeeper in, I didn’t feel the pressure to rush,” said Mcnulty.
“I think I was making the club sweat! But I wanted it to be the right one. I think we’ve taken the necessary time and done the necessary diligence, and I think we’ve signed a very good young goalkeeper.
“Like with any loan player, there was always the potential of a recall [with Louie]. As the window went on, we didn’t think Louie was going to be recalled, and it went down to the final day of the recall window that
Wolves decided to pull the trigger.
“We were in communication with them towards the end and we were of the belief that Louie was going to be remaining with us.
“But we had done the necessary work beforehand to be ready to move on the guys that we were interested in, and Tiernan was one we were always hopeful on, and I’m really thankful that it came together.”
Brooks was set to make his bow in Dale’s home game against Wealdstone at the weekend but the match was postponed due to the recent cold snap freezing the pitch.