Gary Cronin has confirmed that Sam Verdon is set to join Daniel Jones as a new recruit at the Carlisle Grounds.
Jones, 34, was included on the bench for Friday’s victory over Cobh Ramblers but was not called upon as Cronin left his starting XI on throughout.
Jones has featured for numerous clubs in England, including Sheffield Wednesday, Notts County and Bristol Rovers but most recently plied his trade with Hereford FC.
Jones, who stands at over six foot, started his career with Wolves and Cronin is hoping his addition will provide some more competition to his defence.
Verdon is no stranger to Cronin as the pair worked together at Longford Town; whom Verdon joins us from.
The attacker has also played for Finn Harps and St. Patrick’s Athletic in his time. The 25-year old was in action in 10 of De Town’s Premier Division games in 2021 but will now be hoping to fire the Seagulls to the top flight for 2022.
Verdon could not feature against Cobh Ramblers as his signing was not processed in time but Cronin hopes the two new faces can bolster the squad.
‘Sam was in (training) with us. Nobody can do anything about the way the dates fall! It was unfortunate that the 1st of July fell on a Thursday so I’m sure all the clubs and the FAI were running around to do the paperwork but unfortunately Sam’s didn’t come through on time for us. He’s in with us now and we hope to get it through ASAP.
‘Danny was through on time and he was on the bench and available for us but we need to try and get him more proper games now as well. He’s a fit lad and he’ll add to us. He’ll give us some competition at the back.’
With some of his squad struggling with injuries/fitness, Cronin knows how important Jones and Verdon could be. And he hinted that there could be more new arrivals still to come.
‘We need more bodies. I think it was evident there last night; the lads put in a hell of a shift and Gary (Shaw) and Steven (Kinsella) were on the bench but they weren’t fit to come on. We just need to add a little bit more to the squad and when games are like that on Friday, it’s difficult for the young lads to be thrown in at the deep end like that as well.
‘As they come (new signings), you’ll find out who they are if we can get them in.’