BOHEMIANS have confirmed the signing of Douglas James-Taylor with the striker joking he was looking forward to having the ball at Dalymount Park.
But the loss of the striker is another major blow for Drogheda United.
It follows their exclusion from the Europa Conference League because of Uefa’s rules banning clubs with the same owners from participating in the same competition.
Drogheda boss Kevin Doherty had said last month – ironically after his side had beaten Bohs – that he was confident that he would be able to hold onto the forward
He had been on loan from sister club Walsall, where his contract ended yesterday.
It is understood that is because the clubs’ owners, the Trivela Group, were of the belief that there would be significant compensation involved if the striker was to join a club outside Ireland on a permanent basis.
That would have left Drogheda in pole position to sign him by an arrangement whereby either the compensation was waived for the Boynesiders or he signed a new deal with Walsall and was loaned out once more.
However, despite offering James-Taylor new terms, Walsall had no hold on the player who turned 23 in November meaning Bohs were able to sign him on a free transfer.
It means Drogheda have lost their star striker to one of its rivals for a place in Europe next season whilst there is also considerable cross-channel interest in another forward player, Warren Davis.
For James-Taylor – who scored 15 goals in 35 games for Drogheda, including one in their FAI Cup final win over Derry City – he is looking forward to linking up with Bohs.
Drogheda are experts at getting results despite not having much of the ball and when asked about what he was most looking forward to about playing for Bohs.
He said: “Maybe being on the other side of the possession!
“It’s always a tough game against Bohs. They move the ball really well. They’re fit lads and I think it’s a good fit.
“I was nearing the end of my contract and a few clubs started speaking to my agents and Bohs stood out. It was just a massive opportunity for me to play for this club.”
And he revealed he had also spoken to Ross Tierney before making his decision.
He said: “I knew Ross from Walsall and he spoke really highly of the club.
“I know from being here for a year how big of a club this is, how much representation they have for Irish people.”
More movement is expected at Bohs during the window.
St Pat’s full-back Anto Breslin has been linked with a return whilst Grimsby Town are said to be keen on James Clarke, who scored an injury-time equaliser against Sligo Rovers on Friday.
On Monday, James McManus joined the Bit O’ Red on loan with Cian Byrne returning from his stint with Galway United helping to fill the void left by Sean Grehan who signed for Doncaster Rovers after impressing for Bohs on loan from Crystal Palace.
