Curran opts to stay at Derry

AS the opening Premier Division games of the season get under way this evening there was still a bit of activity around the clubs yesterday, most notably in the northwest, where all roads seemed to lead towards Omagh Town.

The Irish League club had a rough season last year having been forced, due to chronic financial problems, to stage a bit of a clearout last summer. But they appear to be gearing up for a major promotion drive during this campaign.

Yesterday they signed Stuart Gauld from Derry and Eamonn Kavanagh from Finn Harps, adding the pair to the long list of signings they had already made over the close season. That list includes Michael Kelly and Ruari Boyle, formerly of City and Harps respectively.

The departure of Gauld, who had been unsettled since losing his place in City's starting line-up following the appointment of Kevin Mahon as manager and his decision to play Peter Hutton in the centre of defence, was balanced by Paul Curran finally opting on Wednesday night to sign a new one-year contract with the Brandywell club.

Finn Harps, meanwhile, were last night on the verge of concluding a short-term deal with former Blackpool player Jason Lydiat, with Donal O'Brien leaving for Glenavon.

Elsewhere, St Patrick's Athletic completed the signing of Donal Broughan from Bohemians, while Sligo Rovers boss Jim McInally has brought in Khalib El Kiliffi, a Moroccan who has been based in the Netherlands on a one-year contract.

Waterford United have been boosted by a new shirt sponsorship deal with O'Shea's Hotel of Tramore, while Monaghan United have tied up a similar deal with Monaghan Shopping Centre. The club has also agreed a contract with former Dalymount favourite Robbie Best.

Bohemians have confirmed the signing of an eighth new player, though Roddy Collins will have to wait until the middle of September for Trinidad and Tobagon international Avery John, who is seeing out his contract with an American club, to arrive.