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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Paul O'Hehir

Bohemians seal deal for striker James Akintunde

James Akintunde and Declan Devine have been reunited at Bohemians with the striker signing a long-term deal.

And the Gypsies have also swooped for fellow forward Dean Williams, who arrives from Drogheda United.

New Bohs boss Devine brought Akintunde to Derry City in 2020 and he finished off his spell with the Candystripes after their recent FAI Cup final win over Shelbourne.

When Derry moved for UCD striker Colm Whelan earlier this week, the door was left open for Akintunde to leave and Bohs swooped for the Englishman.

READ MORE: Finn Harps appoint Dave Rogers as their new manager

Devine said: “When James became available it was a no-brainer to try to bring him to Bohemians.

“I brought him to Ireland and I know all of his qualities and attributes. He will offer us tremendous versatility in the front three positions.

“He also knows the league now, has proven himself over the last number of years here, and is an even better player than when I brought him to Derry City.

“He will give 110% effort in training and in games, and ticks all the boxes of the kind of player we want and need to have at the club.”

Akintunde, 26, is raring to go with Bohs ahead of their move to full-time status next season.

He said: “I’m grateful for this opportunity to sign for such a big club. I know Declan Devine from the past and that was a big part in me wanting to come here.

“It’s an exciting time for the club. Going full-time will make a massive difference. It will bring great togetherness and help build a team spirit right from the start.”

Williams - a former Shamrock Rovers striker - wants to make an instant impression at Bohs and the 22-year-old said: “I've come here to be a goalscorer. That's what fans expect.

"I feel it's time for me to push on and go back to a full-time set-up and I’m delighted that is going to be with a club like Bohemians."

Elsewhere, Shelbourne have completed a permanent deal for Matty Smith following a successful loan spell from Derry City during the second-half of the season.

Shels boss Damien Duff said: “Matty is back to his best and will improve again which is exciting.

“He’s a big player in the league and very popular in the dressing room too. It’s another statement of where we want to go.”

Waterford have snapped up Thomas Oluwa from Athlone Town while Karl Chambers has joined Wexford from Longford Town.

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