Willie John Boland signs with Limerick FC

Tuesday 4^th May 2010

Limerick FC is delighted to announce that Willie John Boland has signed for the Club for the remainder of the 2010 season.

Having played in the English Premier League with Coventry City, Willie went on to become Cardiff City's longest serving player, lining out for the Welsh outfit 234 times in 7 years. Now at the age of 34, the former Carew Park schoolboy is about to fulfil a long held ambition and line out with his home town club.

A true professional, Boland is as determined as ever to make a difference. A knee injury prompted him to announce his retirement last year and take up a coaching role at Hartlepool United. However his recovery from the injury and the chance to finally play for Limerick FC has seen the tough tackling midfielder reverse that decision.

Boland is optimistic about his future: "This is something I definitely want. My knee has recovered and I've been back training for around 3 months now. I only want to come back if I'm at my best and can give it everything."

Widely regarded as the best professional at Cardiff City, where he still enjoys legendary status amongst their fans, Boland is determined never to let his standards drop: "It's done and dusted now. I had a lot to consider, including my family. Also this is my hometown Club and I don't want to let anyone down."

"There are a lot of young players here and I think I can add a lot of experience and help them along. I've heard a lot of great things about the Club recently and I'd love to play my part in getting Limerick promoted."

In his second season at Cardiff he played a huge part in their promotion and went on to form a formidable midfield partnership with Irish International Graham Kavanagh. "The way I feel at the moment I believe I have another couple of seasons left in me but only if I'm 100% right. I'm impressed with Pat Scully, the young players here and the club in general. Obviously I'm delighted it's worked out as I think I still have a lot to offer."

As impressed as Boland is with Pat Scully, the Limerick manager is equally complimentary of his new signing: "I'm not just looking for players in certain positions, they have to have the right attitude. They have to be able to add something significant to the squad or else you run the risk of disrupting the balance. Willie came highly recommended as a person and a professional. Obviously we know he's a great player, but as a professional in England for 17 years he's only had 3 clubs. That speaks volumes – he's a lad managers want to hang on to."

Pat O'Sullivan Limerick FC Chairman said: "I and everyone at the club are delighted to bring Willie Boland to Limerick FC. A local lad with his experience can only aid the Club and our young squad".

Limerick FC fans won't have to wait too long to see their new signing. Willie will be eligible to make his debut next Saturday against Athlone Town.