Irish striker Molloy released by Southern United

Eric Molloy
Eric Molloy
Expect Southern United's goal celebrations to be a little less exciting this season.

Striker Eric Molloy, one of six Irishmen to turn out for the team last season, has been released by the club.

A lively player with a turn of pace, the 24-year-old scored six goals in 15 games for Southern.

Four of those came in two games, grabbing doubles in wins over Hamilton Wanderers and Canterbury United.

His acrobatic celebrations were eye-catching and made him a favourite with the fans.

However, chief executive Chris Wright said the decision had come down to coach Paul O'Reilly looking to put together the best overall squad he could.

He was hoping to become stronger in other areas of the pitch, which Wright said was the bigger concern.

Wright was unsure of Molloy's next move, although it was believed the striker had several options.

The other five Irishmen - defenders Stephen Last and Conor O'Keeffe, midfielder Danny Ledwith and forwards Andy Mulligan and Danny Furlong - who came to the club along with Molloy last year, have been re-signed.

``It's excellent news. It's really great that we're planning on five of them staying here for the coming season,'' Wright said.

``They give a lot back locally and they work really hard and its great to actually have them around.

``So that's going to be exciting and we've also secured a number of local players too, so we're working towards hopefully a stronger squad this coming season.''

More player movement news would probably not be available until closer to the season started.

However, he was unsure of the availability of Ross Howard and Harley Rodeka.

Both had been key players for the side last season, but were away travelling.

He said the club was looking around at different players it could sign up for the coming season.

``We've obviously still got the winter competitions going on and players putting themselves in the shop window.

``But we're also looking at how we can bring some new players into the region as well and get a good balance between getting good representation locally and having a bit of flavour from the other regions as well, to boost the overall squad.''

 

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