Mervue’s Hoban on his way to Bristol

Date Published: 12-Aug-2010

STEPHEN GLENNON

MERVUE United’s 19-year-old midfielder Pat Hoban will finalise his move to English Championship side, Bristol City early next week.

Chairman of Mervue United, Declan McDonnell has confirmed an agreement has been reached and it is only a matter of “dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s”.

McDonnell said: “We are releasing Pat to Bristol City for a year, on the basis that if it does work out successfully – and he is resigned thereafter – we will receive a certain sum of money, which will be very welcome in these difficult times.

”Hoban travels to a club that has had a colourful opening to the season. The signing of England goalkeeper David James looked to be a statement of intent by City, but in their opening game, they were defeated 3-0 at home by David Forde’s Millwall.

Subsequently, Bristol lost 3-2 away to League Two outfit Southend, after extra-time, in the first round of the Carling Cup on Tuesday evening, leading manager Steve Coppell to tender his resignation on Wednesday.

His post has been filled by assistant manager Keith Millen.However, McDonnell believed the managerial disruption was unlikely to interfere with Hoban’s move to England.

“We wish Pat well. He is a good, young lad and he has been with us for a number of years at underage. He has also scored some crucial goals for us in the League of Ireland this season.

”Indeed, McDonnell said Hoban, formerly of Lakeside Celtic and Ballinasloe Town, shared the same traits with former player and current Manchester City defender Greg Cunningham, particularly in attitude and will to succeed.

“And if you have a good attitude and the will, then you can succeed.”No doubt, Hoban will be a loss to Mervue United as they enter their final series of games in the First Division. “Yeah, Pat will be a loss to us,” agreed manager Tom French.

“He is a decent player who can play in two or three positions around the park, be it up front or in the middle. He is a very good player at keeping the ball.“I hope it goes well for the lad. He is at the right age now, and it is a big boost for him to get this opportunity. It is great for his confidence. I definitely think he has the ability and I would not be surprised to see him go on in future days to even better things.”