St Patrick's Athletic fend off competition to retain Ireland under-21 midfielder Jamie Lennon for 2021
Manager Stephen O’Donnell confirmed that Lennon had offers from elsewhere in the league but opted to sign on for a sixth season at Richmond Park. Credit: Martin Doherty (ETPhotos)
Jamie Lennon has set a target of becoming one of the league’s top midfielders as he becomes the first player to sign for St Patrick’s Athletic ahead of the 2021 season.
The Saints have kept their cards close to their chest as those around them have revealed their squads for the coming season.
With goalkeepers Brendan Clarke and Conor Kearns, as well as playmaker Darragh Markey, already having left the club, the news Lennon has been retained will come as a relief to fans.
The 22-year-old was one of the Athletic’s top performers last season and his form was recognised at international level, as he scored his first Ireland under-21 goal away to Luxembourg last month.
"The next step for me is to really establish myself as one of the best in the league in my position. That is where my ambition is,” Lennon told the club’s media team.
“I think it’s time now as well that we bring some silverware back to Inchicore. I think if we can add to the squad this year, and keep the core of the squad, we can do that."
Manager Stephen O’Donnell confirmed that Lennon had offers from elsewhere in the league but opted to sign on for a sixth season at Richmond Park.
Lennon joined from Shelbourne in 2016 graduated through the Saints’ under-19s, scoring on his debut for the senior team in a 2017 Leinster Senior Cup win over Firhouse Clover.
O’Donnell said: “[I’m] delighted to get Jamie signed. He had a really strong finish to the season, and really matured into a very good midfield player.
“Jamie scoring for the Republic of Ireland under 21s against Luxembourg epitomises the quality that he has, so we’re delighted to fend off interest from other clubs who were after him.”
“Jamie has been with us the past few years and finished his education while at Pats. He is a young, hungry player and a great professional and we are looking forward to helping him develop more and more.
“People saw at the end of last season what a big impact and big influence he was on the team and hopefully will be for years to come.”
