Saints sign Paddy Barrett and Alfie Lewis
Barrett in action for Dundalk against Cork City in the President's Cup in 2017 Credit: Michael P Ryan (ETPhotos)
West Ham United’s Alfie Lewis has joined St Patrick’s Athletic on loan ahead of the 2021 League of Ireland Premier Division season.
Former Waterford, Galway United and Dundalk defender Paddy Barrett has also joined the Dublin club.
Lewis joins Stephen O’Donnell’s side on loan until the 26th of June.
The midfielder has been part of West Ham’s academy since the age of eight and the 21 year old has made 70 appearances for the London club’s Under 23 side.
"My agent texted me to let me know about the interest from St Pat's a few weeks ago and as soon as a spoke to Stephen O'Donnell I wanted to come over,” Lewis said, speaking to the club’s website.
“This is the perfect time for me to go out on loan to a good club like St Pat's and get some experience. I'm really looking forward to it.
“I know St Pat's play a really good style of football and I'm a player who likes to get on the ball, so hopefully I can add my quality to the team and see what I can do and work hard."
Barret moved to the United States in 2018 where he has spells with FC Cincinnati and Indy Eleven in the USL Championship.
The 27 year old most recently spent time in Cambodia with Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng.
"It's great to be part of St Pat's and thankfully we got things done on time before the window,” Barrett told the club’s media team.
“I left the League of Ireland three-and-a-half years ago to travel and play football and that's what I've done.”
“The move to Cambodia didn't work out the way I wanted it to for numerous reasons and I said to myself that I wanted to come back home to play in Ireland.
“Stephen O'Donnell reached out to me to and it was opportunity I couldn't turn down for play for a club as big as St Pat's.
“I've played against St Pat's and at Richmond Park numerous times, I've kept an eye on the league over the last few years and I was really excited when Stephen reached out.”
The Saints have a Dublin Derby on the opening night of the season when they travel to Tallaght Stadium to face Shamrock Rovers.
About Paul Corcoran
Paul Corcoran is an experienced writer and journalist and has contributed to various publications including the Galway United match programme Maroon View. He spends much of his time covering the fortunes of Galway United's teams … View Full Profile