Saints sign Estonian international Vladislav Kreida

St. Patrick’s Athletic have made an eye catching addition to their 2023 squad with the announcement that 23-year-old Estonian international Vladislav Kreida has signed for the club on a season long loan from Estonian side, FC Flora.

This comes after the club confirmed in December that 18 players are under contract for the upcoming League of Ireland season including goalkeeper Danny Rogers who signed a new contract after joining the club in the summer window last season and Tommy Lonergan formerly of UCD.  

Kreida had loan spells in Sweden with Helsingborgs IF and Skovde AIK, in Ukraine with Veres Rivne and he also won the league three times in the top tier of his native Estonian league with Flora FC.

He expressed his satisfaction with his decision to join Pats when he spoke to the club’s media team.

“It's very good to be here,” said Vladislav Kreida. “I like this club and I like the city already so I can't wait to get started. My agent texted me to say St Pat's were interested in me and I was delighted to sign. It was nice to meet the manager, the coaches and my new teammates today. They are all nice people and welcomed me to the club. I saw the training ground and the gym and also the stadium so everything has been perfect so far."

Saints manager Tim Clancy thinks that the signing of the midfielder who has 21 international caps will be an important addition to his squad as their opening fixture of the 2023 SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division season against Derry City on February 17^th draws closer.

"We are very happy to welcome Vlad to St Pat's,” said Clancy. “It’s good to get another new face into the club. He will give us good options in the middle of the pitch. We need plenty of options in every position and Vlad will give us that.

“He has got excellent experience in the game so far for someone aged 23 at both club and international level and we are really looking forward to working with him."

The Richmond Park faithful may not have to wait till February to see their new Estonian recruit as they have been drawn at home for the fourth round of the Leinster Senior Cup. The holders will host Wexford in Inchicore with the tie to be played before 31 January.