Jay McGrath signs a new contract to extend his stay at St. Patrick’s Athletic

The Saints received a major boost for the rest of the season with the centre back committing his future to the club for the remainder of the League of Ireland campaign.   

St. Pats had signed the central defender initially on loan from Championship outfit Coventry City in February, but his loan was due to expire at the end of June. 

The Sky Blues had announced that McGrath’s contract was not going to be renewed at the end of the 2022/23 Championship season and Pats have pounced to retain a key figure of the squad. 

The defender has been a pivotal figure for the Athletic at the heart of the defence making 20 appearances, starting 15 matches this season. His only goal coming so far in the emphatic 4-1 victory against title challengers Derry City with a brilliant solo goal to open the scoring that day. 

The former Coventry player has impressed the Inchicore faithful with his performances and has shown to been imposing in his defending winning 70% of his total duels per game. He has particularly dominant in the air. The stats display McGrath’s aerial prowess as he is successful with 79% of his aerial duels per game. 

His form for the Saints saw Jim Crawford give McGrath his first call up to the Republic of Ireland U21 squad against Iceland back in March. 

McGrath, after the announcement tweeted his delight of extending his stay in Dublin 8 stating, “Buzzing, time to work”.

It has been an active day for the Saints who announced on Saturday the signatures of Canadian defender David Norman Jr., and young English goalkeeper Matt Boylan

On the departures, Serge Atakayi has headed southeast to join Keith Long’s promotion contenders Waterford on loan while Vladislav Kreida has returned to Flora Tallinn after a disappointing loan spell at the club. 

The Saints add Canadian David Norman Jr and Matt Boylan as transfer window opens https://t.co/o1HEDpaOubpic.twitter.com/HTVQCKebNw

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) July 1, 2023