Bohemian FC is delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Patrick Hickey, who joins from Galway United on a multi-year contract.
The Chicagoan, 27, has been a key man for the Tribesman for the past two seasons, having started his League of Ireland career with an 18-month spell with Athlone Town.
He began his football career at college level in the United States for Illinois Wesleyan University before spending two years in Spain where he lined out for Herbania and Villanueva CF.
Hickey is Bohs’ second new signing of the closed season following the addition of defender Sam Todd earlier today.
Welcoming Hickey to Dalymount Park, manager Alan Reynolds said: “Pat is a player I’ve been keeping an eye on now for some time now going back to when he was in the First Division with Athlone.
“He will prove to be an excellent acquisition, we’ve got a really good player on our hands.
“He probably didn’t get the credit he deserves for the performances he has put in with the ball at his feet for Galway this year, but it is something I think our fans will really take to.
“Like Sam, he’s coming in at a great age and coming into the prime of his career. He has great desire and great ability.
“Our players and our fans will really take to him because he is 100% committed to what we want to achieve, so we are delighted to get him on board.”
Hickey said: “I’m buzzing to sign. Since I’ve come to the league, every game against Bohs has been a battle. The passion in the club is special. You see it with the intensity of fans any time I came to play at Dalymount Park and when Bohs travelled to play us in Galway, they always had the best away support in the league, so I am thrilled.
“I guess you could say it’s been a mad route to get here – if you told me a few years ago when I was playing in Spain that in a few years’ time I would have the opportunity to sign for a club playing European football, I’d have thought you were crazy, so that opportunity is a dream come true and something I know everyone at the club is really looking forward to as well.
“Coming from the States and having played college soccer there where everything is new and modern, you don’t get places like Dalymount.
“Every time I’ve played there, you get that it’s a place with a real soul and energy. Even walking through the neighbourhood to the stadium, you feel the connection. It’s such a special place to play and I can’t wait to walk out on to the pitch as a Bohs player before it is redeveloped.
“So I can’t wait to get started, I’m really looking forward to working with Alan, the staff here and meeting all the players here in pre-season.”