FORMER Shamrock Rovers midfielder Stephen Bradley has become the latest player to sign for St Patrick’s Athletic ahead of the 2011 season.

The 26 year old midfielder started his career with local clubs Jobstown, Maryland Boys and Lourdes Celtic before joining Arsenal and captaining their reserves.

The Tallaght native also had a spell in Scotland with Dunfermline before enjoying three very successful seasons with Drogheda United. 

Bradley won a league medal with Shamrock Rovers last term but is looking forward to playing for the Saints in 2011.

“I had spoken to Michael O’Neill a few times at the end of the season and he was hoping to bring in a few new players and freshen things up a bit. I enjoyed my time at Rovers but when there was no guarantee of me playing so it was time to move on and take on a new challenge," he said.

 “I was impressed with St Pat’s last season, they gave us a few tough games especially in the cup and when you’re up against the likes of Dave Mulcahy and Stuey Byrne in midfield you know you’ve been in a game! 

“Some people were surprised with how well they did but I wasn’t. They reminded me a bit of my first season at Rovers, in the dressing room we knew what we had and we knew we were strong and last season Pat’s played with the same kind of confidence, they went out and performed but didn’t shout about themselves.

“The (Pat’s) team did well last year and maybe with a few additions we can improve on things and maybe go on and win something- that’s why I’m joining, I’m not coming to make up the numbers! 

“I know a few of the Pat’s lads already – I would have grown up playing with Conor Kenna at Lourdes Celtic, I would also have played with Ian Bermingham at Rovers and would know Gary Rogers from our time together at Drogheda.

 “I think last year in the match programme I said my favourite away ground to play in was Richmond Park, the pitch is great and there’s always a good atmosphere around the ground.

“My aim for the coming season would be to try and get as far as we can go in every competition that Pat’s compete in.

 “The fixture list is out already and I’m sure there’s a few tasty games in there but they’re the type of games you really want to play in”.

Bradley becomes the 13th player to sign for St Pat’s ahead of the new season. Young defender Neil Harney has also committed himself to St Pat's for the season ahead.

Season tickets for 2011 are available from the club shop on Emmet Road call 01 4780478 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .