Sligo Rovers have announced the signing of Lee Lynch, as well as handing new contracts to Liam Kerrigan and Edward McGinty.
Lynch, 26, joins Rovers for a second spell having been with the club in 2012 and 2013.
He made 70 appearances, scoring nine goals in his time at the Showgrounds and moves from FC Arizona until the end of the current League of Ireland season.
"I was in America and the league had problems where this season wasn’t going to take place. My agent put me in touch with clubs and there was interest from League of Ireland and one from Europe," said Lynch.
"But I spoke with Gerard [Lyttle] and he told me about his plans here. My family and I have always loved Sligo. I had two and a half years and knew it would be easy to settle here. I know some of the players here, the club’s huge fan base and the talent here.
SIGNING: He spent 2012 and 2013 in The Showgrounds.
Now he's back again ready to start a second spell with the #bitored.
Welcome Lee Lynch back to Sligo Rovers. https://t.co/jLuSCGAwSo pic.twitter.com/qodTvYZBs1
— Sligo Rovers (@sligorovers) July 10, 2018
"I have amazing memories. Obviously the great times aren’t here right now, but everyone in Ireland knows the size of Sligo Rovers and especially when you’ve been here. There are a lot of talented players here and I think the rub of the green hasn’t come the club’s way. I think over the next 12 league games and two cup competitions that we can make progress.
"I’m 26 now. When I signed here I was 19. I have a good bit more experience and come here as a different player in that sense. But my game is the same. I’ve stayed fit in America. I think I’ll be ready to be in a squad on Friday against Bohemians.
"Match fitness is an issue but that will come. I want to come in and help this team, Sligo Rovers and then we can see where it can take us in the future. I’d be happy to talk about a longer spell here if things work out for all of us."
Commenting on the new signing, Sligo Rovers manager Gerard Lyttle said: "Lee has been on our radar for almost a year but it didn't suit all parties at the right time. We've now been able to get it done. Experience is a big part of it. He knows the club, the league and I think he'll compliment how we play.
"He can play in front of the two in midfield or inside right or left. He has the desire to do well and a lot of quality. It's great news for us today and we’ll try to get up him to speed as quickly as possible.
"A big part of my remit is to develop our players and give them the opportunity. Liam is another talented lad and if you haven't seen him at underage level, you've seen glimpses in the brief appearance at first-team level. It's a credit to the coaches from Under-15s to Under-19s.
"Like Jack Keaney, John Mahon and others, we can't just throw these players in. It's a gradual process because you could destroy a lot of the good work done. We manage it and Liam will be part of the squad and feature at the right times.
"It's a process and not an overnight job here. I keep stressing that and I will continue to do so. We're trying to build this club with a future of our own players and talent we can bring in. We're trying to gel that all the time.
"Ed McGinty has come on leaps and bounds. He has matured unbelievably. Much of the credit for that goes to our former coach Rodney Dalzell. It would be remiss to not mention Rodney in Ed signing a new deal as he given him huge belief and that extends to the goalkeepers at all underage levels.
"Ed's challenge is to take on Mitchell for the starting role. Every day he is getting better. As a club we promised to give our own players chances and you see the role they play in our squad. That will continue."
