Doolin pulls off double for Drogs

Drogheda United manager Paul Doolin is celebrating a double boost for his high-flying side this morning after signing former Irish schoolboy international striker Mark Leech and persuading rising star Steven Gray to sign a new contract.

Leech, a 19-year-old striker who is the son of Shamrock Rovers and Republic of Ireland goal-poacher Mick Leech, joined third-place Drogs after scoring as a triallist in the 5-1 friendly victory over Portadown on Monday night.

“He was at UCD when I was there,” said Doolin, the former Belfield boss. “He was on a pre-scholarship there but never signed but we’ve signed him up now. He’s only young but if he’s half as good as his father was he’ll be all right.”

There was further cheer for Doolin when he fended off interest from other clubs at home and in England to get former Irish U21 defender Gray to put pen to paper on a new two-year contract with Drogheda.

Gray, aged 22, earned rave reviews and a call-up from U21 coach Don Givens last season after joining the United Park club after serving his apprenticeship at Southampton.

Despite a chance to go back to Britain, Doolin has managed to keep his prize asset.

Doolin said: “He’s an excellent, left-sided central defender and those are hard to come by. I’m delighted he’s decided to stay because there was genuine interest from other clubs, here and in England.”