'I feel I still have a lot to offer': Former Ireland striker Paddy Madden returns to Bohemians

Paddy Madden in action for Stockport County in 2024. Pic: Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images

Bohemians have re-signed former Ireland striker Paddy Madden on a short-term deal for the remainder of the season.

The 36-year-old returns to Dalymount Park nearly 16 years after making his last appearance for the Gypsies. 

After leaving Bohs for Carlisle United in January 2011, Madden racked up over 650 first-team appearances in English football, scoring over 200 goals during spells with Yeovil Town, Scunthorpe United, Fleetwood Town and Stockport County. 

He won his sole Ireland cap against Wales in 2013, towards the end of Giovanni Trapattoni’s reign as boss.

He won’t be eligible for Thursday’s Conference League trip to Midtjylland of Denmark but will be for the playoff round if Alan Reynolds’ side can overturn their two-goal first-leg deficit.

Reynolds, whose side are in third place in the Premier Division with nine league games remaining, said: “Paddy is a player of real quality and experience, and we are delighted to get him in.

“The conversations I’ve had with him, I’ve been really impressed. He’s coming home with the mindset that he still has something to prove, so we are really looking forward to getting him started.” 

Madden will reunite with Pat Fenlon, currently director of football: “I am delighted to be back where it all began for me in professional football,” said the Finglas native.

“Some of my best memories in football came here, winning the league and Setanta Cup.

✍️ Bohemian FC is delighted to confirm the signing of striker Paddy Madden until the end of the season, subject to international clearance: https://t.co/HSOfQfqVC9

The 36-year-old returns to Bohs nearly 16 years after making his last appearance for the club.

❤️🖤Welcome back to… pic.twitter.com/KUxkRlhQId

— Bohemian Football Club (@bfcdublin) August 11, 2026

“I learnt from some of the best here when I was young and raw - the likes of Glen Crowe, Jason Byrne and Neale Fenn were the strikers here when I was coming through, and I had Pat Fenlon as manager. I learnt so much from all of them. They got me prepared for men’s football and I’ve always been very thankful for that.

“I’m at the stage of my career now where I feel I still have a lot to offer the first team and hopefully the bit of experience I have will help the team on and off the pitch as well. I’ve watched a lot of the games this season and there’s clearly a great group of players here now and I’m really looking forward to getting to know them quickly.

“I’m just delighted to be back on board here. Walking around Dalymount today brought back great memories, so I’m really excited to have the opportunity to play here again. It’s an emotional year for the fans of the club, and I want to play my part by scoring goals here and giving Dalymount Park the send-off it deserves before it gets redeveloped .”