Damien Duff's new-look Shelbourne continues to take shape with the capture of midfielder Mark Coyle from Finn Harps.
The man they dub "the Burt Kanté" arrives on the back of his best-ever season at Harps as he was named player of the year for his tireless performances in midfield.
24-year-old Coyle made more than 100 appearances for the club over seven years, having made his debut at the age of 17 at the tail end of the 2014 campaign.
He was a virtual ever-present appearances in the 2021 season, making 37 appearances in all competitions as Harps sealed Premier Division survival on the final day.
Coyle is the second player to arrive from the Donegal side in the off-season, after former Rovers striker Sean Boyd joined last week.
“I’m excited about moving down and joining a club like Shelbourne and one now which is an exciting project," Coyle told the Reds' official website.
"Chatting to Damien, it was really exciting and clearly a massive opportunity for myself. I’m really excited too for games like the derbies where it will be hostile and the fans will be on top of the tight ground here.
"I want to improve and make a mark on the team. There’s high ambitions here and that’s what will drive us on.”
Duff added: “It is brilliant that Mark has decided to join Shelbourne Football Club. He has an amazing desire and hunger to win, on top of his impressive footballing qualities.
"He wears his heart on his sleeve and he is someone that the fans, the players and staff will relate to."
Coyle joins attacking players Jack Moylan and Boyd and full-back Shane Griffin in making the switch to Drumcondra and newly-promoted Shels.
Duff moved quickly to secure members of the 2021 First Division-winning squad, with captain Luke Byrne and goalkeeper Brendan Clarke among the first to re-sign.
Brian McManus, Kameron Ledwidge, Stanley Anaebonam, Shane Farrell, Yoyo Mahdy, JR Wilson and JJ Lunney also putting pen to paper.
Among the confirmed departures are last season's top scorer Ryan Brennan, striker Michael O'Connor, defender Ally Gilchrist and winger Denzil Fernandes.
