Alan Murphy has finalised his squad for 2019 with
the signings of Ivan Gamarra and Andreas Werner.
23-year-old central midfielder Ivan Gamarra joins
the club from PSM in his native Argentina.
The tough tackling midfielder played his youth
football with famed Argentinian club, Rosario Central.
22-year-old German goalkeeper Andreas Werner makes
the move to Eamonn Deacy Park from Andorran side FC Encamp.
The former Anderlecht youth player counts KSK Heist,
Leopold FC and Waterloo FC as former clubs.
Alan Murphy spoke to www.galwayunitedfc.ie
about the two final additions to his squad for 2019.
"Ivan came to our attention very early in
pre-season, when we held open trials, which attracted a lot of players with a
variety of qualities," he explained.
"The purpose of those open trials was to
attract players like Ivan, who wouldn't normally be on our radar. It's a huge
plus for Galway United management that the outside the box thinking we did as a
club has unearthed a gem like Ivan Gamarra.
"Coming from Argentina, physicality was never
going to be an issue with the player. Ivan has bedded in very quickly in terms
of football style. He's a technical player, who is extremely combative and very
economical with the football.
"Ivan is perfect for the project we have, he's
an ambitious young player that needs an opportunity to prove himself. He's
hugely invested in Galway United in terms of moving here, setting himself up
and really buying into what we're trying to do as a club."
Andreas Werner will provide stiff competition for
Kevin Horgan and James Tierney for the number one spot in 2019.
"Andreas is very a confident goalkeeper,"
Murphy said.
"He's extremely comfortable with the ball at
his feet, his reactions, distribution of the ball and command of his area is
very good.
"Andreas fits perfectly into the way we want to
play and he provides the communication and leadership that will be required at
the back throughout the season.
"It will be an exciting season for Andreas, he
will have to fight for that number one spot with Kevin Horgan and James
Tierney.
"I'm delighted with the three keepers that I've
been able to bring into the club for the coming season. We have three technical
keepers, they all bring different dimensions and strengths to the squad.
"It's going to be exciting for all three to
work together and learn from each other and to try and nail down that spot in
the team once they get an opportunity."
Ivan Gamarra will wear the number 17 jersey, while
Andreas Werner dons the number 16 for United.
Andreas Werner made his competitive debut for United
against Wexford FC on Friday night in Ferrycarrig Park, replacing the injured
Kevin Horgan.
Ivan Gamarra has received his international
clearance and could make his first appearance for the club against Athlone Town
on Monday night in the EA SPORTS Cup.
