Former Newport County striker Padraig Amond, who was most recently with National League side Woking is set for a move to the League of Ireland after asking for a release from the Cardinals.
Amond made 73 appearances in the National League during his two-year stay with the Surrey Outfit, notching 17 goals in the process. He was a key part of the Woking side which recorded their highest ever finish in English football, having finished 4th in the National League last season.
This season hasn’t quite gone to plan for the Cardinals, with Michael Doyle’s men currently sat in 20th in the National League table. The loss of Amond is a significant one, as he brought proven quality and experience to the attack.
Although he shone for Woking, the Irishman will be most-remembered for his time at Newport County, where he would make 206 appearances during a four season spell with the League Two side. During that time with the Exiles, Amond would rack up an impressive 59 goals as well as a further 18 assists.
The now 35-year-old was a key member of the Newport side who would make the play-off final twice in the space of three seasons. Although they would miss out on promotion on both of those occasions, fans will still have fond memories of Amond as well as the rest of the squad during that time.
Having also turned out for Exeter City, Hartlepool United, Grimsby Town, Morecambe and Accrington Stanley during his career, Amond will bring plenty of experience to his next employer. It is believed that the striker will be making the switch to the League of Ireland to finish his career.
A statement on Woking’s official website reads:
Woking Football Club can confirm that Padraig Amond has asked to be released from his contract and the Club will grant his request, subject to his transfer to a League of Ireland Premier Division club.
The forward, 35, will be joining a club in the League of Ireland Premier Division, with an announcement expected later in the week.
Amond has asked the Club for his release over the past year so that he may return home to Ireland to play out his career closer to his young family. In the best interest of the Club, the player and his family, the Club will grant his request.
The Club would like to place on record its thanks to Padraig for his contribution to our success during a historic 2022/23 campaign that saw the Club secure a top four finish and a spot in the Vanarama National League play-offs.
Writer’s View
The loss of Amond is significant to Woking’s survival chances and the Surrey side may struggle to stay afloat in the National League this season. Even at 35, it didn’t seem as if the striker was slowing down at a great rate, and he may well have another couple of seasons in him in his native Ireland.
Newport fans will have fond memories and he was a key part of the team which came so close to promotion to League One on more than one occasion. They’ll be hoping that a return to the play-offs comes sooner rather than later, but it looks highly unlikely this season.
Senior Editor
