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Defender Eoin Toal has signed a new long-term deal with Wanderers in a major boost for the Whites.
The Northern Ireland international has agreed terms on a contract at the Toughsheet Community Stadium running until June, 2027.
Armagh-born Toal joined Wanderers from Derry City in July, 2022 on an initial three-year deal and has now been rewarded with an extended stay after becoming a key part of manager Ian Evatt’s side.
“Eoin committing his future here is huge for us,” said Evatt. “He's a player who has gone from strength to strength since we brought him in from Derry.
“He's a brilliant lad, a real big leader in the dressing room and a fantastic footballer, so it's good business. He's improving and growing all the time and I think he's going to continue to do that.
“There are still areas of his game he needs to work on and improve but he's got a lot of attributes. He's probably got to where we thought he would do quicker than we thought.
“He's really flexible as a defender, can play across all of the back three and also in a back four. He's become a regular in Northern Ireland's team now and gone from strength to strength, so it's great credit to him and his professionalism.”
After recovering from an early injury and forcing his way into Wanderers’ League One starting line-up in December 2022, Toal has gone on to make 68 appearances for the Whites in all competitions.
The 25-year-old, who has also weighed in with six goals, has shown his versatility and adaptability in filling all three of Wanderers’ three central defensive positions during his time with the club.
His defensive capabilities and ability on the ball have also seen him earn a place in the senior Northern Ireland side, winning his first three caps in his country’s European Championship 2024 qualifying programme.
After missing the start of the current campaign as an on-going result of the ankle injury he sustained in helping Wanderers win the Papa Johns Trophy last season, Toal has gone on to start 29 games this season in the Whites’ pursuit of a League One promotion place.
His rapid emergence as a senior player and one of the most consistent performers at Wanderers has also seen him captain the side in the absence of defensive colleagues Ricardo Almeida Santos and Gethin Jones.
And his decision to put pen to paper on a new deal – following on from team-mates Dion Charles, George Thomason and Aaron Morley earlier this season – comes at an ideal time as the Whites look to continue their promotion push at top-six rivals Barnsley on Tuesday night.
“It's a proud moment for myself and my family,” said Toal, who started his 50th league game for Wanderers last week. “Coming over here you want to kick on and do as well as you can. Everyone has made me feel so welcome since I joined. It’s flown by so I'm happy to extend my stay.
“When I first came over here, I just wanted to get one (appearance) and I'm just glad I've made so many. Hopefully I can make many more as the years go by. It's great to be here. Playing for this club means everything so hopefully we can enjoy much more success together.”
