Galway United have announced that their Player of the Season in 2019 Maurice Nugent will be returning in 2020 after signing a new deal.
The Clare native agreed to extend his contract with Galway United in July, and on Wednesday the new deal was officially signed.
The 21-year-old enjoyed his breakthrough season at Eamonn Deacy Park in 2019, making 28 appearances in all competitions, chipping in with 4 goals.
Nugent usually operates on the back line, but towards the end of the season Alan Murphy moved him up the centre of the field, where he quickly impressed working alongside Joe Collins.
He also travelled to Naples in July with the Irish Colleges and Universities team for the World University Games.
Upon returning to Galway he put in a strong finish to the season and will now be returning for his sixth season at Eamonn Deacy Park, after graduating from the club’s under-19 team.
“It was tough at the start of the season when we weren’t getting the results that we deserved, but we stuck together as a group,” Nugent said.
“We had a great group of lads last season, it was good to be a part of it and I enjoyed every minute of it.
“When I came back from Naples with the Irish Colleges, I was feeling very confident. I was buzzing when Alan moved me into midfield for the second half of the season and I really enjoyed playing there.
“As a group, I felt we got our rewards towards the end of the season. We managed to put together a good run in both the league and cup, which was great to be a part of. I’m really looking forward to January now.”
Alan Murphy appointed Nugent as his vice captain before the 2019 season and after he enjoyed a really consistent run in United’s starting eleven,
Murphy feels the busy midfielder can continue to really push on at Eamonn Deacy Park.
“Maurice really grew into the advanced midfield role and he’s a player that has huge improvement and development still to make because he’s still such a young talent.”
