Ghanaian goalkeeper Joseph Anang has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with St Patrick’s Athletic, marking his permanent return to the Irish club after his departure from West Ham United.
Anang, a Ghana-born goalkeeper with experience in England’s youth international squads, initially joined St Patrick’s Athletic on loan in 2022.
During his six-month stint, he impressed with his performances, leaving a lasting impression before returning to West Ham.
However, after spending seven years with the Premier League side and finding limited first-team opportunities, Anang decided it was time to seek regular football elsewhere.
Expressing his enthusiasm about returning to St Patrick’s, Anang highlighted the positive memories from his previous spell at the club and his eagerness to play regularly.
“I’m very excited to be back at the club,” Anang said. “St Pat’s is where I played most of my senior games, and I feel I played my best football at Pat’s during my loan in 2022.
I really enjoyed my time here, so I’m very excited.”
The decision to return to St Patrick’s came naturally for Anang, who maintained a strong relationship with the club’s goalkeeping coach, Pat Jennings.
Their continued communication since his departure played a significant role in facilitating his move back to the Dublin-based club.
During his tenure at West Ham, Anang was part of the squad that won the UEFA Conference League in the following season, although his first-team appearances were limited.
At 24 years old, Anang is now focused on becoming a regular starter for St Patrick’s Athletic as they prepare for the 2024/25 season.
Anang’s return to St Patrick’s Athletic represents a significant boost for the club, which will benefit from his experience and skill between the posts.
His familiarity with the team and the league is expected to provide a solid foundation for his contributions in the upcoming season.
The move marks a full-circle moment for Anang, who is eager to build on his previous success at St Patrick’s and further his career with more consistent playing time.
His return is seen as a strategic decision to revive his professional journey, aiming to solidify his reputation as a dependable goalkeeper in the Irish Premier Division.
As Anang reintegrates into the team, St Patrick’s Athletic fans and management alike will be hopeful that his second spell with the club will be as impactful as his first, if not more.
With his talent and determination, Anang is poised to make a significant mark and help the club achieve its goals in the forthcoming seasons.
