Sporting Fingal have completed the signing of centre-back Colin Hawkins from Brighton and Hove Albion.



His capture follows news of the departure from the club of captain Stephen Paisley by mutual consent.



Paisley, who skippered Fingal to their FAI Ford Cup success last season, has been offered full-time employment in the Financial Services sector in September when he completes his Masters Degree in Finance and Capital Markets which is facilitated through the Sporting Fingal/DCU Scholarship scheme.



While disappointed to see Paisley leave the club, Sporting manager Liam Buckley admits the decision was made in the best interests of both parties.



“Stephen is taking up a full-time job and therefore his commitment to our training schedule coming into our busy period of the season would naturally be affected,” said Buckley.



“Rather than wait until September, we decided to part ways at this stage, enabling me to sign a replacement in this month’s transfer window.



“I would like to thank Stephen for his contribution to the club, both on and off the pitch, since he joined Sporting Fingal at the start of last season. His leadership skills were immeasurable in helping us gain promotion and win the FAI Ford Cup.”



Commenting on the addition of the experienced Hawkins, Buckley said: “Colin was part of the league-winning squad I managed at St. Patrick’s Athletic in 1999 and is someone whose experience can be of great benefit to us.



“He’s been training with us for the last week and is eager to get involved having spent the last three and a half years in the UK.”



Galway native Hawkins, 32, has won four Premier Division medals with three different clubs, St. Pat’s, Bohemians and Shelbourne. He goes straight into the squad for Friday’s Airtrcity League game at Bray Wanderers and is eligible for next week’s Europa League tie against CS Marítimo in Madeira.

*The former Irish Under-21 international hooks up with his former colleagues Glen Crowe and Alan Kirby who this very week 13 years ago soldiered together with the Ireland Under-20 squad at the World Championships in Malaysia.