DENIS CLARKE has finally ended what was threatening to become something of a transfer saga by completing the signing for Galway United of Martin McDonnell from Sligo Rovers.

The new arrival should be available for tomorrow afternoon's visit to Terryland Park by Sunderland - a team which enjoyed far better fortunes than Galway last season but who may struggle a great deal more than their hosts over the months to come.

Certainly Clarke has been hard at work rebuilding for the forthcoming campaign. The most prominent of his recruits have been former United players Noel Mernagh and Peter Carpenter, who will be making their first appearances for their club at Terryland.

The first division outfit have also signed some young talent. Conor Killeen, Gareth Beatty, Harry Costello and Irish Universities captain Sean O'Neill have been added to the squad for the coming campaign.

Tickets for the game, which begins at 6.0 p.m., range from £3 to £8 and are available from the usual outlets in Galway or from the club. Those travelling to the game are requested to use the Headford Road car parks.

Meanwhile, Shelbourne complete their preparations for the first leg of their European Cup Winners' Cup tie against SK Brann with a game against Tranmere on Monday evening at Tolka Park. Tickets for both of those games as well as the visit of Nottingham Forest next Saturday are available from the club's offices.

. Builders have announced a plan to erect a 10 storey hotel and apartment block on Chelsea's Stamford Bridge ground as part of the club's £25 million redevelopment.

The first part of a package of five projects, Chelsea's new South Stand, which will house 6,500 fans and include a 2,500 capacity Family Centre, will be completed in time for the opening of the 1997-98 season next August.