Steven Bradley bid farewell to his teammates on Sunday night as his loan spell from Hibernian came to an end following the 1-0 win over Derry City at the Brandywell.
Bradley returned to Edinburgh on Monday morning but speaking to dundalkfc.com before his departure, the 20-year-old said he thoroughly enjoyed his season-long stay in Dundalk.
“It was a great experience,” he said. “It was my first full season in men’s football and I was involved in a lot of games which was the main reason I came over.
“I scored a few goals, won the Soccer Writers and Supporters Club Player of the Month award and things like that. There were ups and downs but I had a great time overall.
“Everybody associated with the club was brilliant with me from the moment I came in and I can’t thank them enough.
“Being away from home was tough at times but all the boys helped me through everything. I came over as a young boy and I’ll go back as half a man!” he laughed.
Bradley made 35 appearances for Dundalk in all competitions, chipping in with six goals and six assists. His wonderful effort against Finn Harps at Oriel Park won the club’s Goal of the Month award for July.
The game that sticks in his memory, however, is Dundalk’s 1-0 win against Bohemians at Dalymount Park a month later when O’Donnell’s side showed a different side to their game.
“Aye, the win against Bohs at Dalymount Park when we went down to 10 men sticks in my head,” said Bradley. “The squad came together that day and it showed just how good of a group we have.
“It wasn’t just one or two, it was the whole team and subs. We didn’t have the best of records on the road but that was one game I really, really loved.”
