FOOTBALL: Larne snap up Reds defender
Levi Ives has moved from Cliftonville to the Premiership champions
Premiership champions Larne have completed the signing of defender Levi Ives from Cliftonville.
The 25-year-old left-back moves to Inver Park on a three-year deal, having made over 200 appearances at Solitude since returning to North Belfast in 2015.
Ives wasn't signed in time to play in tomorrow night's Champions League qualifier second leg against HJK Helsinki. Ironically, that match will be played at the home of Ives' now-former club, with the Inver Park pitch not deemed to be up to UEFA standard.
Speaking to LarneFC.com, Manager Tiernan Lynch said: “We are delighted to bring a player of Levi’s calibre to the club.
“He has rightfully earned a reputation for being one of – if not the – best players in his position in the country.
“He is tenacious, technically excellent and has a hunger to keep improving his game in a full-time environment.
“We have said all along players wouldn’t be coming to Larne for the sake of it, we only strive to bring a player in if they have the potential to challenge the players we have and make us better.
“Levi very much falls into that category and it is a real coup that he was just as keen to come here as we were to bring him in.”
Levi also spoke of his delight at joining the club and sampling full-time football as he settles into the club.
“I met Tiernan five years ago and he told me what the club were going to do and they’ve done it all, so I’m really looking forward to see what the future holds,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to the full-time aspect of the move. Being in every day, the work you do off the field and on the field and helping you to stay injury free.
“I’ve played at Inver Park a few times now and it’s always been impressive with the experience the club sets up with the lights and how the fans play a big part, so I’m looking forward to that too.”