Football: Newry City add Liam Bagnall as fifth Summer signing

Former Cliftonville midfielder Liam Bagnall has returned to the top flight of Irish League Football to sign with hometown club Newry City AFC.

The ex-Sunderland man, who enjoyed a successful spell at Warrenpoint Town before moving to Solitude in 2017, becomes new City manager Gary Boyle's fifth signing of the Summer window.

The 31-year-old, who had taken a spell away from the game before joining The Showgrounds club, comes in alongside forwards Adam Salley and Adam Carroll, midfielder Ciaran O'Connor and defender Barney McKeown.

"He's an inspirational player, a leader, captained teams and won trophies at the highest level. He'll bring a steely determination, a winning mentality and that never say die attitude - the foundation on which this club has been built," said Boyle.

"He's another player who will set standards, expect them from himself and demand them from his team-mates. He knows the club, knows the majority of the lads and is eager to get going.

Bagnall added: “I'm delighted to get the opportunity to play for Newry and I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead. Newry has a great local support and I’m looking forward to getting started and playing in front of the home crowd at The Showgrounds.”