Transfer merry go round in full swing as Irish League prepares for season
Comprehensive round-up of all of the new signings
As pre-season begins in earnest, Irish League clubs have been dipping their toe in the transfer market. AARON O’NEILL reports on all the big movers and shakers.
It has been a busy few weeks in local football …
A packed pre-season bill of friendlies and the honour of European football for some clubs, means managers are working tirelessly to add some new faces to their squads before the gruelling schedule of the 2017/18 Danske Bank Premiership campaign gets underway in August.
Current league champions Linfield have added three new faces to their squad since the transfer window opened. Robert Garrett returns on a two-year deal from Portadown for his second spell at Windsor Park. Former Glentoran winger Jordan Stewart joins the Champions from League 2 side Swindon Town, while Crusaders front man Andrew Mitchell makes the switch from close rivals Crusaders.
Ex-Burnley goalkeeper Brian Jensen has joined Crusaders during the summer break. The 38 year old comes in to strengthen Stephen Baxter’s goalkeeping options as Sean O’Neill is set to miss the start of the season as he recovers from a shoulder operation.
Stephen Baxter’s side have also signed Sean Ward from Linfield. Ward can play in defence as well as in midfield and is another asset to the Crusaders squad. Colin Coates will be as good as a new signing as he returns from injury. The Crusaders skipper missed most of the last campaign due to an ankle injury. The Crues are poised to sign York City central defender Josh Robinson who departed the North Belfast club in June last year.
David Jeffrey has wasted no time in adding fresh faces to his squad during the closed season. Experience seems to be the order of the day at the Ballymena Showgrounds as midfield duo Michael Gault and Stephen McAlorum join the Braidmen from Crusaders and Glentoran respectively. Ballymena have also took some forward steps to put an end to their defensive frailties of last season, having added Emmett Friars, Andrew Burns and Stephen McCullough to the fold.
Coleraine manager Oran Kearney has addressed his defensive cover issues over the past few weeks. Stephen O’Donnell has joined the Bannsiders on a two-year deal from North West neighbours Institute. The former QPR and Institute central defender will provide stiff opposition for Douglas, McConaghie and Douglas in the heart of the Coleraine defence.
Ex-Linfield winger Josh Carson joins the Bannsiders on a two-year deal. The former York City and Ipswich Town wide man will add a new attacking dimension to Oran Kearney’s squad.
Left fullback Aaron Traynor has also joined Coleraine from Warrenpoint Town. Traynor has a wealth of experience in the top-flight having enjoyed previous spells with Portadown and Carrick Rangers.
Cliftonville welcome back the services of Joe Gormley after the forward re-joined Barry Gray’s men back in January. Gormley was unable to play for the Reds after signing due to the fact he had made appearances for both Peterborough and St. Johnstone. The prolific striker scored 122 goals in 183 appearances for Cliftonville during his first spell at the club. Liam Bagnall comes in from Warrenpoint Town while Ciaran Caldwell re-joins the club from Glentoran.
Goalkeeper Brian Neeson has joined Cliftonville from Carrick Rangers. The 27-year-old keeper has been rumoured to be moving to Solitude for some time after an impressive career with Carrick.
Glentoran have added three new signings to their squad ahead of the new campaign. John McGuigan returns to the East Belfast outfit having previously left the club for Warrenpoint Town whilst Daniel Kelly makes the switch from Carrick Rangers. Corey McMullan makes the step-up from the Championship as he joins Glentoran from Ballyclare Comrades. McMullan was the Comrades top scorer last season netting 13 goals in 32 appearances and will help bolster the Glens’ attack.
Carrick Rangers have been one of the busiest clubs in the transfer window to date with no fewer than seven signings. Having flirted with relegation last season, new manager David McAlinden made no mistake in adding new players to his squad with former Ballymena United players Denver Gage and Gavin Taggart joining the club.
Mark Edgar joined the Amber Army from Coleraine whilst Stuart McMullan makes the switch from Ards. Dale Malone comes in from Lurgan Celtic and Martin Maybin signs after a stint of playing in the United States.
Ballinamallard United have completed the signing of Richard Clarke from Crusaders whilst attacker Ryan Mayse departs the club to return to Dungannon Swifts. Adam Foley re-joins Glenavon after a spell at Portadown. Foley signed on a one-year contract and returns to Mourneview Park for his second spell with the Lurgan Blues.
It has been a busy few weeks for most of the top-flight clubs as they kick-off their pre-season schedule in the coming weeks. There is still time remaining for clubs to make some additions to their squads before the new season commences in August