NIFL Premiership: Heatley returns to former club Carrick
The winger had retired after leaving Crusaders at the end of last season
Carick Ragners have announced the signing of ex-Crusaders winger Paul Heatley.
The 37-year-old, who announced his retirement from football after leaving Seaview at the end of last season, returns to the ‘Gers following a 12-year tenure at the Crues, where he won both the League and Irish Cup three times each while amassing an impressive record* of 486 appearances, 214 goals and 138 assists for the Hatchetmen.
Heatley admitted the chance to return to his former club was too good an opportunity to turn down.
“I'm delighted to come back to where it all started and hopefully see out my career here, which would be really special for me personally," Heatley said.
“The club were perseverant but respectful in their approach and they were very keen from the start for me to come on board and return to where it all started – it’s fantastic for me to be able to do that full loop.”
“Paul is a massive signing that I’m sure will excite everyone at the club," added Carrick boss Stuart King.
"We were in the market for a winger and Paul has been the best winger in the Irish League for the last ten years.
“I know a lot of clubs were chasing him after the news broke that he was reconsidering his retirement, so those from our club who worked really hard behind the scenes to make this happen deserve massive credit.
“He has trained with us already and really enjoyed it. He will add goals and excitement to our team and I know the squad will thrive off his arrival and raise their standards.”