NEWLY PROMOTED FINN Harps have captured the signature of former Manchester United youth Ryan McConnell ahead of the 2016 Premier Division season.
The Donegal club announced the signing of McConnell on Thursday evening and the Republic of Ireland youth international is pleased to be signing for Ollie Horgan’s team
“I am delighted to have signed for Harps for the 2016 campaign,” McConnell told the club website.
“Everyone is still talking about the play-off win and there will be huge anticipation in the county about us playing in the Premier [Division] next year.”
Defender McConnell, 20, had captained the Red Devils at Under-21 level but was released by the Premier League club in June.
As well as McConnell, Horgan has managed to secure the futures of Kevin McHugh, Tony McNamee, Ciaran Coll and Gareth Harkin.
“It was important to starting formulating the squad for next year so I am pleased that Gareth, Ciaran, Tony and Kevin have agreed to commit for the 2016 season,” Horgan told the club website.
“It will be a big challenge for all of us to step up to Premier [Division] level, but I think supporters will be happy if the four lads give the same commitment and display the same quality as they did during our promotion campaign.
“Like all clubs we are presently talking to a number of players and we hope to announce further signings in the coming weeks.”
- Ryan Kelly, Goal.com
Stark reminder of how fickle professional football is
How does a man United u21 captain not get a decent offer from a championship or at the very least a league 1 club??
When harps come calling you don’t turn them down
He only played 3 minutes in total last season, he’s been completely riddled with injuries so no Championship club would take a risk on him. Debatable whether a league One outfit would even take the gamble.
If he can stay fit though Harps is a perfect platform for him to restart his career. A good yr or 2 there playing against men and he should have plenty of options to move to a higher level if he’s capable.
Probably play more attractive football at Harps