Stopper Deane s newly promoted Bangorpublished at 16:44 10 June
16:44 10 June
Image source, Inpho
Image caption,
Deane s Bangor on a one-year deal
Goalkeeper Gareth Deane has ed newly promoted Bangor after leaving Glenavon.
The 30-year-old has signed a one-year deal with the Seasiders to become Lee Feeney's first summer g.
Deane arrived at Glenavon in January 2024 in a swap deal which saw Rory Brown move to Coleraine and made 26 appearances for the Lurgan Blues during his 18-months at the club.
He lost his place in the second half of the 2024-25 season to Mark Byrne and Tadgh Ryan and was placed on the transfer list.
The goalkeeper previously spent six seasons with Linfield before ing Coleraine permanently 2020 after a loan spell at the Showgrounds.
Deane is set to replace Patrick Solis Grogan, who returns to Dungannon Swifts after a positive loan spell in which he helped Bangor to the Championship title.
Elsewhere, Crusaders have announced the g of goalkeeper Musa Dibaga on a two-year deal.
Dibaga s the north Belfast side upon the expiration of his contract with Inverness.
He kept 14 clean sheets in 32 games in League One in Scotland last season, with his form earning a call-up to the Gambian national team in March for World Cup qualifiers against Kenya and Ivory Coast.
McAllister returns to Swifts after Everton releasepublished at 19:26 9 June
19:26 9 June
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
McAllister spent five years with Everton
Midfielder Sean McAllister has returned to Dungannon Swifts following his release from Everton.
McAllister left the Swifts in 2019 to sign for the Premier League side and he spent five years with the Toffees but was released in January after failing to make a senior appearance.
The former Northern Ireland Under-21 international remained on Merseyside to rehabilitate from an injury before ing National League side Marine for a brief stint in February.
The 22-year-old, who trained with the Swifts in the closing weeks of the season, also had a loan spell at Scottish Championship side Inverness last year.
He becomes Rodney McAree's third summer g after the arrivals of Mal Smith and Peter Maguire.
Larne sign defender Ridley as Want departs published at 15:47 9 June
15:47 9 June
Image source, Inpho
Image caption,
Want was a mainstay in Larne's defence as they won back-to-back Irish Premiership titles
Larne have signed defender Matthew Ridley after the departure of Scottish centre-back Shaun Want.
Englishman Ridley becomes Nathan Rooney's first summer g as he arrives from Northern Premier League side Blyth Spartans, a club he captained last season.
The 25-year-old has also had spells with Billingham Town, Chester-Le-Street Town, Whitby Town and League Two side Sutton United.
"I'm really pleased to bring Matt to the club. He'll add nicely to our defensive options, making this part of the squad a really competitive unit," Rooney told Larne's website.
"His energy and ion for the game is something I have been aware of for a while and I am looking forward to working closely with Matt on his next stage of his career."
Ridley will replace Want, who leaves the club upon the expiration of his contract, returning to Scotland for family reasons.
The 28-year-old was a mainstay for the side after arriving from Hamilton Academical three years ago.
He made 104 appearances for Larne, winning two Gibson Cups, two County Antrim Shields and helping them to qualify for the league phase of the Uefa Conference League for the first time.
"The club respects Shaun's decision to put family first and wishes him the best of luck at his next club," said the club in a post on X.
Ali Omar, Joe Besant, Sean Brown, Olatunde Bayode and Harrison Panayiotou have also left the Inver outfit upon the expiration of their contracts.
Midfielder Fallon s Coleraine from Linfieldpublished at 20:18 3 June
20:18 3 June
Image source, Inpho
Image caption,
Fallon has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons
Midfielder Stephen Fallon has ed Coleraine after leaving Irish Premiership champions Linfield upon the expiration of his contract.
The 28-year-old won six league titles, two Irish Cups, three League Cups and a County Antrim Shield during his nine years with the Blues after arriving from Swansea City.
He has been a bit-part player in recent seasons due to a number of injury problems.
Fallon becomes the Bannsiders' third summer addition after the arrival of Kodi Lyons-Foster from Glentoran and Joel Cooper from the Blues.
"He's had a difficult few years with injury but having spoken to the medical staff here, they have been isolated injuries and we feel we can get on top of that and get him right," Coleraine boss Ruaidhri Higgins told the club's website.
"Once we get him right then we have a hell of a player on our hands. He's a talented midfield player and one of the best in the country.
"He knows how to win, he has been a really key player in some of Linfield's title wins and he brings that respect straight away when he walks into the changing room."
Callacher signs for Carrick after Crusaders departurepublished at 15:42 3 June
15:42 3 June
Image source, Pacemaker Press
Image caption,
Callacher made 43 appearances for Crusaders during his two-year spell at the club
Jimmy Callacher has ed Carrick Rangers after his departure from fellow Irish Premiership side Crusaders.
The 33-year-old left the Crues upon the expiration of his contract after two years with the club.
Callacher made 43 appearances for the north Belfast side, scoring once.
He suffered a serious knee injury four games into the 2023-24 season which saw him miss the remainder of that campaign.
The centre-half started his career at Glentoran before enjoying a successful nine-year spell at Linfield, where he won five Irish Premiership titles and two Irish Cups.
The 2019 Ulster Footballer of the Year follows Billy Joe Burns and Adam Lecky in reuniting with former Crues boss Stephen Baxter at Carrick.
The Gers have signed five players so far this window and boss Baxter said that Callacher is "an outstanding player and leader".
"A no nonsense defender but also very comfortable on the ball, Jimmy will add power, strength and big game experience as we move forward," Baxter told the club's website.
"Jimmy had several options open to him but chose Carrick Rangers as his new home."
Crusaders, meanwhile, have signed former Glentoran midfielder Finley Thorndike on a two-year deal and Northern Ireland under-19 left back Brandon Hamilton.
Thorndike, a 23-year-old English midfielder, played 29 times for the Glens last season, helping the club win the County Antrim Shield during his sole season with the east Belfast side.
Hamilton started his youth career with Glentoran before moving to Aberdeen.
He has been training with the Crues since January after being released by the Scottish side.
Lowry s Limavady United from Crusaderspublished at 20:12 2 June
20:12 2 June
Image source, Press Eye
Midfielder Philip Lowry has left Irish Premiership club Crusaders to Championship side Limavady United.
After stints at Linfield and League of Ireland side Derry City, the 35-year-old moved to Crusaders in 2016 and was a key player under Stephen Baxter and Declan Caddell.
Lowry's time at Seaview has now come to a close, and he will now his brother, Stephen, at the Limavady Showgrounds.
In his time with Linfield and Crusaders, Lowry won four league titles and six Irish Cups, as well as three County Antrim Shields.
"To bring someone of that quality to our club is a massive coup," said Limavady manager Paul Owens.
"I feel Philip is still one of the top midfielders in the country.
"It's clear he is still as hungry as ever for success and we can't wait to welcome him to the group."
Lowry helped Crusaders to a fifth-place finish in the Irish Premiership, while Limavady came fourth in the Championship.
Meanwhile, Crusaders have signed 22-year-old former Glentoran midfielder Finley Thorndike on a two-year deal.
Thorndike, who was previously on the books of West Brom, Birmingham City and Aston Villa as an academy player, moved to the Irish Premiership last season with the Glens and scored a winner in extra-time in the Irish Cup sixth round against Linfield.
Scottish Premiership side Dundee make Healy approach published at 16:35 1 June
16:35 1 June
Jonathan Bradley BBC Sport NI Senior Journalist
Image source, Press Eye
Image caption,
David Healy has won six Irish Premiership titles in 10 years at Linfield
Dundee want to speak to Linfield boss David Healy about their managerial vacancy at Dens Park.
Last month the Dark Blues sacked Tony Docherty one day after securing their Scottish Premiership status for next season in the final game of the campaign.
Healy, who is the Northern Ireland men's team's record goalscorer, has been in charge of Linfield since 2015 with a club spokesperson confirming to BBC Sport NI that the of the 45-year-old's contract allow him to discuss the move.
This season's Irish Premiership title was Healy's sixth at the Windsor Park helm with the Blues finishing 22 points ahead of Larne.
He has also won two Irish Cups, three BetMcLean Cups and one County Antrim Shield during his time in charge of the Blues.
In August, the former Manchester United and Rangers striker turned down the opportunity to take over at Scottish Championship side Raith Rovers and said he was "content" at Linfield.
Former Celtic midfielder Shaun Maloney, as well as former Dundee players Charlie Adam and Temuri Ketsbaia, have also been linked to the role.
Clarke s Ballymena after Livingston spellpublished at 21:33 31 May
21:33 31 May
Image source, Press Eye
Image caption,
Clarke enjoyed a decorated11 year spell with Linfield
Former Linfield defender Matthew Clarke has returned to the Irish Premiership with Ballymena United.
The 31-year-old s the Sky Blues after a year with Scottish Championship side Livingston.
During his time with Livi, he helped the club return to the top-flight and won the Challenge Cup.
Clarke won five Gibson Cups, two Irish Cups, three League Cups and two County Antrim Shields during his 11 years with Linfield.
He becomes Ballymena's second g after striker Ryan McNickle, and boss Jim Ervin says the arrival of Clarke "is a big coup".
"When a player of his calibre comes up, you'd be stupid not to be interested and after a few conversations, thankfully he thought here was the place for him," he told the club's website.
"The experience he brings with him is huge from our point of view. Matthew can play a variety of positions, so it's huge for us with what we're looking to do."
McGovern s Shamrock Rovers from Dungannon Swiftspublished at 14:27 27 May
14:27 27 May
Image source, Inpho
Image caption,
John McGovern ed Dungannon Swifts from Newry City
League of Ireland Premier Division leaders Shamrock Rovers have completed the g of forward John McGovern from Irish Premiership side Dungannon Swifts.
The 22-year-old striker s Rovers for an undisclosed fee.
McGovern was a key figure in Dungannon's successful 2024-25 season, which saw them finish fourth in the league and win the Irish Cup by beating Cliftonville 4-3 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 after extra-time, thereby securing European football for the Stangmore Park outfit.
The former Northern Ireland Under-21 international and Newry City frontman scored the opening goal in the showpiece decider and contributed 14 league goals in 29 appearances for Rodney McAree's team.
"After many weeks of negotiations, the club agreed a transfer fee with Dungannon Swifts which will remain undisclosed," read a statement from the Dublin club on Tuesday.
"This transfer is subject to International and Domestic clearance which, when approved, would allow John to be available for selection from July 1st, 2025.
"John has attracted much interest in recent months but has been fully committed in his desire to play for Shamrock Rovers."
"We were up quite a lot to watch John. We tried quite a bit over the last year to get him, but it wasn't possible.
"John was at university and Dungannon weren't ready to sell at that moment in time. So, it was a case of continuing to monitor John and thankfully we've got him in now.
"We could have moved in on other players in the previous window, but we wanted to wait on John as he was someone we'd monitored for quite some time. He fits the group, has a good age profile and we really like what he's about. So we waited and now we got it done."
McGovern told the club's website that it was "a no-brainer" to make the move.
"I'm absolutely delighted. It's a massive club, the biggest in the country. You look at the success Shamrock Rovers have had in recent years and throughout the club's history.
"I want to win trophies, I want to win medals, and continue the legacy of the club."
Rovers are six points clear of nearest challengers Drogheda United at the top of the Premier Division table.
Rooney reinstalled as Larne managerpublished at 11:24 25 May
11:24 25 May
Image source, Inpho
Image caption,
Rooney managed just two games before moving into the head of football role
Larne have reinstalled Nathan Rooney as manager following the Englishman's enrolment on his Uefa Pro Licence course.
In December, just three weeks on from succeeding Tiernan Lynch in the Inver Park dugout, Rooney moved into the club's head of football role after it emerged he was unable to lead Larne in their Uefa Conference League campaign as he did not hold the required licence.
With Rooney having been accepted on to his Pro Licence course in March, he returns to his original position.
Gary Haveron, who took over head coaching duties for the remainder of the 2024-25 season, returns to his role as Rooney's assistant.
"It has been a period of change for us all, including our amazing fanbase, who has continued to bring the noise and energy to every matchday since my arrival," said Rooney.
"I appreciate all of you and it's our job as a group to continue working hard to achieve new goals whilst working smartly through both the smooth and difficult times.
"I want to express my thanks to Gary Haveron who has been a great professional to work alongside and his work ethic to keep pushing the team has been second to none – I thank him for his throughout this period."
Rooney, who was brought in from Gibraltar side Bruno's Magpies, added: "Gary will continue to play a major role as an experienced professional who is highly thought of in the local area and the Irish Premiership.
"Our job now is to hit the ground running in pre-season, develop our younger players, implement a playing style which can be exciting to watch and provide an energy which brings us all together on and off the pitch and we will see where it takes us."
Larne chairman Gareth Clements said the past few months have "allowed Nathan to do a lot of the groundwork across the whole club and we're now looking forward to having him lead all aspects of our senior men's team".
"We are very excited to see how Nathan will shape the playing squad as pre-season preparations get underway in the coming weeks," added Clements.
"On behalf of everyone at the club, I want to express our sincere gratitude to Gary Haveron for how he stepped up to lead first team affairs since the middle of December.
"Clinching automatic European qualification at the end of a 60-game season, with all the demands placed on the team this season domestically and in Europe, was a huge achievement."
Larne finished second in the Irish Premiership, 22 points behind champions Linfield, and were knocked out of the Irish Cup fifth round by Limavady United.
Crusaders and Derry City win in Women's Premiershippublished at 22:34 23 May
22:34 23 May
Image source, NIFL
Crusaders and Derry City picked up away wins in the Women's Premiership with victories over Lisburn Ladies and Larne.
Alison McMaster and Beth Chalmers scored as the Crues sealed a 2-0 win to move level on points with league leaders Glentoran.
After a goalless first half, substitute McMaster scored moments after coming on to break the deadlock on 57 minutes.
Jonny Tuffey's side doubled their lead through Chalmers nine minutes later to secure all three points.
Derry City had a more emphatic victory as they beat Larne 4-0 at Inver Park for their first win of the season.
Cache Crumlin-Hawes opened the scoring after just seven minutes before Rachel McIntyre added a second on 30 minutes.
Caoimhe Walsh and Tara O'Connor-Farren completed the win with second-half goals for the Candstripes.
Linfield's 2024-25 season in reviewpublished at 15:17 21 May
15:17 21 May
Image source, Inpho
Image caption,
Linfield won the Irish Premiership for the fifth time in seven seasons
2024-25 League position: Champions
Player of the season: Joel Cooper
After a two-year gap, Linfield regained the Gibson Cup. The Blues were comfortable winners in the end, becoming the first team to ever claim the league title before the end-of-season split and finishing 22 points clear of their nearest challengers.
Having had to fend off interest from Scotland in their manager David Healy before enduring endless speculation about star forward Joel Cooper in January, the title charge was not without its stresses, but that never showed on the pitch where they were by far the league's most consistent side.
The Blues will be aware that their 85 points was the same tally they amassed in 2023-24 when finishing runners-up to Larne and will be braced for a stronger set of challengers next season.
The loss of Cooper is a serious blow, but in January gs Kieran Offord and Callumn Morrison, they have already recruited some firepower with a view to filling the void.
2025-26 gs so far:
2025-26 departures so far: Joel Cooper, Stephen Fallon (both Coleraine), Darragh McBrien (unattached)
Portadown's 2024-25 season in reviewpublished at 15:16 21 May
15:16 21 May
Image source, Inpho
2024-25 league position: 8th
Player of the year: Aaron McCarey
Having won the 2023-24 Championship title to secure age back to the top flight, Portadown did well to stay comfortably clear of the race to avoid the drop.
Under experienced boss Niall Currie, the Ports secured some impressive results, including a last-gasp draw with Linfield in August, two home wins over Larne in October and February and victories on the road against Crusaders and Glentoran.
In the end, the Shamrock Park outfit weren't quite able to secure a top-six finish despite finishing the season with a hat-trick of wins over Loughgall, Cliftonville and Ballymena United.
The club will hope for a better showing in next season's cup competitions, however, after falling at the first hurdle in the BetMcLean Cup and Irish Cup.
2025-26 gs so far: Jamie Rea (Loughgall)
2025-26 departures so far: Divin Isamala (Bohemians, end of loan), Ross Redman (retired), Jordan Williamson (unattached), Dougie Wilson (Loughgall), Eoghan McCawl (unattached)
Larne's 2024-25 season in reviewpublished at 15:15 21 May
15:15 21 May
Image source, Inpho
2024-25 league position: 2nd
Mixing domestic commitments with a maiden voyage in European football was always going to be challenging for Larne.
And so it proved as the Invermen were deposed as Irish Premiership by Linfield - finishing 22 points behind the Blues - after finishing 34th in the 36-team Uefa Conference League.
They did, however, finish their European campaign on a high with a 1-0 victory over Gent.
It was a tumultuous season in the dugout, too. Manager Tiernan Lynch left to Derry City, and while Nathan Rooney was chosen as his successor, the Englishman was unable to lead the team in Europe because he did not have the required licence.
Gary Haveron was eventually appointed head coach while Rooney became head of football in a coaching reshuffle.
Unable to keep pace with Linfield in the league, Larne were knocked out of the Irish and BetMcLean Cups by Limavady and Cliftonville, while they missed out on a fifth successive County Antrim Shield with a shootout defeat by Glentoran in the final.
Chief executive Niall Curneen left the club in March before a brawl in their final game against Glentoran meant the season ended on an unsavoury note.
2025-26 gs so far: Matt Ridley (Blyth Spartans)
2025-26 departures so far: Ali Omar, Joe Besant, Sean Brown, Shaun Want, Olatunde Bayode and Harrison Panayiotou(all unattached)
Loughgall's 2024-25 season in reviewpublished at 15:14 21 May
15:14 21 May
Image source, Pacemaker Press
2024-25 league position: 12th
Player of the year: Nathan Gartside
Loughgall defied the odds in their first season in the Irish Premiership as they comfortably avoided relegation and finished ninth.
Second season syndrome seemed to hit this year however and just five wins from their 38 games and the worst goal difference in the division of - 49, condemned them to relegation to the second tier.
Dean Smith, the manager who had performed wonders to get Loughgall in the top- flight and keep them there, left in March not long after he was hit with a 15-game ban for breaches of the Irish Football Association's disciplinary code following the Villagers' 2-1 defeat to Glentoran in January.
He was replaced by former Dungannon Swifts boss Darren Murphy, who managed a win and a draw during the last five league games of the season.
Murphy's intentions will now turn to assembling a squad capable of coming straight back up again next season and he has already added experienced defender Dougie Wilson.
2025-26 gs so far: Dougie Wilson (Portadown)
2025-26 departures so far: Benji Magee (Larne, end of loan), Alberto Balde (unattached), Jamie Rea (unattached)
Glentoran's 2024-25 season in reviewpublished at 15:13 21 May
15:13 21 May
Image source, Inpho
2024-25 League position: 3rd
Player of the season: Daniel Gyollai
January's County Antrim Shield success yielded the Glens' first piece of silverware in five years but, in a season that promised so much more, ultimately that proved the undisputed highlight.
At the time of their penalty shootout Shield win over Larne, Declan Devine's men were already into the decider of the BetMcLean Cup and semi-finals of the Irish Cup.
They would lose both, to Cliftonville and Bangor respectively, and slip from second to third in the season's final weeks, ultimately missing out on European football for a second season in succession thanks to a play-off semi-final defeat.
Four wins over champions Linfield showed what they are capable of on their day, but they will need to find greater consistency and attacking threat next season.
Already, however, they know that they will lose some key players over the summer.
2025-26 gs so far: Liam Burt (unattached), Jordan Stewart (Crusaders)
Glenavon's 2024-25 season in reviewpublished at 15:11 21 May
15:11 21 May
Image source, Inpho
2024-25 league position: 10th
Player of the year: Barney McKeown
The appointment of Paddy McLaughlin in November helped to steady the ship at Glenavon after a disappointing start to the season had them languishing close to relegation.
Under Stephen McDonnell, the Lurgan Blues went seven games without a win in all competitions and slipped to 11th in the table, four points off safety before he was relieved of his duties.
Whilst McLaughlin could only help them to finish one place higher, they were 14 points better off than Carrick Rangers below them.
The aim will be to build upon a solid foundation in which the Lurgan Blues became harder to beat and start challenging for seventh again.
Glenavon have already been busy in the transfer market, bringing in the experienced Kris Lowe from Cliftonville and youngsters Jordan McMullan and Oran O'Kane.
2025-26 gs so far: Kris Lowe (Cliftonville), Jordan McMullan (Ballymena United), Oran O'Kane (H&W Welders), Luke Cartwright (Loughgall), Patrick Burns (Coleraine)
2025-26 departures so far: Mark Haughey (unattached), Harry Murphy (Glentoran, end of loan), Harry Norton (Loughgall), Aaron Prendergast (Loughgall, loan), Rhys Marshall (retired), Callum Birney (unattached), Marc Matthews (Ards), Gareth Deane (Bangor), Aaron Heaney (Derry City - end of loan)
Dungannon's 2024-25 season in reviewpublished at 15:09 21 May
15:09 21 May
Image source, Inpho
2024-25 League position: 4th
Player of the season: Gael Bigirimana
2024-25 Review: The campaign will surely go down as the best ever witnessed at Stangmore Park.
The club had finished fourth in the top-flight twice previously in the 1990s, both under the stewardship of current manager Rodney McAree's father Joe, but their Irish Cup triumph over Cliftonville was a first for the club.
The memorable scenes at Windsor Park on the first Saturday of May have brought deserved praise upon the club who have delivered major silverware, broken into the top six, and will play in European football all on a budget that ensures they need to promote youth and rely on astute gs.
Gael Bigirimana and Leo Alves are just two examples of the latter, while 22-year-old full-back Adam Glenny was voted onto the team of the season this year having come through the youth ranks.
They will miss the firepower of John McGovern next season, who is expected to move on after a strong campaign in front of goal, but the Swifts will back themselves to find another bargain as a replacement.
2025-26 gs so far: Mal Smith (Crusaders), Peter Maguire (Ballinamallard), Sean McAllister (unattached), Tiernan Kelly (Loughgall)
2025-26 departures so far: Dean Curry (retired), Oliver Crowe (Loughgall - loan), John McGovern (Shamrock Rovers)
Crusaders' 2024-25 season in reviewpublished at 15:08 21 May
15:08 21 May
Image source, Inpho
2024-25 league position: 6th
Player of the year: Lewis Barr
The 2024-25 season was always going to feel a little strange for Crusaders with the familiar figure of long-serving manager Stephen Baxter no longer patrolling the touchline.
With Baxter succeeded by club legend Declan Caddell, a period of transition ensued as the team ended the league season with 16 wins, 16 defeats and six draws.
They were knocked out of the Irish Cup quarter-finals by neighbours Cliftonville after falling to Glentoran after extra-time in the BetMcLean Cup semi-finals.
On-loan Kieran Offord's eye-catching displays were a plus during the first half of the campaign before he ed Linfield from St Mirren in January.
The Crues' European hopes were also dashed with defeat by Coleraine in the play-offs.
With the club looking to kick on in 2025-26, transfer business has already commenced. Kurtis Forsythe has ed from Carrick Rangers and Scottish winger Kieran McKechnie has also been added to the squad.
Club captain Billy Joe Burns will leave this summer, ending a trophy-laden 11-year stint at the club, with Adam Lecky and Jimmy Callacher also moving on and Jordan Stewart returning to Glentoran.
2025-26 gs so far: Kurtis Forsythe (Carrick), Kieran McKechnie (Arbroath), Finley Thorndike (Glentoran), Brandon Hamilton (Aberdeen), Musa Dibaga (Inverness)
2025-26 departures so far: Jordan Stewart (Glentoran), Billy Joe Burns, Jimmy Callacher, Adam Lecky (all Carrick Rangers), Billy Vance (unattached), Ryan Kerr (unattached), Mal Smith (Dungannon Swifts), Philip Lowry (Limavady United)
Image source, Inpho
