Carrick Rangers transfer window review

2024-25 league position: 11th

Manager: Stephen Baxter

Next five fixtures: Cliftonville (H) - 6 September; Bangor (H) - 13 September; Larne (A) - 20 September; Coleraine (A) 27 September; Ballymena United (H) - 4 October

Going big on Irish Premiership experience is what springs to mind when looking at Carrick Rangers' summer business.

Stephen Baxter has raided his old club Crusaders for experienced trio Jimmy Callacher, Billy Joe Burns and Adam Lecky.

He has also brought in Nathan Gartside as his new number one goalkeeper as well as striker Ryan Waide and midfielder Jack Scott, who impressed in spells with Coleraine last season, to help boost a thin squad.

Matthew Snoddy and Aidan Steele also look like smart additions to add more mobility to Carrick's midfield and many of the new signings have hit the ground running to help the Gers to an unlikely unbeaten start to the season.

The loss of Kurtis Forsythe, a consistent performer through the years has not yet been felt whilst Lecky and Danny Gibson have already formed a solid partnership with Waide waiting in the wings for his chance.

They have clearly added depth and upgraded in a number of positions. It looks like a good window by Carrick's standards.

2025-26 signings so far: Aidan Steele (Ards), Billy Joe Burns, Adam Lecky, Jimmy Callacher (all Crusaders), Nathan Gartside (Loughgall), Ryan Waide (Loughgall), Jack Scott (Coleraine - loan), Scott Pengelly (unattached), Matthew Snoddy (Glenavon), Ryan McKay (Linfield - loan)

2025-26 departures so far: Kurtis Forsythe (Crusaders), Curtis Allen (retired), David Cushley (retired), Jack Hastings (Larne - end of loan), Jack McIntyre (unattached), Reece Webb (unattached), Shane Forbes (unattached), Ross Glendinning (Loughgall), Albert Watson (Armagh City), Steven Gordon (Ards), Jack O'Reilly (Ballymena United)