Article: published on 6 August 2024

Portadown have been very active in the transfer market since their elevation to the Premiership was confirmed when they were crowned Championship winners in April.

An impressive array of signings include former Glentoran players Aaron McCarey and Shay McCartan, Steven McCullough and Jamie McDonagh.

The Ports' ambition will be to re-establish themselves as a major Irish League force, although retaining their top division status will be the most immediate priority for the forthcoming season.

Transfers In: Aaron McCarey, Cathair Friel, Eamon Fyfe, Jamie McDonagh, Jamie Ray, Lewis MacKinnon, Shay McCartan, Steven McCullough, Jack Duncan, Liam Mullan, Abu Obhakhan.

Transfers Out: Aaron Hogg, Caolin Coyle, Dale Montgomery, Gareth Buchanan, Igor Rutkowski, Joe Williamson, Kenny Kane, Mark Russell, Patrick McNally, Zach Barr.

Joel Taggart's take: In the past Niall Currie has maybe let his heart rule his head after promotions and given chances to players that helped get his sides up.

But players that get you up are often not good enough to keep you up and this time he’s been pretty ruthless.

Departures and arrivals are both in double figures and Ports fans will be hoping their Premiership adventure will be much more enjoyable than last time when they had just one point after their opening 18 league games.

Opening fixtures: 11/8 - Cliftonville (a) - Live on BBC Sport NI; 17/8 - Glentoran (h); 20/8 - Loughgall (a); 24/8 - Larne (a)