Defender Emmett Friars joins Portadown from Dungannon

Portadown have announced the signing of central defender Emmett Friars from Dungannon Swifts.

The 27-year-old former Derry City and Newry player has signed a two-year contract with the Shamrock Park club.

Emmett's brother Sean left Dungannon last December and joined Championship One team Carrick Rangers.

Earlier this week Portadown revealed that a string of players were leaving after a disappointing season which saw the Ports finish seventh in the league.

The season before Ronnie McFall's men had been runners-up in the Premiership.

Portadown lost to Glentoran in the Irish Cup semi-finals, a result which club officials estimated cost them in the region of £80,000 through cup final revenue and missing out on a place in the Europa League.

Striker Richard Lecky has already agreed a move to Ballinamallard while defender Brian Gartland, midfielders Neil McCafferty, Joe McNeill, Mark Patton and winger Aaron Burns are among the others being let go by Portadown.