Irish League Football

Image source, Getty Images

Larne have completed the signing of Gibraltarian international midfielder Dan Bent.

The 29-year-old joins the Irish Premiership club following his departure from Lincoln Red Imps earlier in the summer, having earned a league title in his first season with the club.

Having grown up in England, Bent began his career at Gillingham before a move to the United States saw him involved with a number of clubs including Columbus Crew.

He arrived in Gibraltar in 2019 with Bruno's Magpies, working under now Larne boss Nathan Rooney for four years and then moving to Lincoln Red Imps.

Bent was involved home and away in last summer's Conference League play-off against the Invermen.

Having spent five years in Gibraltar, Dan qualified for the national team and has now accumulated nine appearances, scoring two goals.

"I think first and foremost Dan will fit in really well with the group, personality wise," explained Rooney.

"He is the sort of player who understands that hard work comes first and that gives you the foundation to show what you're about tactically and technically after that.

"In the team he will give us a different type of dynamic as someone who can run beyond.

"Having been here since November I feel I know what the fans want to see, which is someone who sets the tone in outworking the opposition and then gets people off their seats and in Dan I feel we have that."

Image source, Press Eye

Irish Cup winners Dungannon Swifts will face Liechtenstein side FC Vaduz in their first European fixture in 18 years.

Rodney McAree's side enter the Uefa Conference League at the second stage of qualifying, the draw for which the draw took place on Wednesday.

Meanwhile the winners of the first qualifying round tie between Irish Premiership European play-off winners Cliftonville and St Joseph's of Gibraltar will face League of Ireland Premier Division side Shamrock Rovers in the second qualifying round.

Larne will take on FC Sheriff Tiraspol of Moldova or FC Prishtina of Kosovo should they defeat Latvian outfit FRK Auda in round one.

Irish Premiership champions Linfield could face familiar opposition in the form of Qarabag if they overcome Shelbourne in the first round of Champions League qualifying.

The first leg of that tie will be played on 22 or 23 July, with the Blues or Shels at home, followed by the second leg on 29 or 30 July.

David Healy's side lost on away goals to the Azerbaijan side in Europa League qualifying in 2019 despite a famous Shayne Lavery-inspired win at Windsor Park.

The loser of the Linfield-Shelbourne tie will drop into the Conference League second round and will play the defeated side between FK Zalgiris of Lithuania and Hamrun Spartans of Malta.

• Linfield draw Shelbourne in Champions League qualifying

The ties for the second round of Conference League qualifying are scheduled for Thursday, 24 and Thursday, 31 July.

Dungannon qualified for Europe by beating Cliftonville on penalties in a dramatic Irish Cup final in May.

Swifts have twice played in Europe before, when they lost in the 2006 Intertoto Cup to Keflavik IF in the first round and in qualifying for the 2007-08 Uefa Cup, when they were defeated by Lithuanian side FK Suduva.

If Irish Premiership clubs can progress past the second round of qualifying then they are potentially four matches away from replicating Larne's historic run to the League stage of the Conference League last season.

Image source, Inpho

Glentoran were granted planning permission for the redevelopment of the Oval at a meeting of Belfast City Council's planning committee on Tuesday.

Under the plans, the east Belfast club intend to demolish and replace the existing stands to accommodate 4,000 spectators, while reconfiguring the terracing behind both goals, bringing the total capacity to 6,000.

New turnstiles and associated siteworks including new floodlighting have also been approved as the club seeks a major upgrade to the iconic stadium on Mersey Street.

The Oval is one of the most famous sporting arenas in Northern Ireland, and a popular destination for groundhoppers, but in an interview with BBC Sport NI last week, owner Ali Shams Pour described the venue as "falling apart".

The London-based businessman, who recently increased his stake in the club from 85 to 95%, added that the club could build a stadium for £20million but the level of redevelopment would depend upon how much of the long-awaited Northern Ireland Football Fund the club is granted.

Football clubs throughout Northern Ireland are waiting for a decision on how the £36 million of government funding will be divided with Glentoran describing their application as "robust".

"Securing planning approval is a major step forward in our plans to redevelop the BetMcLean Oval into a modern, multi-purpose stadium that every Glentoran fan can be proud of and one that has the potential to become Northern Ireland football's second stadium," Pour said in a statement after planning permission was granted.

"This project reflects my long-term commitment not just to Glentoran, but to the regeneration of east Belfast and the growth of the game across Northern Ireland.

"It's a bold, forward-looking vision that combines top-level football facilities with real social and economic impact."

Image source, Inpho

Glentoran won the County Antrim Shield in January, their first piece of silverware since 2020, but missed out on European football, and the associated financial windfall, for a second season in succession.

The club's sporting director Paul Millar said a redeveloped stadium would be a "game-changing project" should plans come to fruition.

"Having worked closely on the planning application, I know just how much this decision means to everyone involved," he said.

"It reinforces the strength of our submission to the NI Football Fund and underlines the serious intent behind our plans to deliver a modern stadium that meets the needs of players, supporters and the east Belfast community."

Image source, Pacemaker

Lewis McGregor is the latest arrival at Coleraine with the 21-year-old joining from Airdrieonians on a multi-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

Hot on the heels of defender Adam Long's arrival, the Bannsiders have snapped up the pacey winger to help further bolster Ruaidhri Higgins' squad ahead of the coming season, with Will Patching, Joel Cooper, Stephen Fallon and Kodi Lyons-Foster already signed.

The Scot, who began his career with Greenock Morton, enjoyed a productive spell in Airdrie after making the switch in January 2023, netting 11 goals in 93 appearances for the Scottish Championship club.

Describing the move as a "no-brainer", McGregor said he is excited by the prospect of plying his trade in the Irish Premiership and feels he can make an impact at The Showgrounds.

"I'm really pleased and as soon as the opportunity arose, I was glad and it's nice to know people are watching you," he said.

"It was a no-brainer really to come here. I've not told many people about my transfer to Coleraine but I've had a look at the league and think it's a good one for me to move to.

"I heard about the interest when the season had finished and I had a Zoom call with the manager and I found it exciting with what we want to do this season."

Image source, Getty Images/Inpho

Irish Premiership winners Linfield have been drawn against Shelbourne in the first round of Champions League qualifying.

Shelbourne, managed by former Chelsea and Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff, won their first League of Ireland Premier Division title in 18 years in 2024 after a dramatic final-day victory over Derry City.

David Healy's Linfield won the Irish Premiership by 22 points in an impressive campaign for the Blues.

The first leg in will take place at Tolka Park on Tuesday 8 or Wednesday 9 July, before the return fixture at Windsor Park on 15 or 16 July.

Linfield last faced Shels in the 2006 Setanta Cup group stages, winning 2-0 at Windsor Park before a goalless draw in the return fixture.

One year earlier, David Jeffrey's side won the cross-border tournament by beating Shelbourne 2-0 in the final at Tolka Park.

Larne, who became the first Irish Premiership team to qualify for the league stage of European competition last season, will face FK Auda of Latvia in the first round of Uefa Conference League qualifying.

Cliftonville will take on St Joseph's of Gibraltar in the first round of Uefa Conference League qualifying.

St Joseph's, who finished second in the top flight last season, defeated Larne in Conference League qualifying in 2022 and lost to Shelbourne in the first qualifying round last season.

Those ties will be played on 10 and 17 July.

Irish Cup winners Dungannon Swifts will discover their second-round Conference League opponents on Wednesday.

Image source, Johnny Caldwell

Glentoran beat Linfield 6-2 at Midgley Park on Monday night to move three points clear at the top of the Women's Premiership table.

The Glens were three goals to the good within the first half hour of the match courtesy of goals from Nadene Caldwell, a Hannah Doherty own goal and Kascie Weir.

Cora Chambers pulled one back for the hosts before half-time and Eve Reilly reduced the deficit further eight minutes after the restart.

The visitors regained control as Demi Vance found the net on 58 and 71 minutes, then Mia Moore, in her second spell at the club, completed the scoring and a resounding victory after 78.

Glentoran host second-placed Crusaders as part of a full programme of four matches on Friday night, with Linfield away to Derry City.

Cliftonville will host Larne and Lisburn Ladies are at home to Lisburn Rangers in the evening's other fixtures.

Image source, Pacemaker

Coleraine have announced the signing of defender Adam Long on a multi-year deal.

The 24-year-old is the latest player to join the ranks of manager Ruaidhri Higgins' squad, following the previous additions of Will Patching on loan from Carlisle United, plus ex-Linfield players Joel Cooper and Stephen Fallon and former Glentoran defender Kodi Lyons-Foster.

Long, a left-sided centre-half, played for AFC Fylde last season.

Born in the Isle of Man, Long left the island to join Wigan Athletic's academy in 2017, where he made a breakthrough into the first team and made 23 appearances.

He made a permanent switch to Doncaster Rovers in July 2022, remaining at that club until signing for AFC Fylde in January 2024.

Speaking about his latest arrival, Higgins said: "He will bring a real physical presence, he's a big man and he gives you balance by being a left-footed centre-back.

"He's got a lot of really good attributes, he's only 24 and I'm really excited to work with him.

"He's young, he's hungry and he wants to come here and do well."

Image source, Pacemaker

Paul Heatley has signed a one-year contract extension with Irish Premiership side Carrick Rangers.

The 37-year-old has extended his stay at Taylors Avenue after helping Carrick retain their top-flight status with a play-off win over Annagh United.

Twelve years after initially leaving the club, Heatley rejoined Carrick in August after winning three league titles and three Irish Cups with Crusaders.

"To be asked by the Club to give another year was incredibly flattering," said Heatley.

"Carrick are an incredible club, full of fantastic people so it was an easy answer. I'm excited about what the future holds for the club and if they feel I am able to help next season then of course I will happily offer all I have to offer."

Elsewhere in the top flight, forward Jordan Jenkins and midfielder Charlie Lindsay have agreed new two-year deals with Glentoran.

After leaving Carrick at the end of the season, goalkeeper Ross Glendinning has signed for Loughgall as the Villagers look to secure an immediate return to the top flight.

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Defender Sean Brown becomes champions Linfield's first summer signing as he arrives on a free transfer after his release from Larne.

Right-back Brown has signed a two-year deal with the Blues after coming through Larne's academy.

The 20-year-old has spent the last two seasons on loan, first enjoying a six-month stint with Bangor in the Championship and then two-half season spells with Ballymena United in the top-flight.

A former Northern Ireland underage international, Brown said he was "proud" to sign for Linfield.

"It's a massive club with a winning mentality. I'm looking forward to working hard and contributing to the success of the team," he told the club's website.

Manager David Healy added: "Sean is a player we've been monitoring closely. He's young, hungry, and has already shown he can compete at this level.

"We believe he has the potential to develop further and make a real impact in the seasons ahead."

Image source, Inpho

Former Derry City midfielder Will Patching has joined Coleraine on a season-long loan from Carlisle United.

Patching, who previously had spells at Notts County and Dundalk, initially joined the Candystripes on loan in 2021.

The 26-year-old then made the move to the Brandywell permanent and won the FAI Cup in 2022 under current Bannsiders boss Ruaidhri Higgins.

The Englishman left Derry in January of this year to sign for National League side Carlisle, and he made 10 appearances for the club last season.

Carlisle have a recall option to bring Patching back to Brunton Park in January 2026.

Higgins said that Patching, who becomes the Bannsiders' fourth summer arrival, is an "extremely talented player".

"He scored over 30 goals and provided over 30 assists during his time at Derry, so his output from midfield is outstanding," Higgins told the club's website.

"I know the last 9 to 12 months hasn't gone the way he would have liked personally. He'll have a real hunger to show people what he's capable of, and when he's happy, he is an absolute joy to watch."

The Bannsiders have also confirmed that Conor Murray has put pen to paper on a permanent deal with the club.

The Scottish midfielder signed from Hamilton Academical on loan last summer and made 35 appearances, scoring three goals.

"Once I knew the club wanted to keep me, it was an easy decision and I've thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far," Murray told the club's website.

"I'm just eager to get back into pre-season and the signings we have made so far just shows that the club is moving in the right direction."

Image source, Inpho

Goalkeeper Gareth Deane has joined 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 signing.

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 joining 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 signing of goalkeeper Musa Dibaga on a two-year deal.

Dibaga joins 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.

Image source, Getty Images

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 joining 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 signing after the arrivals of Mal Smith and Peter Maguire.

Image source, Inpho

Larne have signed defender Matthew Ridley after the departure of Scottish centre-back Shaun Want.

Englishman Ridley becomes Nathan Rooney's first summer signing 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 passion 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.

Image source, Inpho

Midfielder Stephen Fallon has joined 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."

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Jimmy Callacher has joined 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.

Image source, Press Eye

Midfielder Philip Lowry has left Irish Premiership club Crusaders to join 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 join 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.

Jonathan Bradley
BBC Sport NI Senior Journalist

Image source, Press Eye

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 terms 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.

Image source, Press Eye

Former Linfield defender Matthew Clarke has returned to the Irish Premiership with Ballymena United.

The 31-year-old joins 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 signing 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."