Neil Watson
sport@spectatornewspapers.co.uk
BANGOR’S Championship season only finished a month ago, but Lee Feeney has wasted no time in planning for the new campaign.
The Seasiders boss has moved quickly to secure the signatures of five players including former Northern Ireland international Robert Garrett.
The 36 year-old midfielder won five senior caps at international level and he links up with Bangor having left Glenavon after five seasons. Garrett brings a wealth of experience with him having made more than 180 appearances for Linfield earlier in his career.
That experience was a key factor in Feeney’s decision to pursue the former Portadown man.
“When we heard that Robbie Garrett was made available we had to pounce, and he is a massive coup for us,” said Feeney.
“He is a smashing player and has played his whole career at the top level. He has so much experience and he has been a leader at every club he has been at.
“We maybe lacked a bit of experience last season, so Robbie coming in will address that straight away.”
While Garrett joins Bangor on a one-year deal, Matthew Ferguson, Kyle Owens and Caomhan McGuinness have signed two-year contracts with the Seasiders.
Ferguson, son of Linfield legend Glenn, found the net 23 times last season as he finished joint top goalscorer in the Championship for H&W Welders. The 28 year-old striker will link up with former Welders teammate Owens at his new club.
The towering defender impressed against the Seasiders last season and Feeney was quick to strengthen his defensive options by adding the 31 year-old to his squad.
Completing the quartet of new faces at Clandeboye Park is 24 year-old Caomhan McGuinness. The right wing-back joins from Ballyclare Comrades, having previously played for Queen’s University, Dungannon Swifts and Linfield.
Lee Feeney has also moved to bring Ben Cushnie to Bangor on a permanent basis. The attacker spent last season on loan from Glentoran, but with his contract now expired, the Bangor manager made sure that Cushnie would wear yellow and blue again next season.
“The players we have brought in have been hand picked,” he explained.
“We’ve kept an eye on them throughout last season in the Championship and I know they will improve our squad.
“We’ve seen first hand what Ben Cushnie can do and he can be a massive player for us next season. We have moved early to bring these players to the club because they have been in our thoughts for the last couple of months, so I’m delighted to get this business done early.
“We’ll still be looking to add to the squad over the next couple of months, but I’m delighted with where we currently are.”
While the new faces come in, two players depart Clandeboye Park at the end of their loan spells. Conor McDermott leaves after 13 appearances since joining on loan from Coleraine while Seanna Foster also moves on having spent two seasons with the Seasiders on loan from Cliftonville.
