CARRICK RANGERS: Harmon thanks Amber Army

Carrick's Aaron Harmon. Photo: Pacemaker Press INLT 22-930-CON

In a hearfelt message to the Amber Army, the former Rangers skipper, who completed a move to The Oval on Monday evening, says said he enjoyed every minute of his time at the Gers.

Harmon was a burgeoning talent under Stephen Small in the side which won the Championship 1 title and Intermediate Cup in 2011, and captained the team to an historic treble under Gary Haveron in 2015.

“I would like to thank the supporters, the heartbeat of the club, for the superb support during my time at Carrick,” Harmon wrote on Facebook. “I felt at home the first time I kicked a ball at Taylor’s Avenue. What an outstanding bunch of people.

“I enjoyed every minute of my five years at Carrick, winning promotion to the Premiership and the Intermediate Cup in my first season.

“I gained experience as a youngster in the Premier League before experiencing relegation back to the Championship. Ups and downs, but the memories of the last two years will live with me, and with you all, I’m sure, forever.

“We defied all odds, won the league from 20-odd points behind Bangor at one stage, beat all the top teams on the way to winning the Steel and Sons, and topped the season off with the Intermediate Cup. “Then to keep the club in the premier league this year, again with the odds stacked against us; what a great achievement from all involved!

“I want to say a massive thank you to Gary Haveron and Steven Mills, two men that I will call good friends of mine forever. Gaz put his trust in me and made me captain when he took over. The spirit we built in that dressing room was special. A team that just didn’t know when it was beaten. A team who loved each other and fought for each other, but, more importantly, trusted and believed in each other. And every player in that team over the last two years will be good friends of mine for a long long time. That’s what football’s about.

“I now move onto a new challenge and at this stage the time is right for me. I leave knowing I gave everything I had for the shirt and I’m proud of our success as a team during my time there. The club will always be close to my heart. I wish the club every success this season and as strange as it may be, I look forward to coming back to Taylor’s Avenue to play against the Gers... Amber Army!!”