Simms ready to prove himself with Reds

The 28-year-old, snapped up from Ballyclare Comrades, said he is looking forward to playing for the Reds after a six-year spell at Dixon Park.

“It has been a big move for me because I was comfortable at the Comrades. It was a hard decision for me to leave but it was really the opportunity to play in Championship 1 - that’s where I wanted to play,” he told the Times.

Simms, a left-sided midfielder, made 125 appearances and scored 29 goals in his time at the Comrades and, last season, he captained the side.

“I was always made to feel very welcome at the Comrades - I was part of the family there. I’m originally from Ballyclare so it’s my hometown club. It was a difficult decision to leave.”

But now Larne’s latest recruit is looking forward to a new challenge and the chance to test himself at a higher level. And he says boss Kincaid, who was appointed in May, has already built the makings of a good team.

“I know there are a lot of new faces who have come in to the club,” he said. “It’s a very competitive league we’re in, but, from what I have seen in training, I think we will have a pretty good side.

“I would like to think that we will be looking to push toward the top end of the table. I know it was a disappointing season last year but, with the new players on board, hopefully we can push on.”

The new-look Larne will be put through their paces against top-flight outfit Glenavon in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.

“It’s always nice to play Premier League opposition and to test yourself against the elite of the Irish League. It will be an interesting game and, obviously, it will be a good chance for me to get involved with the team and show what I can do,” added Simms.