TRANSFER NEWS: Rangers move to sign McNeill

Joe McNeill (right), seen here in action for Coleraine against Crusaders, has signed for Carrick Rangers. Photo: Presseye

McNeill, who spent last season with Coleraine following a successful loan spell, becomes the Taylor’s Avenue outfit’s second signing of the summer following the arrival of Andrew Doyle from Ballyclare Comrades.

In an interview for this week’s Carrick Times, first-team coach Gary Haveron described 26-year-old McNeill as a “strong, honest player” whose versatility will give the club options.

“Joe had initially been with Crumlin Star and Portadown before joining Cliftonville where he did well at a time when breaking into the title-winning first-team was incredibly difficult,” said Haveron.

“He was enjoying playing with The Bannsiders but didn’t like the location and was faced with the prospect of travelling by himself after other Belfast players were no longer going.

“He’s a big, strong, honest player who will give us options. He’s a central midfielder who can play on the left side, left back or even maybe slot into centre-half.”

Meanwhile, Amateur League side Larne Tech Old Boys have announced that they will host Carrick in a pre-season friendly for Marty Steele’s testimonial.