Portadown make first summer signing

Following a loan spell with ‘The Villagers’ Jamie made a permanent switch to Loughgall in 2017, playing a key role in their 2022/23 Championship winning campaign. The talented left back has been a consistent performer over the past eight seasons with the Lakeview Park side, making almost 250 appearances including 59 Premiership appearances over the last two seasons

The Ports boss has worked hard to sign up most of his top performers from last season, and, and is well pleased with his first new addition to the squad. Speaking about is new acquisition Niall commented.

“We’re delighted to welcome Jamie to the club. He’s been a great player for Loughgall for many years and at 27 years of age we feel he has all the experience needed. His desire to play for his hometown club was there for us all to see and we’re pleased to have him on board.

It is a dream move for Jamie, and he couldn’t hide his delight on his return to Shamrock Park.

Rea said, “I’m absolutely buzzing to be back at Portadown where I started my football at 6 or 7 years of age playing for the youth under Robert Davidson. I live in Rectory, and you can see my house from the stadium, it’s always been a childhood dream to play here. I used to come every week and if I couldn’t make it, I used to sit in my neighbour’s bedroom and watch the games.”

Speaking about his new boss Jamie confided, “When Niall contacted me he explained to me all his and the club’s plans and desires to keep improving and keep challenging at the top of this league, and hopefully this season can be the start of it. With an unreal season last year after only getting promoted the club can push on now and I’ll be doing all I can to help that happen. Also, with the club having an unbelievable following and me personally knowing a lot of the fans, I know how much it means to them and the commitment they have to the club, I’ll be making sure I’m doing the exact same and giving my all and see where it takes us.”

Meanwhile the club has announced the departures of defender Dougie Wilson and goalkeeper Jordan Williamson, as the rebuilding continues at Shamrock Park. With a lot of the hard work already completed, Niall Currie is relieved not to require a major overhaul of the squad. He has expressed a desire to bring in 5 or 6 new faces but made it clear he wants quality and anyone coming in must compliment those already at Shamrock Park.

Also on the move is club analyst David Douglas. The highly respected member of the backroom staff joined the club in May 2023 helping them to the Playr-Fit Championship title and Mid-Ulster Cup success.