Carrick Rangers boss Stuart King has hailed the signing of Joe Crowe as a significant coup for his club.
Crowe has put pen-to-paper on a three-year deal with Carrick following the expiry of his contract at Glentoran.
It is the latest piece of shrewd business from King whose side finished eighth in the Irish Premiership last season.
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Crowe was on the radar of a number of top-six clubs this summer, but the 25-year-old has opted to move to Loughview Leisure Arena after spending the past five years at the Oval.
Crowe told Carrick's website: “I am delighted to sign for Carrick. I’m really looking forward to playing my football here and hope to get as many games under my belt as possible. When I spoke to Stuart and Peter they really got me excited about the project here and it was something I couldn’t turn down.
"I can’t wait for the season to start and to meet up with all the lads in pre-season.”
King believes Carrick have landed a coup after fending off several other clubs to land the signing of Crowe.
“What a signing this is. I have to give my Chairman massive credit on this one. A lot of other 'bigger' clubs wanted Joe, but our attention to detail and work regarding an offer that we knew would suit him and his needs at present gave us the edge," King said.
"He is one of the best midfielders in the country and his record shows that as Glentoran rarely lost when he played. I expect him to have a massive influence both on-and-off the pitch.
"Our younger players will learn a lot from him and at 25 I believe we will be getting Joe in his best years. It is a very exciting time for our club and this signing is another step forward in our plans.”
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