Conor McKendry has become champions Larne’s first major signing of the summer as he has signed a three year deal deal at Inver Park after departing the Bannsiders on the expiration of his contract last month.
The Carnlough-born forward had his most productive season to date last season, scoring 13 goals in 38 games in all competitions while setting up seven. He was part of a Coleraine side that were pipped to a European spot by Crusaders in the play-off final at Seaview in the final game of the season.
After coming through the ranks with the Inver Reds, McKendry made the move to Ipswich Town in 2015 before returning to the club in 2019.
Speaking to the official club media on the move, the diminutive attacker said:
“I’m absolutely delighted. Whenever I got the phone call, there was only one place I wanted to go. To see how the club has progressed since I was away is great and I want to win trophies here.”
Larne manager Tiernan Lynch commented:
“We all know about Conor’s qualities and we are looking forward to working with him again. He offers us another weapon in attack.”
McKendry is the first addition to a squad that has seen Ro-Shaun Williams, Daniel Kearns and Odhran McCourt leave upon the expiration of their contracts and Scott Allan and Jaziel Orozco return to their parent club after spending last year on loan on the East Antrim coast.
Meanwhile, Coleraine have beaten Glentoran to the loan signing of Northern Ireland youth international Kyle McClelland. The defender has joined Dean Shiels’ side for the season from Hibernian after spending last season on loan at Scottish League One side Queen of the South where he was voted Player of the Year.
The Doonhamers wanted the Glasgow-born 22 year-old to stay at Palmerston Park but he will be playing on the Ballycastle Road in what is the final year of his contract with his parent club. McClelland started out in the Rangers academy and has also had loan spells at Falkirk and Cove Rangers. He has 13 youth caps at various age groups for Northern Ireland after switching allegiances from Scotland aged 17.