Premiership

DOHERTY AND McKENDRY SWAP PLACES

28 Jul 2021
football
© PressEye Ben Doherty and Conor McKendry
Midfielder Ben Doherty has joined Larne from Coleraine in a move that also saw Conor McKendry swap Inver Park for the Showgrounds.
 
Doherty, 24, spent the last two-and-a-half seasons with the Bannsiders and found the net 37 times in 86 outings, including goals in Europe against Motherwell, NK Maribor and Velez Mostar.
 
The midfielder, also formerly with Derry City, Institute and Glenavon, expressed his excitement at the move to the official club website.
 
"It’s a big move for myself and everyone knows there is a big project going on at Larne," he said.
 
"It was a deal that was easily done and one that was well handled, from both clubs, and I’m just delighted to get it over the line. Larne had a very successful year last season. They won the County Antrim Shield, gave the league a real good go, got to the Irish Cup final and got to Europe.
 
"I’ve wanted to test myself with full-time football for a while now and I feel the time is right to do that, so I can’t wait to get going now.”
 
McKendry, meanwhile, makes the switch to the Ballycastle Road on a three-year deal following his return to Larne a couple of years ago after a spell with Ipswich Town.
 
The 22-year-old winger was welcomed by Coleraine boss via club media channels.
 
"I’ve no doubt that Conor will excite our fans and be a joy to watch,” he said.
 
“He started his career in England at Ipswich and returned home but unfortunately suffered a bad injury. It is testament to him that he has bounced back from that and continues to impress.
 
"With our new pitch, I think Conor will fit into our plans perfectly and we are looking forward to working with him."