New Larne striker 'hungry' to hit the ground running at Inver Park, says Gary Haveron
Larne have strengthened their attacking options by confirming a deal for English-born striker Montel Gibson.
The 28-year-old has penned a deal with the Irish League champions after last being on the books at Hednesford Town, where he helped the club gain promotion to the National League North, having netted 12 goals.
Gibson, who hails from Birmingham, started his career at Notts County more than a decade ago and counts Grimsby Town as one of his former clubs.
However, his best season in front of goal was with Matlock Town in the 2024/25 campaign, where he bagged an impressive 24 goals.
He marks the third arrival at Inver Park this summer after defender Sam McClelland also put pen-to-paper on a switch to the east Antrim side, alongside striker Josh Ukek who was last with fellow Irish League side Portadown.
Speaking about his latest recruit, boss Gary Haveron told Larne’s official website: “We’re excited to bring Montel to the club and we’re really looking forward to him getting settled into the group fully over the next few days and weeks.
“He comes here having done really well at a good level in England over the last few seasons especially and he is hungry to get going in a Larne shirt.
“He is a goalscorer and someone who can add to the firepower at the club, which is always important as players push each other for those starting positions.
“We are looking forward to seeing what he can produce for us this season and it’s great to get him in so early in pre-season as we prepare for Europe and the season ahead.”
New arrivals Gibson and Ukek will be tasked to find the back of the net for the reigning champions after the departures of fellow strikers Andy Ryan, Kobei Moore and Jack Hastings this summer.
The latter two have subsequently joined Linfield and Carrick Rangers respectively, with Ryan Nolan (Linfield) and Cian Bolger also leaving on the expiry of their contracts.
Haveron’s side return to competitive action early next month when they take on Tre Fiori of San Marino in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.