Lisburn Rangers manager David Pereira believes the signing of former Cliftonville winger Jamie-Dean McDonagh represents “a clear demonstration of the club's ambition”.

McDonagh, who previously spent time on the books of Sheffield United, impressed during the early stages of his Reds stint after arriving from Glentoran and helped Paddy McLaughlin’s side lift the 2021/22 BetMcLean Cup.

The 30-year-old joined Portadown in 2024, making four Premiership appearances, and most recently has spent time with Oxford Sunnyside, Lisburn Distillery and Knockbreda.

McDonagh has now signed for NAFL Premier Division outfit Rangers, who finished seven points adrift of champions Derriaghy CC last season – they lifted the Division 1A title in 2025, winning 19 and drawing seven of their 26 league matches to seal promotion.

placeholder image — Jamie McDonagh celebrates scoring for Cliftonville in 2022. (Photo by INPHO/Jonathan Porter)

The Stanley Park outfit are now being managed by Pereira, who has taken over from Gareth McKeown after both parties mutually parted ways earlier this month.

"This is exciting news for the club and for the whole community,” said Pereira on McDonagh's arrival. “Signing Jamie is a fantastic moment for Lisburn Rangers.

"His quality is unquestionable, and now the people of Lisburn get the chance to watch one of their own play in our colours.

"It's also a clear demonstration of the club's ambition: we want to build something here, and bringing in a player of Jamie's experience shows we mean it."

Rangers currently sit sixth in the Premier Division, winning four and losing four of their opening eight matches, and travel to Abbey Villa on Saturday.