Former Larne star backed to be 'great addition' after Scotland club move
Former Larne star Shaun Want has joined Scottish League One outfit Queen of the South on a one-year contract from Ayr United.
Want established himself as one of the Premiership’s best defenders during a three-year stint at Inver Park, where he won two league titles and helped the Co Antrim club create Irish League history by qualifying for the Conference League’s League Phase.
During his time with Larne, Want registered 77 Premiership appearances and started in five of their League Phase matches, including a famous win over Belgium’s KAA Gent at Windsor Park in December 2024.
The 29-year-old departed the Inver Reds last summer, returning to his native Scotland for “family reasons”, and joined Championship club Ayr United.
Want was limited to just 10 league appearances last term and has now agreed a move to Queen of the South, who are managed by ex-Rangers striker Nicky Clark.
“We are delighted to welcome Shaun to the squad,” Clark told the club’s website. “We’ve seen over the past few weeks that we need experience within the side.
"The boys who have played have given everything but we just need that older head to help them along.
"Having played at a decent level, Shaun will bring that and will hopefully be a great addition to the side.”
Queen of the South – known as the Doonhamers – currently sit bottom of the League One table having lost all three matches so far this term, but Want is hoping he can use his experience to help transform the club’s fortunes.
“I heard about the opportunity a few weeks ago and had a good chat with the Gaffer so I’m excited to have the chance to come and play, hopefully as many games as possible to help the team,” he said. “I’m a defender who enjoys defending, doing the dirty side of the game and I take pride in keeping clean sheets.
"We are a young side so I hope to use my experience to help the younger boys”