Glenavon confirm five player exits as former Linfield defender signs contract extension
Five players are set to depart Glenavon while Niall Quinn has signed a contract extension as the Lurgan Blues continue to shape their squad ahead of next season.
Former Linfield defender Quinn, who won five Premiership titles during his time at Windsor Park, has made 97 appearances for Glenavon since joining ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
The 32-year-old was briefly placed in interim charge of the first team alongside David McDaid following Paddy McLaughlin’s exit last term before Michael O’Connor was appointed in October.
Quinn has committed to Glenavon for a further year and boss O’Connor feels his experience will be crucial in their push for immediate promotion back to the Premiership.
“You know what you get with Quinny,” he said. “Whether it’s at training, in the changing room or on the pitch he leads by example with how he applies himself.
"He’s also a real quality player who had a trophy-laden career at Linfield. He shows that mentality here as well.
"Quinny was excellent in some tough times last season and his leadership will again be an asset as we look to bounce back to the top flight.
"We have some great young players and his experience, alongside the likes of Peter (Campbell) and Mounts (John Mountney) will be vital to our success next season.”
Meanwhile, Jacob Carney, Kyle McClelland, Gavin Gilmore, Aaron Prendergast and Jamie Doran “have left the club to continue their careers elsewhere”.
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Carney was one of Glenavon’s top performers last season despite suffering relegation – only Chris Johns and PJ Morrison made more saves than his 91.
McClelland arrived from Scottish outfit Hibernian after a loan spell at Coleraine, but spent the latter half of the season at Cliftonville.
Gilmore made seven league appearances having joined from Finn Harps in January while striker Prendergast, who played over 60 times in the league for Glenavon, was on loan at Loughgall last term.
Doran was also out on loan, spending the season with Championship outfit Warrenpoint Town.