Glenavon snap up two more signings

Lurgan Blues boss Gary Hamilton has been tracking the duo for a while and told the club website he was pleased to finally bring them to Mourneview Park.

“Peter’s a player I’ve been trying to get for a few years and I’m delighted to finally welcome him to Mourneview Park,” said Hamilton about the former Loughgall man, who has signed a three-year deal with Glenavon.

“Back when we approached Loughgall their manager, Dean Smith, felt that he could do with a couple more years in the Championship.

“We also went back in for him in January when Coleraine were also trying to him.

“He has scored 15 goals from the wing this season and he’s very creative too – that’s why we have signed him. He reminds me of Joel Cooper in that regard and I certainly hope that Peter can have the same impact with us that Joel had when he joined us from Ballyclare Comrades.”

Hamilton also tried to bring Antrim GAA star Fitzpatrick to the club in January, but the forward opted to join Coleraine at that time.

“Matthew is another player we tried to sign in January and I’m pleased to get him on a two-year deal,” added Hamilton.

“I watched him when he was at Belfast Celtic along with our former coach Andy Mathieson. We tried to sign him along with Danny McKee, but he opted for Coleraine.

“He’s a very powerful athlete, a lot like Eoin Bradley is and 'Skinner' is one of the hardest players to play against in the league. He’s someone I see as being very much in that mould.

“Matthew has a great attitude and is full of hunger and desire to do well. He was a talented gaelic player for Antrim and you have to admire a player of his skill giving up the sport to give football a crack.”

Glenavon also confirmed Robbie Norton, Ross Hunter and Oisin Barr have agreed three-year contract extensions.

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