How Ben Tilney transfer ticks every Portadown box

The arrival of Tilney from Larne on loan until the end of the current Danske Bank Premiership programme serves, for Tipton, as an example of the business he considers crucial in the unique circumstances of a campaign operating under the coronavirus pandemic.

The Ports will end a three-week run without a Premiership fixture on Saturday evening at Glentoran - with Tilney in line for a debut.

Tipton’s confidence the specialist wing-back can offer an instant impact is just one reason why the Tilney deal proved so attractive.

“We should have clearance for Ben to come into the squad against Glentoran and we are delighted with his arrival,” said Tipton. “Fans who watched Larne in the Championship will know he was a stand-out player.

“I was very impressed by our conversations before completing the deal and he opted to join us despite other offers.

“Ben knows what we expect and need from him and I think he offers so much as a player who, put simply, can do everything I want.

“He is technically very good, extremely fit and someone who can excite the supporters playing as a wing-back or, depending on formation, attacking left-back.

“When looking to make signings it always comes down to whether a target will improve our squad and will the player fit in quickly.

“I feel momentum this season can prove so important given the uncertainty surrounding the league and coronavirus.

“We are all facing such a demanding schedule and with an added strain on players due to everything.

“We have already had fixtures called off in relation to coronavirus.

“The natural response might be to use this January transfer window to bring in numbers for extra bodies but I still think clubs will be looking for quality over quantity.

“I hope to further strengthen this window but only to enhance the existing squad as we put our faith in these players and it may be January but we have only played nine games.

“Now more than ever we cannot afford to have squads affected by lots of new faces needing time to adjust and settle.

“These current players are familiar with our approach plus have already been competitive against Premiership clubs with, as a newly-promoted side, more to come.

“Teams build momentum off the back of positive form and that comes from players working to a plan and with quality out on the pitch.

“With time on the training pitch more limited than ever, it is important we maximise everything and having quality players able to slot in with minimal disruption is going to be key.

“Ben is a example of everything we ask when making a signing.”