Irish League club place captain on transfer list after 'refusing to sign improved contract'

O’Rourke has made 246 appearances for Crusaders since joining from Dungannon Swifts in 2019 and helped the North Belfast outfit win two Irish Cup crowns.

Following the summer exits of Billy Joe Burns and Philip Lowry, O’Rourke was named new club captain by manager Declan Caddell ahead of the current campaign.

The 30-year-old is one of Crusaders’ most experienced players and has featured in 20 of their 23 Premiership matches so far this season, while he also played 90 minutes in last Friday’s 4-0 Irish Cup fifth round defeat to Coleraine.

O’Rourke now looks set to depart Seaview this month after Crusaders claimed he rejected an improved deal – which also included the award of a testimonial season – to extend his stay.

"Crusaders FC can confirm that club captain Jarlath O’Rourke has been placed on the transfer list with immediate effect,” the club said in a statement. “The club had offered Jarlath a new and improved contract, which also included the award of a testimonial season in recognition of his significant service to Crusaders FC.

“Despite multiple attempts by the club to reach an agreement and secure his long-term future, the player has declined to commit by refusing to sign the proposed deal.

“As a result, the club has taken the decision to place Jarlath O’Rourke on the transfer list with immediate effect.

“Crusaders FC would like to thank Jarlath for his contributions to the club to date making 246 appearances scoring 16 goals so far and will make no further comment at this time.”