Jonny Addis departs from Cliftonville after over 200 appearances across five years which the highly-experienced and highly-respected Irish League defender views “the best days of my career”.

Addis enjoyed Irish Cup glory and double BetMcLean Cup success following a move to the Reds from Ballymena United in the summer of 2021.

The 33-year-old leaves the Solitude club having collected a string of personal player accolades alongside 19 goals in 227 appearances.

“I just want to say a massive ‘thank you’ to everyone involved at the club – the Board, players, staff and fans,” said Addis in a statement on the official Cliftonville website, following his decision to turn down a fresh contract offer. “I loved working under both Paddy (McLaughlin) when I first signed and, since then, Jim (Magilton)...both have done an unbelievable job to keep us competitive and give me the best days of my career.

placeholder image — Jonny Addis celebrating trophy success with Cliftonville. (Photo by Andrew McCarroll/Pacemaker Press)

“I’ll leave with memories that will go with me for the rest of my life...the League Cup wins were special but ending 45 years of Irish Cup heartache definitely tops the lot.

“In between, there’s been some disappointing defeats and heartbreak off the pitch...the rollercoaster of emotions are part of what makes this club special.

“I feel now is the right time to move on...joining here five years ago was easily the best decision I’ve ever made in football and leaving has easily been the hardest.

“Cliftonville owe me nothing and hopefully that feeling is mutual.

"It has been a privilege.”

Cliftonville have confirmed the decision by Shaun Leppard to pen fresh terms at the Premiership club.

The 25-year-old defender signed for Cliftonville in 2024 from Institute but had a first season disrupted by injury before becoming established across the most recent campaign as a key player.

Cliftonville have reported his contract runs until the end of the 2026/27 season.

Dungannon Swifts have confirmed two players placed on the transfer list as part of summer rebuilding plans.

Mal Smith and Caolan Marron - the latter who started last month’s Irish Cup final loss to Coleraine – both stand available for transfer, with the Swifts posting across social media “any club wishing to make an enquiry regarding either player is asked to do so via email at [email protected]”.

Glenavon will retain experienced John Mountney for the club’s second-tier season, with the 33-year-old confirmed as having penned a contract extension.

The Lurgan Blues suffered top-flight relegation last season from the Premiership into the Championship but boss Michael O’Connor, who joined the club last October and came close to a top-flight rescue mission, has moved to secure the Mayo-based player.

On the official Glenavon website, a club statement highlighted how over his 11 appearances to date “John has shown versatility, playing both at the back and midfield” and that “Mountney’s wealth of experience and his strong presence on and off the pitch, will be a key part of Michael’s plans for the upcoming season”.

Strabane Athletic’s preparations for Championship football next season, following promotion out of the third tier, have been bolstered with the capture of former Glentoran player Ciaran Coll.