Transfer round-up: Portadown snap up former Coleraine midfielder as two more players leave Shamrock Park
Clubs across the Irish League have had a busy start to the January transfer window as deals have been confirmed.
Portadown have filled the void of Ben Wylie’s departure to Coleraine by signing Josh Carson from Ballymena United.
The former Northern Ireland international left Warden Street by mutual consent and has quickly been snapped up by the Mid-Ulster side.
Ports boss Niall Currie told the club’s website how they are delighted to get a player of Josh’s “undoubted pedigree and quality”.
He added: “He’s hungry and I could feel that from him right from our first conversations.
“I totally expect him to quickly become a big favourite at our club, I’m sure our supporters will appreciate this lad.”
In a busy New Year’s Day for the Ports, it was also revealed that midfielder Ryan Mayse had joined Dergview, with Jamie Rea leaving to gain first-team football at Newry City.
It is a case of one player returning and one going out on loan at Irish Cup holders Dungannon Swifts.
Rodney McAree’s men have announced that Brandon Bermingham will be returning following a short-term loan stint at Cliftonville, with Bobby-Jack McAleese leaving for a temporary spell at Portstewart.
Coleraine, who have already confirmed the additions of Wylie, Mark Connolly and James Akintunde, have recalled Corey Smith, Jack Scott and Senan Devine from their loan spells at Glenavon, Carrick Rangers and H&W Welders respectively.
It is expected that Smith and Scott will be moving on again from The Showgrounds but the club have revealed that teenager Devine will have a big part to play after netting 12 goals in 24 appearances at the Welders.
Meanwhile, as well as seeing Smith return to Coleraine, Glenavon can no longer rely on the services of Bridel Bosakani who has been recalled by parent club Drogheda United.
Dundela – who sit bottom of the Championship table – have wasted no time in obtaining reinforcements as Andy Hoey, Bradley Ingram, William Francey, Salou Jallow and Rhys Adams have all joined.