Matthew Ferguson wants to help Bangor achieve Premiership dream after 'hard decision' to leave H&W Welders

Having scored 49 Championship goals in 60 appearances over the past two seasons, Ferguson has established himself as the premier forward in the Irish League’s second-tier.

Bringing in someone of Ferguson’s calibre is a statement of intent from the County Down club, who narrowly missed out on consecutive promotions after finishing three points adrift of champions Portadown – and just one behind second-placed Institute – in their quest for top-flight football last term.

The 28-year-old was approached by a number of clubs, including one in the Premiership, but Ferguson admits the vision sold by those at Bangor helped make them his desired destination.

"There was only the one Premiership team that came in for me and I've no issues with that,” he said. “What set Bangor apart was I spoke to Lee Feeney and Dougie (John Douglas, assistant manager), two great lads that I've known for a while, and they sold me the complete structure of the club and where they plan on heading as a club.

"I was sucked right in and I thought it was a great project that they're trying to build and I really wanted to be part of it. I’m ambitious myself and I want to be playing for a club that I feel can push to the very top and Bangor have given me that with the ambition they've told me about.

"I was happy with the project they've been talking about, but also they've a great bunch of lads there and they fell just short of promotion. The current squad have experience of challenging for the title and I want to be in the mix myself and up there next season.”

Ferguson had spent the past five years with the Welders, recovering from serious injuries to find his best form once again, and admits it wasn’t an easy call to leave Blanchflower Park.

"It's a great club and I really enjoyed my time there,” he added. “They gave me great opportunities and I did well there.

"It was a really hard decision because I'd been there for so long, made friendships for life and I was doing well, but I thought moving on would be the best decision and it was one where I felt I had to do it for myself because I had uncertainty over how things were going to work out in the future. I made the move for my own sake and hopefully I can kick on and get even better."

Despite superb recent goalscoring exploits and personal accolades, Ferguson isn’t resting on his laurels and is hoping to post even better numbers next season, forming part of what could be a formidable attacking force alongside the likes of Ben Arthurs and Scott McArthur.

"I believe in my ability and along with the help of others I do believe I have what it takes to help kick Bangor into the Premiership,” he said. “Hopefully my ability will be able to help secure what the club's ambitions are.

"It's (goals) a great return with having the long time out. I'm glad to be well over that now and the hard work is paying off. I've 49 goals in two seasons and I'm over the moon with it, but I'm not stopping there...I'm addicted to what I do and I'm not settling for what I've achieved in previous seasons. I'm aiming even higher next year."