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Newry City AFC have bolstered their defensive options with the signings of Jamie Rea and Jamie O'Flaherty.
The 28-year-old Rea arrives from Sports Direct Premiership side Portadown, though he'll be best remembered for his impressive stint at Loughgall where he racked up nearly 200 appearances and lifted the Championship title in 2022/23. The defender has also turned out for Ards and Glenavon during his career.
Meanwhile, O'Flaherty returns to Newry after featuring 22 times for the club last season before his summer switch to Warrenpoint Town. The 22-year-old from Ballyholland will be a recognisable face to fans at the Showgrounds.
Speaking about his move, Rea said: "When I met with Stuarty, I really liked what he said. I'm hoping to get a lot of game time. The club's looking to do well, they're looking to get promoted. It's a competitive league and I just want to play my football again, to enjoy football again, and I feel like that's going to happen here."
O'Flaherty added: "I'm delighted to be back down. I want to play as much football as I can and try and help the team as much as possible. Promotion is the first aim, but definitely we want to try and win the league. I think that's what all the boys are aiming for and you can sense that."
Newry City AFC Manager Stuart King was clearly pleased to get both deals over the line, describing them as two quality additions who have experience at a higher level. "I'm delighted and it's two big signings of real quality. It kicks us on even more," King said.
He went on to praise both signings, noting that O'Flaherty knows the club inside out while Rea brings Premiership experience and was part of a successful Championship winning side. King also took time to thank Portadown FC and Niall Currie for their professionalism in facilitating the Rea deal.
The manager made clear his ambitions for the club, explaining: "I'm aiming to bring in people who are better than what we have, that's the way we're going to drive this place forward. The club's working so hard behind the scenes. They've been really good to me, they see the progression and to keep progressing, we need better players. So, I'll always be looking out for better players to make this club better."
Both Rea and O'Flaherty are available for selection when Newry City travel to face Ballyclare Comrades in the Playr-Fit Premier Intermediate League on Saturday.
