Lee-J Lynch swaps Sligo for upwardly-mobile Championship side Larne

Upwardly-mobile Northern Irish Championship side Larne have confirmed the signing of midfielder Lee-J Lynch from Sligo Rovers.

27-year-old Lynch has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the north Antrim club after parting company with the Bit o’ Red at the end of last season.

The Limerick native, who joined West Bromwich Albion from schoolboy side Regional United as a youth, joins former League of Ireland players like Fuad Sule and Shane McEleney at Larne.

Former Ireland under-19 international Lynch has had two spells with Sligo as well as stints with Drogheda United, hometown club Limerick and Scottish Premiership outfit Hamilton Academical.

The Championship table-toppers have invested heavily in their promotion push for 2018-19 and currently sit 16 points clear of second-placed Carrick Rangers in the rankings.

“I spoke with Kenny and Tiernan, and had a couple of options to go to other clubs once my contract had ended,” Lynch told the club’s official website.

“I spoke to them numerous times and I decided this was the right club to be at. I’m excited to be here for the long term and I can’t wait to get going and see where it takes us.

“I’m here to help the squad and try to help the club get to where they want to go. Once you see the place and understand the plans it was a no-brainer to come.

“The team have been doing an amazing job so far, there’s still half a season to go, but everyone seems very focused, so I just want to come and help in whatever I can.”

Larne manager Tiernan Lynch said: “We had to fight off two or three League of Ireland clubs, and at least one Premiership side in Northern Ireland was very interested in Lee,” the boss said.

“We brought him up here and showed him around and told him the plans for the club and the journey we are going on.

“Lee, like every other player we sign, had to fit the bill not only on the field but off it as well. He is a very good footballer and has a lot of experience behind him.”