Harding pens Limerick deal on Irish return

Limerick FC have captured the signing of Seán Harding for the coming season, with the defender returning to Ireland following a three-year spell abroad.

The 26-year-old right-back was previously at UCD where he made his Premier Division debut during the 2008 season.

Harding was part of the Students’ First Division-winning squad under Martin Russell the following year and remained there for their first two years back in the top flight – his last outing coming in September 2011 – before moving abroad that January.

The former Crumlin United youngster played for Ballarat Red Devils and Green Gully in Australia and then last October moved onto New Zealand club Waitakere United where he worked under Brian Shelley – a three-time league winner in Ireland.

And now back in the League of Ireland, Harding is aiming to complete “unfinished business” and “make a name” for himself.

“I’m delighted to come on board and I’m looking forward to showing what I can do,” Seán, who was born in Australia, told LimerickFC.ie. “I’ve been in Australia the last few years and I said I’d come back and try to get into the league.

“I had been in contact with Martin and he said come down. He obviously liked what he saw. I’m delighted to sign and I’m looking forward to getting started.

“I decided to come back just over the Christmas time, really. I was with UCD before I went and from Australia I saw a lot of the boys that I was with are making good names for themselves, so I just thought it was time for me to come home and give it a crack. That’s the aim.

“I’m looking to have a good year. Before I left I was a bit injury-plagued and I didn’t play as much as I wanted. I feel I have a bit of unfinished business. I’m looking to make a name for myself this year and help Limerick have a good season as well.

“Brian took me over to start off (at Ballarat); he looked after me, he was great. Then Brian moved on to New Zealand and he brought me over there. I enjoyed my time there; it was a good experience. I just thought it was time to come home, though.

“Brian was a good defender in the league and he was a big player in the league over the years. He gave me a good bit of advice that I took on board.”

Reflecting on his time with UCD, Seán added: “I was there for about five years from when I was younger; it was great. We won the First Division with Martin.

“Martin is a great coach and he taught me a lot along the way. I’m delighted to be back working under Martin.

“He’s probably one of the top coaches around. He’s got a good name and his style of play is the way I like to play as well so hopefully I’ll fit well into his system and I’ll give him what he wants when he wants.”

On his aims for the coming campaign, Harding concluded: “To play as many games as I can and help Limerick to achieve a high finish and go well in the Cups. For myself, I want to have a good year and make a bit of a name for myself in and around the league.”