Ross Gaynor signs for Linfield

After spending six years in the League of Ireland, Ross Gaynor has joined last season’s Danske Bank Premiership runners up Linfield on an 18-month-contract.

Having been linked to many clubs in the Republic of Ireland, the Ardee native has left last season’s Airtricity League runners up Cork City to join Irish League heavyweights Linfield and Gaynor cannot wait to get going with his new team.

“I only spoke to one club and it was Linfield,” siad Gaynor. “I’m absolutely delighted that we could sort out a deal. I met the club and the manager a couple of weeks ago and I was very impressed, obviously with Windsor Park, and the way the lads were training. I’m absolutely delighted to be here and I’m just looking forward to getting started.

“Playing here at Windsor, it sold the club to me. It’s the best club up the north and I live in Ardee, so it’s only an hour up the road from me,” he continued. “It was perfect for me to come up here and have a look. I like the club and the manager (David Healy) has had a big influence in me coming here as well.”

“18 months is a big commitment and so hopefully we get closer to the top of the table and push for honours again.”

“The 9th of January is the first game I can play so hopefully I get up to fitness and match sharpness before then. It’s a very good squad. I played with Guy Bates at Drogheda. There’s some very, very good players. Obviously with my experience, I hope I can add to the group.”

Linfield boss David Healy, all-time leading scorer for Northern Ireland, is delighted to sign Gaynor for the Blues. “He’s a talented player and a winner, with lots of experience from his time with Dundalk, Sligo Rovers and Cork City,” said Healy.

“He’s won the league and cup with Sligo, so he will bring a winning mentality to our squad. He will strengthen it and increase the competition levels within the squad and I know our supporters will welcome his arrival as we face up to a busy period with important league and cup games on the horizon.”

Linfield are currently eleven points behind the league leaders Crusaders and are residing in third place, and will be hoping the signing of Gaynor will help them move up the table.