Finn Harps get the Banda back together as play-off hero returns

Finn Park

Finn Park Credit: Clare McCahill (ETPhotos)

The Donegal club announced the return of BJ Banda on Monday after he left Harps back in 2018. 

Banda has re-joined initially on an 18 month deal. He was with NIFL Premiership side Larne last season where he struggled for game time only appearing five times. 

However, the centre forward had a more fruitful spell at Ballinamallard United between where he scored 23 goals in 58 games for the Fermanagh club. 

The 25-year-old will be welcomed back to Ballybofey with open arms after he famously netted the winner against Limerick to send Harps back to the Premier Division in 2015. 

He told club media; “I’m absolutely buzzing to be back at the club. I’ve many great memories from being here when I was younger. Dave and Murph really sold me on the new direction the club is going and where I fit into their plans. 

I can’t wait to get out in front of the fans soon and hopefully we can kick on up the table and put a bit of pressure on the teams in the playoff spots.”

Harps manager Dave Rogers stated his delight with re-signing Banda, “I’m delighted and excited to finally get the signature of BJ and myself and Murph can’t wait to start working with him here at Finn Harps for the next 18 months.

BJ has a real affinity with our club and more importantly our fans so to tie him down long term and bring him back to Finn Park was an opportunity we couldn’t afford to miss".

The Liverpool native continued, "I first spoke to BJ in January and though we were close to getting him then I could completely understand why he wanted to try his luck with Larne FC and full-time football. 

"The most important aspect for me was the hunger and desire BJ possessed to finally come back and be part of the future and rebuild that we are embarking on at the club. 



"He will add much needed firepower and pace to our attacking line, and I have already outlined what I expect from BJ both on and off the pitch to enable his progression and development in order for him to be a success with us. 

I have absolutely no doubts our Harps supporters will be just as excited as I am to welcome back one of our own and will get right behind BJ from the off.”

Finn Harps also confirmed some outgoings with Michael Harris, Cian Lynch and Oisin Farrell departing the club by mutual consent. 

About Luke Jordan

Luke joined the extratime.com team in 2022 and is the current host of the extratime.com podcast.

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