Bonnar and Harkin re-sign for Harps

Two more players from last season’s panel have re-signed for Finn Harps for the 2013 campaign while manager Peter Hutton has managed to capture his first player from outside the club.

21-year-old centre-half Damien McNulty has joined the panel from Coleraine, while Thomas Bonnar and Matthew Harkin have both agreed to remain at Finn Park.

The Harps boss had questioned whether they could sign McNulty, who was sent out on loan by Coleraine to Limavady United during the ongoing Irish League season.

A three-club rule dictates that no player can play for more than two teams in any given season but because the Irish League doesn’t run parallel with the Airtricity League, the defender is able to join Harps ahead of their 2013 adventure.

“The rule has changed in that it doesn’t apply outside different jurisdictions and seasons that start at different times,” revealed Hutton.  

“Damien is a good, strong young player who is very good in the air but has also got very good feet, too. He’s only 21 so he obviously has a lot to learn but I’m confident he can grow into a quality player for us.”

Hutton was delighted to keep a hold of Bonnar, who proved hugely valuable to the club last season by filling in at different positions, from right-back in the absence of James Doherty to his more favoured role in centre-midfield.

“Every team needs that type of player, somebody who can adapt and play in several positions,” said Hutton.

“It can be a good thing for the team but it can be a hindrance for the player when everyone is fully fit in their own positions. But I’ve spoken to Tommy about that. I believe he has all the attributes to be a top player. He has a great attitude, he’s a real good lad and he looks after himself very well.

“But I’ve said this to every player that the shirt is there to be won and if you earn it, it’s up to you to keep a hold of it. I think Tommy can have a huge impact this year and could be a really integral player so I’m delighted that he has decided to re-sign with us.”

Harkin was another who showed his versatility, playing out wide as well as up front, and the Harps boss is expecting the attacker to improve on his first season at Finn Park in 2013.

He said: “To be fair to Matt, he hadn’t really had too much first team experience at senior level before he came to us. When he was with Derry he played a lot of football in the ‘A’ Championship and the Ulster Senior League.

“I think he got stronger with us as the season progressed. He showed signs of what he’s capable of. He’s still young and has plenty to learn but there’s no doubt he’s another quality addition to the panel.”

The acquisition of McNulty, as well as the re-signing of both Bonnar and Harkin, brings the number of players in the first-team squad to 16.

Kevin McHugh, Thomas McMonagle, Shaun McGowan, Keith Cowan, Thomas McBride, Ciaran Gallagher, Ciaran Coll, Aaron O’Hagan, James Doherty, Paul McVeigh, Gary Merritt, Michael Funston and Jordan Duffy are the others who have already committed to the club for 2013.

Hutton said he was hopeful of adding ‘two or three more’ before the start of the season but stressed his reluctance to bow to ridiculous demands from potential new signings.   

“I’ve spoken to numerous players but some of them are extortionate with what they are expecting to get paid. They don’t live in reality and we certainly won’t hold the club to ransom,” he said.   

“We have a very clear profile of the player we want to bring in – somebody who has a real strong work ethic and commitment for the team.”