Dergview FC have completed the signing of Bonagee United trio Gareth Harkin and twins Conor and Stephen Black.
The Castlederg club, who ply their trade in the NIFL Championhip, today announced the signing of the three men that helped win Bonagee the Donegal News USL League Cup last month.
Gareth Harkin has played for a host of North West clubs, including Derry City and Coleraine, but the midfielder is best known for an eight year stint with Finn Harps before joining Bonagee in 2021.
The 35-year-old will join up with the side managed by former Finn Harps underage coach Tommy Canning, who finished 10th in the second tier of Northern Irish football.
Harkin told club media: “I’m very impressed by the set-up here. I got to know Tommy during our time at Harps, I’m looking forward to a new challenge and I’m intrigued by the project at Dergview. I have a lot of experience behind me, hopefully I can help the younger players and the club achieve its goals. I’m excited by the challenge.”
Canning believes Harkin will be a massive asset to the club.
“Gareth is a player with immense experience,” he said.
“He’s played with Derry City, Coleraine, Limavady and captained Finn Harps in the Premier division. We have brought in a lot of young players in recent times so to have a player of his experience and ability can only be good for us.”
The Black twins also played for Ulster Senior League side, Bonagee United, last season having played underage level at Finn Harps.
The 21-year-olds are players that have both crossed paths with boss Tommy Canning and he wants both to fulfil their potential at Darragh Park.
“Conor and Stephen have experience of playing senior football after their time at Harps. They are coming to Dergview to fulfil their potential and kick on. They have a bit about them and this is a big opportunity for them both. They’ll get opportunities here and it’s up to them to prove themselves,” said Canning.
Conor Black, who scored twice in that USL League Cup win over Cockhill Celtic, said he and his brother were keen to come to Darragh Park and test themselves at a higher level.
“I have worked with Tommy before and coming to Dergview is a new experience and new challenge to test myself. I want to prove myself at this level and like any player I have the ambition is to play at the highest level I can. Hopefully coming to Dergview will help me achieve that.”
Canning is expected to confirm further signings in the coming days.
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