Shimmon adds more firepower to Reds’ ranks

Shimmon joins from Championship One strugglers Bangor, while Wilkinson has switched from The Welders to link up with the Reds for a second time.

The double signing is a statement of intent from manager Eddie Hill as he makes a concerted effort to push for promotion from Championship Two.

Shimmon, who played his last match for The Seasiders in their 3-2 Irish Cup win over the Comrades earlier this month, says he is excited at the prospect of playing for the Dixon Park club.

“I had been contemplating leaving Bangor and Ballyclare offered to sign me. It’s closer to home, so it was an obvious move for me to make,” said the 23-year-old.

“The game I played against Ballyclare for Bangor helped my decision. Seeing how they played, getting the ball down, it suits my style. The fact that it is a young team, as well, shows there is a lot of potential there too.”

The Carrick man, who had spells with Barn United and Moyola Park, is confident his new club can give promotion a real go.

“I don’t see any reason why we can’t push for it,” he added. “I’ve had a quick look at the fixtures and we have still to play a lot of the teams above us, so it’s very much in our own hands.

“I have signed until the end of the season and, obviously, I’ll take it from there. I trained with the squad last Thursday and I have played with a few of the boys at youth level before.

“I’m hoping to bring goals. As I said, I made my decision to join based on how Ballyclare play. Hopefully, I can get on the end of a few goals.”

Also joining Ballyclare this week is ex-Ballymoney United defender Chris Getty.

Report by John Gillespie | Twitter: @Times_Sport