Niall Currie adds James Ferrin to Carrick Rangers summer business

Bluefin Sport Championship play-off success over Ards last season signalled a rapid return to the Danske Bank Premiership following Currie’s appointment in May 2018 in the aftermath of relegation.

Currie (pictured) has wasted little time basking in past achievements, having celebrated his own contract extension off that promotion joy by negotiating fresh deals with a string of players.

Chris Rodgers, Lee Chapman, Danny Magill, Michael Smith and Reece Neale have each agreed terms to represent Rangers at top-flight level.

The arrival of James Ferrin marks a third pre-season signing by Currie to bolster his options entering the demands of the Premiership.

Ferrin, a former Glentoran defender who spent the latter part of last season on the books at Dungannon Swifts, became the third fresh face on board for Rangers following deals to bring in William Faulkner and Kyle Cherry.

“I have watched James many times and, to be fair to him, I have felt that due to his versatility he has been hard done by,” said Currie on the official Carrick Rangers website. “For me, he is a perfect player for the way in which we set up.

“He is a big presence who has pace and aggression and, in my opinion, he is a centre-half and that is where he will be playing for us.

“He has the experience of playing a number of Premiership games in recent years and at 29 years old his best days are in front of him.

“I am delighted to have him on board.”

Currie previously worked with both Faulkner and Cherry during his time as Ards boss.

One confirmed exit is that of Jake McNeill to Ballyclare Comrades.