By:
Mark Hendry
Aaron McEneff has revealed why he chose to leave Shamrock Rovers for Glentoran in the NIFL Premiership.
The 30-year-old midfielder had spent a year with the League of Ireland champions last season.
That was his second stint at Tallaght Stadium having also turned out for the club in 2019.
McEneff is a League of Ireland and FAI Cup winning champ himself but he opted to move to Glentoran in the NIFL Premiership.
The former Hearts title winner explained how it was a conversation with coaches at his new club which convinced him to make the switch.
Ex-Celtic man Paddy McCourt and experienced boss Declan Devine made their pitch.
Aaron McEneff on why he chose Glentoran move
And for the player it was enough to convince him to swap clubs – and leagues – before the coming campaign.
“For me, it feels like the perfect fresh start,” McEneff said after the announcement.
“It’s great to be here.
“Once I spoke with Declan [Devine] and Paddy [McCourt] and heard about the standards they expect every day and where they believe this club is going, it was something I couldn’t say no to.
“I’ve known Deccy and Paddy a long time, being from Derry there’s that connection there.
“We went through how the team will play and I think it will really suit me.
“It’s something that really excited me and I wanted to be part of it. Helping the club kick on.
“The Irish Premiership is a league that’s going from strength to strength.
“And it is one I’m really looking forward to competing in.
“This team has huge potential, but it only matters if you deliver.
“I’ve come here to win, nothing else. I can’t wait to get in, meet everyone properly and get started.”
It is a deal which cost Glentoran but it was an undisclosed fee, according to the signing unveiling.
McEneff’s new gaffer Devine was chuffed to land the playmaker.
Why McEneff has extra incentive for Glentoran title run
And he described the Derry native as one of the league’s best players in his position.
“This is a statement signing for Glentoran”, said Devine.
“Aaron is one of the top midfielders on the island of Ireland.”
McEneff’s season in Republic may not have started quite yet, but the NIFL is in full swing.
Glentoran currently sit third in the division but are still some way off the leaders Larne.
There’s plenty of time to claw the lead back, though, with The Cock & Hens having two games in hand.
And for McEneff there may also be an added incentive to reduce the gap.
The midfielder’s brother, Jordan, plays for Larne and bragging rights are on the table.
Categories
- Athletics (5)
- Aussie Rules (1)
- Basketball (12)
- Camogie (3)
- College American football (1)
- Combat (185)
- Cricket (17)
- Cycling (4)
- Darts (36)
- Editors-picks (13)
- Football (1210)
- Formula-1 (14)
- GAA (308)
- Golf (162)
- Hockey (1)
- Horse Racing (172)
- interviews (3)
- LGFA (3)
- MLB Baseball (2)
- NFL (23)
- ROI Radar (1)
- Rowing (1)
- Rugby (188)
- Snooker (6)
- Swimming (3)
- Tennis (17)
- Uncategorized (17)
- WWE (1)
