Cliftonville new boy Ronan Hale says he “can’t wait to get going” after securing a move to Solitude after parting company with Larne.
Hale has joined the North Belfast club with versatile Reds defender Aaron Donnelly heading in the opposite direction to Inver Park.
It is the first major signing of the summer for Cliftonville boss Paddy McLaughlin who tried to lure the 23-year-old to Solitude in January.
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On Twitter, Hale said: “Delighted to finally get this deal over the line. Can’t wait to get going and enjoy these next few years!”
He also thanked Larne, where he scored 36 goals in all competitions across two seasons, for “some special memories”.
“Thanks to Larne for two great years,” he tweeted. “Some special memories made and I met some great people along the way.
“I want to wish everyone involved with the club nothing but the best for the future.”
Hale scored a number of memorable goals and provided several highlights during his time playing for Tiernan Lynch’s men at Inver Park.
The former Birmingham City youngster scored a crucial goal in a 1-1 draw at Aarhus to help secure a 3-1 aggregate win over the Danish club last July.
He also went viral after scored from inside his own half in a four goal haul in a 4-2 win over Glentoran in the European play-off final at the BetMcLean Oval earlier this month.
Hale joins up with older brother and Reds midfielder Rory for the third time in his career, the siblings having also been teammates at Crusaders and Derry City.
Confirming Donnelly’s move to Larne as part of the deal, Cliftonville said the 22-year-old “departs with the thanks and best wishes of everyone at Solitude”.
Larne boss Tiernan Lynch said: “At just 22, Aaron has more than 100 games of top flight under his belt and that will stand him in good stead.
“When the chance came up to work with him I jumped at it and I’m sure the fans will be delighted once they see him in a Larne shirt.
"I want to thank Ronan for his efforts in a Larne shirt. He has done well for us and I’d like to think we have done well for him in his two seasons here. We wish him well.”
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