Conor McMenamin has hailed Kenny Bruce as a "great man" and revealed the Larne owner regularly sends him well-wishing text messages.
McMenamin came close to joining Larne last year but opted for an eleventh hour move to Glentoran.
The 26-year-old says it was Cliftonville boss Paddy McLaughlin who advised him to speak with Mick McDermott after he had previously ignored the Glens manager's calls.