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Darren Fullerton

Larne goalkeeper Conor Devlin channels The Smiths as he confirms his Inver Park exit

Conor Devlin has issued a fond farewell to Larne with a raft of references to one of his favourite bands The Smiths thrown in for good measure.

Devlin, who is being linked with a move to League One club Fleetwood Town, joined Larne in 2017 and had been the longest serving player in Tiernan Lynch’s squad.

The 30-year-old's last outing with the Inver Reds came as an unused substitute in Friday night’s dramatic 4-2 win over Glentoran in the European play-off final at the BetMcLean Oval.

Read more: Glentoran boss Mick McDermott reads riot act after "inexcusable" European play-off collapse

Ronan Hale scored four goals, the fourth from his own half with virtually the last kick of the ball, as the Inver Reds fought back from 2-0 down to win after extra-time.

In a personal statement on social media, Devlin said he was “so proud” to have been part of Larne’s transition to a full-time club under owner Kenny Bruce.

The former Cliftonville keeper also included the names of more than 10 hits by The Smiths and Morrissey in his post, including This Charming Man, There Is A Light That Never Goes Out and Frankly, Mr Shankly.

Devlin’s statement read as follows…

“Last night marked the end of my time with Larne. I was sitting on the bench 2-0 down and thinking I know it’s over and in absolute panic.

Read more: Northern Ireland teenager Ross McCausland in dreamland after Rangers debut

“But just ask Ronan Hale and he will deliver and quite frankly, Mr. Shankly he did along with so many of the boys who I'm sure are still ill today!

“I'm so proud to have been part of this wonderful transition at Larne. When I first arrived, I was truly half a person and got nowhere fast.

“But I received some amazing support from everyone at the club and from the town. Thank you.

“To the supporters, thank you for the support during the good and bad. It's been a pleasure playing in front of you.

“The best is yet to come for the club, but these things take time. Keep the faith.

“I've shared the dressing room with so many great players and had some amazing times. Even made some friends for life. Thank you boys for the memories.

“The manager and his staff. Thank you for your effort and commitment for pushing me on the pitch, hand in glove, each day.

“To this charming man and the owner, Kenny Bruce, who went back to the old house and has transformed the club. He's a rubber ring to the town and community.

“He deserves nothing but the best. Thank you for the opportunity and the help you have given me along the way.

“I'll forever be the boy with a thorn in his side, because I feel I started something I couldn't finish.

“But the staff and players are there to win major trophies and I'll be watching on.

“Thank you. There is a light that never goes out..”

How many hits by The Smiths and Morrissey did you spot?

Read more: Larne striker Ronan Hale scores wonder goal from edge of own penalty box

Read more: Carrick Rangers boss Stuart King: Curtis Allen signing a real statement of intent

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