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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Sport
Gareth Fullerton

Ballymena United complete the signing of midfielder Declan Carville

Ballymena United have completed the signing of former Newry City midfielder Declan Carville.

Carville has agreed a two-year deal with the Sky Blues.

The 29-year-old played 31 games in the Danske Bank Premiership this season but couldn't prevent Newry from being relegated from the top flight.

Ballymena boss David Jeffrey said Carville had been a "standout player" in the games his side played against Newry this year.

He told the club's website: "We are obviously absolutely delighted to confirm this news. In the games against Newry this year he was the stand out player for a number of key reasons - his ability on the ball, physical strength, vision and flexibility of position as he can play up front and in the middle of the park.

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"We submitted a request to speak with Declan in January, but at that stage to his credit he didn’t wish to leave Newry with whom he had been on an incredible four year journey, being an integral part of their rise and promotion to the Premiership.

"We respected his decision and we agreed to see how things panned out and revisit at the end of the season. When that came around, we spoke to Declan again and negotiations were completed quickly and promptly.

"We are well aware that other clubs were being most proactive in trying to persuade Declan his future lay elsewhere than the Ballymena Showgrounds. True to his word when we met him, he was always clear that if he was going anywhere it was here, and we are most pleased.

"Tonight, having successfully completed his medical he is now a Ballymena United player.”

Carville said: “David as manager is a massive attraction to come here - he’s the most decorated manager in the league.

"I had a good chat with him, Bryan and Paul and was very happy with what they had to say. The expectation is that this club is to go and win a league, and there’s nothing less that we can do but to set out to achieve that.

"I’ve played in the middle and upfront, but ultimately I’ll play where I’m told and will do a job to the best of my ability.”

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