Irish Cup winners Crusaders have snapped up Dungannon Swifts captain Chris Hegarty.
The 26-year-old centre back, who joined the Swifts from Linfield in 2016, has agreed a three year deal at Seaview after both clubs agreed an undisclosed fee for the player.
Hegarty, who started in Dungannon’s youth set-up before moving to England, Rangers and then back home again to Linfield five years ago, said it was a tough decision to leave Stangmore Park.
The experienced defender said: “It hasn’t been an easy decision to make but I feel if I don’t take the chance now, it’s one I may live to regret in the future.
“I’d like to thank the supporters, (chairman) Keith Boyd for letting me take up this opportunity and Kris Lindsay and the coaching staff who have been brilliant from the minute they came in.
“I believe Kris will do a great job at the Swifts and I’ve enjoyed every minute under him.
“I would like to also pay personal thanks to Stevie (Symington) the physiotherapist, as he has been brilliant in the three and a half years I’ve been at Dungannon.
“I could go on and name everyone, but honestly I’d only forget someone. I want to thank each and everyone of you at the club for how well I have been treated.”
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Hegarty said lifting the League Cup with Dungannon last season had whetted his appetite to chase more silverware and major honours.
“It has given me the hunger to go on and win more silverware, and this is an opportunity I couldn’t turn away for my own career,” he said.
“It is purely a footballing decision to try and better myself in the next few years and play some European Football and battle it out at the top of the league.”
Dungannon boss Kris Lindsay said: “Christopher has been a loyal servant, a fantastic player and an inspirational captain since he took over the role.
“He has now decided it is time to move on and I wish him well for the future and thank him for his service to Dungannon Swifts.”
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