Gary Hamilton hopes Colin Coates' winning mentality rubs off on Glenavon's changing room.
The Lurgan Blues have signed the 34-year-old defender on an 18-month contract, with the option of extending the deal for a further year.
Coates has spent his entire career with Crusaders, helping the Shore Road men win countless trophies including three Premiership titles, two Irish Cups and the Setanta Cup.
This season the experienced centre-half has made just 14 league appearances for the Crues having recently recovered from a back injury.
Glenavon boss Hamilton told the club’s website: “I'm delighted to sign someone of Colin’s experience.
"If I look around our dressing room there aren’t too many players who have won trophies. Colin has won three league titles, two Irish Cups, the League Cup and the Setanta Cup so he will bring a winning mentality to the club.
"It reminds me of signing the likes of David Rainey, Winkie Murphy, Kyle Neill and Ciaran Martyn – these were all boys who on the other side of their careers but they were all winners. He’s a player that I never liked playing against because he always wants to win.
"Those players tend to be the best, and Colin has been one of the best in the league for some time. Colin has been a one club man and I have a respect for the loyalty he has shown Crusaders.
"I have to thank Stephen Baxter too for the way he has dealt with the transfer.”
Meanwhile, Glenavon have also announced the signing of former Derry City striker Cathal Farren on a short-term contract.
Hamilton added: “Cathal was on the books of Derry City and played alongside Josh Daniels at one stage, when he was tipped to be the next big thing.
"He left them but has rediscovered his love for the game at Donegal club Cockhill Celtic. He trained with us recently and looked decent, so we’ve signed him on a short term contract.
"That will give him an opportunity to impress us and us an opportunity to impress him. It’s a no risk gamble.”
