Morecambe promotion hero Brad Lyons admitted today that it was a "no brainer" to sign for Kilmarnock and play for boss Tommy Wright.
The 24-year-old midfielder has signed a two-year contract at Rugby Park less than three weeks after tasting victory at Wembley.
Lyons – on loan from Blackburn Rovers who he left this summer – was part of the unfancied Shrimps squad which beat Newport County 1-0 in the League Two play-off final to go up to English Football's third tier for the first time in the club's history.
Now he is part of a Killie side which has made promotion the top priority following last season's relegation at the hands of Dundee in the Premiership play-off final.
"It feels brilliant to be a Kilmarnock player and I’m so thankful to the manager for bringing me to such a big club," Lyons, who is from Coleraine in Northern Ireland and has previously had a loan spell with St Mirren, told the club website.
"He’s really well known and respected in Northern Ireland and it was a no brainer to come and play under him.
"I had a great run with Morecambe and to experience Wembley. It was a great experience and one I’ll never forget and hopefully we can experience promotion here too.
"I’m an all-round midfielder. I don’t mind doing the defensive duties and then trying to get forward as much as possible. Hopefully I can help the team and add more goals to my game."
Lyons was joined at Rugby Park today by defender Jason Naismith and former Hibernian midfielder Fraser Murray who was on loan at Dunfermline Athletic last season.
The 22-year-old, who has agreed a two-year deal, told the club website: “I’m delighted to join Kilmarnock. I felt it was the right time to take on a new challenge and the size of the club means I think this is the perfect place for me to be.
"I like to get on the ball and make things happen including chipping in with goals. I like to play passes, be direct and get balls into the box."
Boss Wright declared himself delighted with the signings of countryman Lyons and ex-Hibee Murray as his squad continues to take shape.
It's now a perfect 10 new signings for Killie who has brought in Chris Stokes, Euan Murray, Jack Sanders, Stephen McGinn, Blair Alston, Daniel Armstrong and Scott Robinson as well as Naismith, Murray and Lyons.
Killie's new-look squad report to Rugby Park for the start of pre-season training tomorrow.
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