MAGNIFICENT SEVEN

His Banbridge Town defence has received the biggest boost, with four new players signing to strengthen the back line, along with a new goalkeeper.

James McConville has joined from Queens University to provide a safe pair of hands between the sticks, having previously had a spell with Premiership side Cliftonville.

At the back former Portadown defender Neil Alderdice, who had spells at Newry City and Loughgall, has been joined by Glenn Waddell and Willy Herron from Adair’s old club at Rathfriland and will add considerable experience to the Town defence.

They will be joined by James Maguire, who has signed from Portadown, having played his youth football with their Mid-Ulster neighbours Glenavon.

In midfield another former Loughgall player, Adam Pedlow, has joined the club after getting his release from Colin Malone’s side.

But the return of Timmy Grant to the club may well prove to be the best signing of the lot, with the former Newry City striker rejoining the Crystal Park men following a spell with Windmill Stars after City were expelled from Championship 1 earlier this season.

And Adair may not be done just there with more arrivals expected before the closing of the window at the end of this month.

“A lot of these players are guys who could still compete at the top end of Championship 1, never mind in our league,” Town Chairman Andrew Cully said.

“I’m absolutely delighted that we have been able to sign players of this calibre and hopefully they will benefit us, first and foremost, in our promotion bid this season, but also in attracting other players of a high standard to Banbridge Town.

“Brian has done really well in the window and I’m sure Town fans are excited to see who is next to come on board.”

Adair’s new-look Town team progressed in the Intermediate Cup on Saturday afternoon with a 4-3 win over Brantwood. Report on P39.