NIFL Premiership side Glentoran have announced the signing of Aaron McEneff from Shamrock Rovers.
During his time with Shamrock Rovers, McEneff was a key figure in some of the club’s most successful seasons in recent years. He lifted two League of Ireland Premier Division titles and two FAI Cups, and featured regularly in European competition, including the UEFA Europa Conference League.
The East Belfast side have described as a “statement signing” for their squad for an undisclosed fee subject to international clearance. The 30 year old central midfielder has made 308 senior appearances in all competitions, scoring 61 goals and providing 31 assists across two spells with Shamrock Rovers and stints with Derry City, Heart of Midlothian and Perth Glory.
Speaking to club media following the announcement McEneff said “Glentoran is one of the biggest clubs on the island of Ireland and the opportunity to come in and be part of what’s being built here really excites me. For me, it feels like the perfect fresh start. Once I spoke with Declan and Paddy and heard about the standards they expect every day and where they believe this club is going, it was something I couldn’t say no to.
I’m a midfielder who plays with intensity — I want to set the tempo, work hard for the group and contribute at both ends of the pitch. I’ve come here to win, nothing else.
When talking about the NIFL, McEneff described it as “a league that’s going from strength to strength and it’s one I’m really looking forward to competing in. This team has huge potential, but it only matters if you deliver. I’ve come here to win, nothing else. I can’t wait to get in, meet everyone properly and get started.”
We’ve got very good players already in the middle of the park, who have all been excellent and adding Aaron increases competition and raises standards. He also complements the creativity we have in attacking midfield and gives us different ways to play.
He’s a modern midfielder with intensity and personality. He can set the tempo, cover ground, press, win duels and get us playing on the front foot and he adds goals from midfield as well. We’re pleased to get the deal done. Aaron’s ambition matches ours and I’m confident he’ll make a big impact for us over the coming seasons.