Ballymena United boss David Jeffrey snaps up Larne striker David McDaid on three-year contract

Ballymena United have made their first major signing of the summer transfer window with the high-profile capture of experienced Larne striker David McDaid.

The Braidmen had an undisclosed bid accepted for McDaid a fortnight ago but the 31-year-old, who is currently on honeymoon, asked for time to weigh up his future.

Several other clubs were reportedly making efforts to hijack the move, but the talented forward will wear Sky Blue next season after agreeing terms on a three-year contract.

Larne confirm signing of former Northern Ireland U21 midfielder Shea Gordon

Ballymena boss David Jeffrey said: “It goes without saying that we are absolutely delighted to secure the services of a player of David’s calibre for the next three years.

“We and our supporters are only too aware of the quality we have signed.

“David is currently away on honeymoon having just got married, and so we give Faye and himself our congratulations and we look forward to linking up upon their return.”

McDaid joined Larne from Waterford in January 2018 and helped the East Antrim club earn promotion to the Danske Bank Premiership in 2019.

In three subsequent top flight campaigns, the technically gifted forward scored 48 goals for Tiernan Lynch’s side, bagging 15 in all competitions last season.

Part of the McDaid deal will see Leroy Millar, who agreed a move from Ballymena to Larne on June 2, released immediately from the remainder of his United contract.

It means Millar will be available for Larne’s forthcoming Europa Conference League games with St Joseph’s of Gibraltar, with the first leg scheduled for July 7.

Thanking Millar for his time at Ballymena, where he made almost 250 appearances, Jeffrey said: “Leroy has been a great servant to Ballymena