It's been my most difficult summer says Gary Hamilton

Over the last couple of years with the new investment coming into several teams there has been a lot of excitement about potential deals in the offing.

Last season we saw two reported six-figure deals between Danske Bank premiership clubs as well as some other high-profile moves.

But while some may be thrilled by the flurry of transfers for others it has made their job harder.

Glenavon boss Gary Hamilton knows the importance of the market but fears it is now developing into the haves and the have nots.

Hamilton, who celebrated a decade in charge at Mourneview Park last December, said recruiting for this window had been his most challenging to date.

“It’s proven to be the most difficult summer that I’ve had, even from January onwards because you’re usually trying to sign players on pre-contracts,” he told the club’s Youtube channel.

“I know even from talking to Oran Kearney he’s having the same problem and is finding it really difficult to attract players because, as great as it is for the league, the big clubs are raising the value of players and their wages.

“Clubs like ours can’t get anywhere near what players who are being released from Larne or Glentoran [are looking] and they’re probably the type of players with the sort of quality that you would want to add to your squad.

“Unfortunately they’re out of our bracket so we just have to grin and bear it and get on with it.”

The Lurgan Blues boss has already secured three signings to bolster his squad for next term.

Rory Brown, Sodiq Oguntola (pictured below) and Conor Kerr have made the switch to Mourneview Park but Hamilton admits he has had to be more creative in his recruitment.

The Glenavon boss hopes tapping into the southern market on the recommendation of former