Paddy McCourt saw his dream return to Derry City fall by the wayside this week.
Candystripes boss Kenny Shiels revealed that he felt it was in the best interests of the club to remain focused on the player development programme currently in place rather than bring in a big-name signing.
Is Kenny Shiels right to not sign Paddy McCourt? https://t.co/A4Qb6ZGg3l
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) July 19, 2016
But, fortunately, McCourt has since found himself a club in Northern Ireland with Armagh outfit Glenavon FC revealing that he had signed the Northern Ireland international a one-year deal.
McCourt requested to cut short his contract with Luton Town earlier this year so that he could return home to be with his wife Laura, who had been diagnosed with a brain tumour.
We are delighted to announce the signings of Paddy McCourt and Guy Bates on one year deals pic.twitter.com/juVHV4UKxf
— Glenavon FC (@Glenavon_FC) July 19, 2016
McCourt also ruled himself out of Euro 2016 on the eve of the tournament, the day that Laura underwent surgery, but with doctors optimistic following the surgery’s success, he will be able to revisit the football career he admirably put on the backburner.
A winger who gained cult hero status at Celtic, McCourt was unveiled at Mourneview Park on Tuesday night by manager Gary Hamilton.
The 32-year-old was announced as a Glenavon player alongside Guy Bates, a striker who rejoins the Lurgan Blues from Linfield, also on a one year deal.
It’s safe to say that fans were absolutely delighted with the piece of business.
@Glenavon_FC absolutley fantastic business, well done to all involved
— Lurgan Celtic (@LurganCeltic) July 20, 2016
@Glenavon_FC McCourt is a fantastic signing the Mourneview Messi. Let’s hope Bates can pick up where he left of. Well done all at GFC.
— Jim Lockhart (@jimlock71) July 19, 2016
@Glenavon_FC @LoiTransfers bates looks in serious Nick . Paddy Magician with the ball
— Turlach (@toghar11) July 19, 2016
@Glenavon_FC @Elmightymouse The Derry Pele up front with @skinnerlad Guaranteed entertainment #goalsgalore
— Gareth Reilly (@gareth_reilly) July 20, 2016
@Glenavon_FC Love Paddy
— Chris Dolan (@VolChrisD) July 19, 2016
@Glenavon_FC @NIFootballDaily Great to see Paddy McCourt in this league..What a cracking player and a joy to watch.well done glenavon.
— Martin McKeown (@mckeown134) July 19, 2016
I am delighted that Paddy McCourt is going to @Glenavon_FC . One of the best Irish League signings ever.
— Kurt Gerhardt (@Foolkiller82) July 20, 2016
McCourt and @GuyBates9 sign and the @Glenavon_FC website can't cope 😂 pic.twitter.com/IAiKE2xMxI
— Gareth Hanna (@GarethHanna11) July 19, 2016
https://twitter.com/JohnnyMcNabb21/status/755472612139098112
Welcome back @GuyBates9 . And welcome to the other two new boys McCourt and McMahon a side capable of challenging for titles @Glenavon_FC
— tim clarke (@tim_clarke1) July 19, 2016
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