Ballymena United snap up former Linfield ace: ‘It's a big coup for us'
The 31-year-old former Linfield defender has returned to the Sports Direct Premiership following a year in Scotland, during which he helped Livingston win the SPFL Trust Trophy and secure promotion back to the top flight.
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Scotsman
2 hours ago
- Scotsman
Former Hearts star leaves Premiership club 'disappointed' as he confirms transfer
A former Hearts star is reportedly set to join a Premiership rival just weeks after claiming promotion. Sign up to our Hearts newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A former Hearts defender has secured a move to a Premiership rival just weeks after helping Livingston secure promotion back into the top flight. Jamie Brandon joined the Hearts academy in 2017 and went on to make 30 senior appearances after making his debut in a 2-0 defeat against Celtic. However, Brandon went on to spend the second half of the 2021/22 season on loan at Championship club Greenock Morton before penning a pre-contract agreement to join Livingston on a free transfer during the following summer. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad After racking up almost a century of appearances, what will now go down as Brandon's final season with Livi appeared to have ended in disappointment as they lost out to Falkirk in the race for the Championship title. However, a 5-3 aggregate win against Ross County in the Premiership play-off ensured Brandon and his team-mates had guided the club back into the top flight at the first attempt after they suffered relegation 12 months earlier. Former Hearts star linked to Kilmarnock move Speaking after a 4-2 win in the second leg at County's Global Energy Stadium secured promotion, the former Livingston captain said: 'It's been a special night and i'm ecstatic we've been able to get our club back to where we think it belongs. It's been a long season, we've played a lot of games and I think it's been excellent to come here and to put the performance in we have, it's been really special. The aim at the start of the season was to get promotion back to the Premiership, it didn't matter how we did that but to do it through the play-offs is a really special feeling and one everyone here will cherish for a long time.' However, Brandon will not make the jump with his side after Livi confirmed the versatile defender has 'decided to move on' after his contract came to an end. A post on X read: 'Jamie Brandon will depart the club on the expiry of his contract. We're obviously disappointed that Jamie has decided to move on. Jamie was instrumental last season and played a big part in our Trust Trophy & league success & leaves after huge success. Good luck, Brando!' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Jamie Brandon joins Kilmarnock Speculation over Brandon's next club has ramped up in recent days with suggestions new Kilmarnock manager Stuart Kettlewell is keen to sign the 27-year-old. That deal has now been completed, Brandon penning a two year deal. Kettlewell said: 'We're delighted to sign Jamie, there have been a lot of clubs competing for his signature, so to get this over the line, we are extremely pleased. He's been a standout performer for Livingston, and he adds to the leadership qualities that we already have in abundance here. He's exactly the type of character we want at this football club, he understands the demands of Scottish football. 'Jamie fits in with the profile of players that we already have here, his addition will complement our squad. We want to build a squad with strong foundations and a real hunger to push forward. Jamie ticks all the boxes in that regard, and I'm delighted he's chosen to continue his career here at Kilmarnock.' Your next Hearts read: Hearts working to tie up two transfer targets - both men will cost a fee
The Courier
2 hours ago
- The Courier
Graham Carey joins the big ex-St Johnstone contingent at Livingston
Livingston have confirmed the signing of former St Johnstone playmaker, Graham Carey. The 36-year-old was one of 16 players released by Saints following their relegation from the Premiership. And, if Stevie May stays at West Lothian, Livi will have four members of the Perth club's 2022/23 squad on their books. Ryan McGowan was a defensive stalwart for David Martindale as they bounced back to the top-flight through the play-offs. Earlier in the week, Connor McLennan, a Callum Davidson loan recruit at Saints, moved up a division from Ayr United. Livi fans know all about Carey's game-changing ability, with the Irishman's stunning long-range shot denying them a place in last season's Scottish Cup semi-finals. He won't be the only ex-Saint staying in the Premiership next term. Drey Wright, who was offered a new contract, is set to join Dundee.
STV News
3 hours ago
- STV News
Stuart Kettlewell makes Jamie Brandon his first Kilmarnock signing
Stuart Kettlewell has made his first signing as Kilmarnock boss with Jamie Brandon joining on a two-year deal from Livingston. The 27-year-old former Hearts defender captained the Lions to their return to the William Hill Premiership following a play-off win over Ross County. Killie boss Kettlewell, who took over from Derek McInnes following his departure to Hearts, told his club's website: 'We're delighted to sign Jamie. There have been a lot of clubs competing for his signature, so to get this over the line, we are extremely pleased. 'He's been a standout performer for Livingston, and he adds to the leadership qualities that we already have in abundance here. 'He's exactly the type of character we want at this football club, he understands the demands of Scottish football. 'Jamie fits in with the profile of players that we already have here, his addition will complement our squad. 'We want to build a squad with strong foundations and a real hunger to push forward. 'Jamie ticks all the boxes in that regard, and I'm delighted he's chosen to continue his career here at Kilmarnock.' Brandon, who can also play in midfield, said: 'I'm delighted to be here. Once the manager spoke to me and said he wanted me to be part of his plans, I was delighted to come here and couldn't wait to get it done. 'Kilmarnock is a big football club and you can see that with the number of season tickets already sold. You can see the highs that this club can get to with playing in Europe last year.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
