Callacher signs for Carrick after Crusaders departure
Jimmy Callacher has joined Carrick Rangers after his departure from fellow Irish Premiership side Crusaders.The 33-year-old left the Crues upon the expiration of his contract after two years with the club.Callacher made 43 appearances for the north Belfast side, scoring once.He suffered a serious knee injury four games into the 2023-24 season which saw him miss the remainder of that campaign.The centre-half started his career at Glentoran before enjoying a successful nine-year spell at Linfield, where he won five Irish Premiership titles and two Irish Cups.The 2019 Ulster Footballer of the Year follows Billy Joe Burns and Adam Lecky in reuniting with former Crues boss Stephen Baxter at Carrick.The Gers have signed five players so far this window and boss Baxter said that Callacher is "an outstanding player and leader"."A no nonsense defender but also very comfortable on the ball, Jimmy will add power, strength and big game experience as we move forward," Baxter told the club's website."Jimmy had several options open to him but chose Carrick Rangers as his new home."Crusaders, meanwhile, have signed former Glentoran midfielder Finley Thorndike on a two-year deal.The 23-year-old English midfielder played 29 times for the Glens last season, helping the club win the County Antrim Shield during his sole season with the east Belfast side.
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