Gillespie joins Town

IN one of the most eye-catching transfer coups in the domestic game for many a season, First Division Longford Town have announced the signing of former Manchester United and Northern Ireland winger Keith Gillespie.

The 36-year-old, who was capped 86 times for his country, played against Longford in a friendly game for Sheffield United four years ago, forming a friendship with the club’s board through their mutual relationship with sponsors Munnelly Support Services Limited.

Gillespie, who after leaving Glentoran last summer, made a pre-season guest appearance with Shamrock Rovers before joining Darlington up until Christmas, was recently linked with a move to Belfast’s Harland and Wolff Welders FC but he has now opted to join Tony Cousins’ side for the remainder of the season. Said the delighted Longford manager yesterday: “With the level he has played at it will be a massive help, because we’re a young team and can only benefit from his sort of experience.

“It’s down to Keith now. It doesn’t matter what he did before. If he does the business, I don’t see any problems.”

And in a statement, the club added: “Keith was only too willing to make himself available to try to secure promotion for the Town from the First Division of the Airtricity League.”

The winger is set to make his debut as a Longford player at their next home game, against Athlone Town, on April 2nd and will be officially unveiled at Flancare Park next Thursday.