We are pleased to announce the signing of forward Harry Panayiotou on a short term deal until the end of the 2024/25 season.
The 30-year-old arrives at Inver Park offering a vast amount of experience, having made over 200 professional appearances both in the UK and across Europe, alongside boasting 38 senior caps for Saint Kitts and Nevis on the international stage.
Coming through the ranks at Leicester City’s academy in England, Panayiotou made his senior debut against Leeds United on the final day of the 2011/12 season and marked the occasion in style, scoring the winning goal in added time.
Spells with clubs in England, Scotland and Greece followed before the striker found a long-term home at Aldershot Town in the National League. Panayiotou enjoyed a fine period of form at the Hampshire club, scoring 12 goals in 37 appearances during the 2020/21 season – claiming the club’s top goalscorer award.
Following a successful stint in England, Panayiotou earned a move to Scottish Premiership side Livingston, before returning to Aldershot and then moving to Bruno’s Magpies where he would be managed by the club’s Head of Football Nathan Rooney.
On the international stage, Panayiotou made his debut and scored for Saint Kitts and Nevis against Barbados on 2014. Remaining a regular for the Caribbean nation until the present day, the forward has scored 12 goals in 38 caps across all competitions and friendlies.
Commenting on his arrival at Inver Park, Panayiotou said:
“It’s nice to get the move over the line, I’ve been speaking to the club for around a week or so and now that we’ve managed to get the deal over the line, I’m buzzing. I’ve trained a couple of times now with the boys and everyone has been so helpful and welcoming me into the club.
“As a player I’m a forward who can act as a bit of an all-rounder – I can come short but can also play long if required. I’m looking forward to getting the head down in training, getting sharper and hopefully getting some minutes when The Gaffer calls on me.
“Arriving in Northern Ireland and in a new place is nothing new to me, I’ve played in a lot of different leagues and internationally against all types of different players, so I think that will help me a lot when adapting to the Premiership over here.
“For me, it’s a team game so I just want to be the best team player I can, get focused on scoring goals and helping my teammates, and hopefully win some trophies with Larne.”
Head of Football Nathan Rooney expressed his delight at linking up with the forward once again:
“I have previously worked with Harrison for a short period of time in the past and I know what he will be able to bring to our group in terms of experience, having played at similar levels in England and Scotland, alongside other leagues in Europe.
“As a player, he possesses good hold up play for a centre forward, while also being able to lead the line in terms of pressing really well with an ability to mix up his movements in the box which is something that is vital that our forward line continues to do.
“Harrison has impressed me with his knowledge of the league during our conversations and as I mentioned previously, has experience playing at Livingston in the Scottish Premiership and at various National League sides in England which is similar in style to the NIFL Premiership.
“Every player that comes in the door at Inver Park has to align with the personality and environment which we want our group to have at the club alongside adding value on the pitch, which Harrison will no doubt be able to do once fully fit and up to speed with our tactical ideas.”
Due to international clearance deadlines, Panayiotou will be unavailable for selection for tomorrow night’s BetMcLean Cup semi-final versus Cliftonville, but will be available for selection for this weekend’s trip to The Oval.
