We are delighted to announce the signing of forward Josh Ukek, who arrives at Inver Park on the expiry of his contract at Portadown.
The 26-year-old, who can play in a variety of positions across the frontline, arrives after two seasons at Shamrock Park where he scored 15 goals in 61 appearances.
The Dublin native also had a brief spell at Bala Town – Larne’s first European opponents back in 2021 – before moving to Portadown and now becomes Gary Haveron’s first signing of the summer transfer window.
After putting pen to paper, Josh said:
“Ever since I spoke with Gary I knew this would be my destination.
“Larne are the Champions, the best team in the country, they’ve had so much success over the last few years and my mind was set when I spoke to Gary.
“The professionalism of Larne, how Gary spoke to me and expressed how he feels my qualities can help Larne all went together to make this move I wanted to make.
“I feel like I’ve picked up a lot of experience in the last few years. From playing in Europe with Bala and then in the Irish League with Portadown.
“Everyone at Portadown has been really great with me and I’m very grateful for my time there.
“I want to come here, develop my game and continue to learn things in a full-time environment.”
Gary Haveron is delighted to be able to bring Josh to the club, having seen his ability against the Invermen in close quarters over the last two seasons.
He’s now looking forward to working with the forward as the squad gear up for next month’s European fixtures. He added:
“Josh is a player who has caused us problems anytime we’ve faced him.
“He’s a big, quick, powerful lad and he gives us a different option to what we have in the building at the minute.
“He was busting for the opportuntiy to make the move into full-time football, we’re very pleased that’s with us and now it’s up to him to make the most of that opportunity.”
You can hear Josh’s first interview as a Larne player on our social media platforms later this evening.
