WE are delighted to announce the signing of 24-year-old defender Sam McClelland.
McClelland arrives at Inver Park following a four-year senior spell in England and Scotland. Having moved to Chelsea from Coleraine’s academy in 2018, Sam enjoyed a loan spell in EFL with Barrow in the 2022-23 season.
Following this stint with the League Two club, McClelland (pictuured above with Larne boss Gary Haveron) moved north of the border to sign for St Johnstone in 2023.
This spell at McDiarmid Park included a successful loan spell with Dundee United, where the defender helped the Tannadice club to the Scottish Championship title.
On the international front, McClelland has been capped at youth level up to and including 10 appearances for the under-21 side.
Sam also made his senior international debut against Ukraine in a friendly international five years ago this month.
The defender missed the last year because of a ruptured Achilles injury, but is now back fully fit and ready to make an impact for the Invermen ahead of the European and domestic campaign.
Boss Gary Haveron is delighted to make 6’3″ defender his second summer signing. He said:
“Sam is a player I’ve always liked.
“He is a player who has been tipped for big things from an early age. He went to Chelsea as a youngster and had a very successful loan at Barrow as part of it.
“He unfortunately picked up a bad injury and was maybe too brave for his own good, trying to play through it when he probably should have been taken out.
“He is back fully fit now; he flew through his medical. I’m really excited to see Sam in Larne shirt, because he had the potential to be one of the best centre halves in the Irish League.
“He’s shown his class and ability throughout his career. He’s capped Northern Ireland at underage levels and has a full international cap to his name.
“Sam is also hungry to kick on. He will bring a presence, leadership and composure on the ball – so we’re delighted to bring him to the club.”
Sam will give his first interview to our club media and you can hear it later today via our social media platforms.
