Brush comes out of retirement to sign for Cliftonville, Carbury players train with Mallards

FORMER Sligo Rovers and Shamrock Rovers goalkeeper Richard Brush has come out of retirement to sign for NIFL side Cliftonville.

The 33-year-old Englishman, who began his career at Coventry City but had most recently played for Ballinamallard United, went straight into the team for a pre-season friendly against the Mallards on Thursday night.

Brush previously enjoyed three spells at Sligo Rovers and has since made Sligo his home.

The Birmingham-born stopper, who also includes Shrewsbury Town among his former employers, is looking forward to beginning a fresh chapter with the Reds.

“I can’t wait to get the head down again and get started,” he says.

“It’s a bit of a strange one for me to be signing for a Club just before they play my old team, but I’m really happy to be here and being involved at Cliftonville.”

Manager Barry Gray, meanwhile, says: “I’m delighted to get someone of Richard’s proven quality on board.

“I have said from the first day I came to this Club, and have repeated it all summer, we will never sign players for the sake of it and will only look to bring people in who can improve our squad.

“Having someone of Richard’s ability and experience at Cliftonville is a great boost and I’m sure his arrival will help bring out the best in everyone else.”

Meanwhile, Carbury’s Chris Kelly and Ibrahim Savage have been training with Ballinamallard United, who were relegated last season to the NIFL Championship.

The pair featured in Thursday evening’s 6-1 defeat at the hands of the aforementioned Cliftonville.

Sligo natives Jason McCartney and Ross Taheny have committed to Harry McConkey’s side for the 2018/19 season, while Steve Feeney is a member of the coaching team.

An update on the club website stated that talks are ongoing with Gary Armstrong for the season ahead. SLIGO Rovers legend Joseph Ndo has launched the ‘Ndo Football Clinic Academy’.

‘Awaken your dream to be a professional footballer’ with Ndo’s academy.

First team trials will take place this evening (Tuesday) at Ray McSharry Park from 7.30pm.

Those interested in pursuing a career as a footballer and are aged between 18 and 26 years old are invited to take part.

Those interested should send their name, date of birth and position to ndofcacademy@gmail.com