TWO MORE ‘NEW' FACES ARRIVE AT FINN PARK

Finn Harps Manager, James Gallagher, today completed the signing of two more players as the build-up to the 2010 season gathers pace.  Hot on the heels of Kevin McHugh's arrival back at Finn Park at the weekend, the two ‘new' faces are both familiar to Harps fans as both have had previous spells at the club.  Davitt Walsh and Matthew Crossan, both 23 years old, made their Harps debuts in the same game during the 2006 season.

Having originally arrived at Finn Park prior to the start of the 2006 season, Davitt Walsh signed for Harps from Derry City where he spent the 2005 season as part of their under-21 side.  A former Fanad United player, he was Harps' top scorer during the 2006 season where he scored nine goals, including a hat-trick in the 4-1 victory over Monaghan United in May of that year.  He left the club at the end of that campaign and signed a full-time contract with Bohemians.  He has since had spells at Shelbourne, Ballymena United and Lisburn Distillery before linking up with Harps again ahead of the new season.

"It's great to be coming back to play for Finn Harps”, said a delighted Walsh.  “As people know I played here during Anthony Gorman's time and really enjoyed it.  What people may not know is that I am a lifelong supporter and I have been coming to Finn Park since I was very young.  I remember watching games against Cork and Derry and the place was packed.  I understand the younger players have yet to play in front of a big match atmosphere and I will be telling them that it will be a great experience if we can get the crowds back.  I cannot wait to play in the North West Derby because I used to watch those games from the stand and the atmosphere was electric.  So yes, beating Derry City would count as one of my personal ambitions for the season.  The experience I have got in the last few years has made me a much better player.  I feel I have a lot more to offer the team this time around.  I feel very determined and focused and I think that will also rub of on some of the younger players."

Like Walsh, this is Matthew Crossan's second spell at Finn Park having signed from Irish League side Coleraine ahead of the 2010 season.  His first spell at the club seen him make his senior debut along with Davitt Walsh in a League Cup victory over Galway United at Finn Park during Anthony Gorman's reign as manager.  He scored four goals in 28 games in an impressive first season at the club, but failed to hold down a regular first team spot the following season and left the club in mid-2007 to link up with Coleraine.  Crossan was a member of the St. Eunan's College side who won back to back All-Ireland titles in 2004 and 2005.

Crossan says: “I think the experience I have got since I was last here has been invaluable.  I would definitely say I am physically and mentally stronger.  Football, like anything, is a learning process and I have learnt a lot in the past few years.  When I played here before, I helped out in a number of positions whilst now I tend to be seen as a left back.  All the players are aware of a new buzz about the club and in particular the fact that we have a locally based team.  Some people are aware that Kevin (McHugh) is a cousin of mine so hopefully we can attract down a lot more support from the Kilea area.”

The signings bring to thirteen the number of players who have already put pen to paper for Harps ahead of the new First Division campaign, which begins on 5 th March.  The players confirmed so far are: Ciaran Gallagher, James Doherty, Packie Mailey, Jason Noctor, Gary Whoriskey, Michael Funston, Marc Brolly, Johnny Lafferty, Kevin McHugh, Thomas Bonner, Stephen McLaughlin, Davitt Walsh and Matthew Crossan.

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