
We’re thrilled to announce four additions to the squad as we prepare for the 2025/26 season.
Incoming are Corey McLaughlin, Kyle Calderwood, Eddie Shaw & Fiontan O’Boyle.
Corey came through the Coleraine youth system to make a solitary appearance in the Premiership for the Bannsiders, before making 41 appearances in the Championship for Dergview. He spent last season at Tobermore United.
Kyle Calderwood has been in the away changing rooms at Dixon Park many times in recent history with Ards, making 92 appearances after joining the North Down men from Crusaders.
Eddie Shaw is another addition with plenty of Championship experience having made 94 Championship appearances in spells at Dundela and Knockbreda. He spent last season at Ballymacash Rangers
Last, but by no means least, Fiontan O’Boyle joins us from Ballymena United where he made 15 Premiership appearances. The centre forward has an impressive record in the intermediate ranks in his time at Crumlin United, and spent last season on loan at Newington, notably scoring the equaliser for the ‘Ton at Dixon Park on Boxing Day.
Manager Barry Baggley had this to say on his new recruits:
Corey McLaughlin – Corey is someone we were made aware of through our scouting network. He has experience at Championship and PIL level and despite still being very young has played a lot of games at this level. He is very creative and we think he is one the fans will enjoy watching.
Eddie Shaw – Eddie is someone I have been aware of since his junior days at Glentoran. Again very experienced at this level and will give us a great option in the middle of the park. He is an industrious player who’s work ethic I’ve long admired and I’m looking forward to working with him.
Kyle Calderwood – As soon as we heard Kyle was available we got in touch immediately. Kyle is a leader and wears his heart on his sleeve. He is versatile, hard working and we are delighted to have him onboard ahead of the new season.
Fiontan O’Boyle – I’ve known of Fiontan since his Crumlin United days when I was manager of Rosario. He had a phenomenal time at Crumlin and deservedly got his move to Ballymena. He has experience at PIL with his loan spell at Coagh and most recently Championship experience from his time at Newington. He fits the profile of what we are trying to bring to club in that he’s young and hungry. We are delighted to secure his signature as other clubs were very keen.
Barry summed up the dealings so far in the window by saying, “I’m delighted with the business we have done so far, we have brought in people who want to come and help Ballyclare get back to where we belong. We intended getting our business done early and I would say we are 75 to 80% there with maybe a few more before the season starts.”