Darren Murphy has wasted no time in making his second signing for the new season ahead. Twenty Seven year old, central defender, Ricky Copeland formerly of Newry City and Loughgall has agreed a two year deal at Stangmore Park.
Copeland, from Dromore, has been a target of Murphy’s and he is delighted to have got him on board, saying “The signing of Ricky comes as a positive boost for the club having lost Emmet Friars at the end of the season. I am delighted to get someone of Ricky’s experience at the club. He is a solid and reliable player who is also a Northern Ireland Junior International player. I am looking forward to the season ahead to watch Ricky in action for the Swifts.”
Ricky spent eighteen months at Newry City and then moved to Loughgall in January 2012. Speaking after signing for the club last night, Ricky said,
“I’ve always liked Dungannon Swifts and I thought it was a great club. Having watched the Swifts play on numerous occasions I know that I will really enjoy the style of football played here. Pat (McGibbon- Swifts Coach), who I worked with at Newry City, has kept in contact with me since Newry folded last season. He has helped me make footballing decisions and this is one I am delighted to have made. Murph has made the decision easy for me in selling the club fantastically well to me in every aspect, both on the pitch and off it. All I now want to do is get back enjoying my football and I feel the Swifts is the best place for me.”
Welcome to Stangmore Park Ricky and we wish you every success in a Swifts shirt.