It is with great pleasure we can announce that twenty two year old Goalkeeper, Sam Johnston, has agreed to sign a three year contract for Dungannon Swifts. Sam joins us from Ards FC where he has been exceptional on many occasions between the posts. Having spent the last two seasons with Ards, Johnston wanted to continue playing in the Premiership.
“I am really happy to sign for a Club like Dungannon Swifts. It’s been a long process to get my name on the piece of paper but I would just like to put on record my thanks to both Chairmen, Brian Adams (AFC) and Keith Boyd (DSFC), for helping to get it all sorted, so I could come here to Dungannon.
Dungannon is a real family Club and every time I come here, I’ve always had a good experience of people around the Club.
If it wasn’t for the poor start for us (Dungannon) last season I personally think we would have got close to the top six, if not that seventh spot. Definitely though, moving on to next season I think we have a good chance of getting that top six spot. I think we could even push on further than that and get good runs in the Cup competitions too. I’m really looking forward to getting started in a few weeks time.”
GOALKEEPER – Sam Johnston
Sam started his football career as a Linfield Youth Player from U13 – U19 level, he then progressed to play for H&W Welders leading him on to Ards, where Swifts Manager Kris Lindsay has admired him playing.
“I am delighted to get Sam over the line, he’s the best young goalkeeper in the League. He’s still only 22 but he’s got a lot of experience behind him and a lot of top performances.
I am very happy to get him on board, he can only get better with age. To secure him on a three year deal gives him plenty of stability as a player but also as a Club gives us that stability in a position where we needed it.
It’s a signing that we are looking to build the Club around, young, hungry players, who can improve and who can also hit the ground running. We want to mix them in with the experience that we already have here at Dungannon. Sam fits that build perfectly and I’m expecting big things from him. He’s a talented, talented goalkeeper and he’s a top person as well. Any dealings we have had with Sam he’s been excellent, I’m just delighted to get the deal over the line and it’s one we can start to build around. He’s at a good age where we can have the security of a three year deal and build the team around Sam and move forward, hopefully taking that into next season.”
MANAGER – Kris Lindsay
Welcome to Dungannon Swifts, Sam. We wish you well for the future between the sticks at Stangmore Park.