Irish League champions Linfield are already making big plans for next season with departing Rangers striker Chris McKee primed to join the club on a full-time basis after a successful loan spell last term and Glentoran forward Robbie McDaid expected to follow him to Windsor Park in the weeks ahead.
McDaid’s summer switch across the city will be the latest blow to Glentoran, who had a hugely disappointing campaign, blowing their chances of the title and a place in Europe as well as being thrown out of the Irish Cup for fielding an ineligible player.
Failing to win a trophy for the second season in succession, Oval manager Mick McDermott also failed to persuade McDaid to sign a new deal with the crowd favourite ordered to train away from the first team.
Linfield boss David Healy with Chris McKee at the start of his loan deal in January
Ironically, McDaid was the hero for the Glens in their only triumph in the new big-spending era at the club, scoring the winning goal in the 2020 Irish Cup final.
The 25-year-old, who moved to east Belfast in 2017, will look to lift more silverware at Linfield.
McKee (20) has already done that, scoring in a 2-0 victory over Coleraine on the final day of the league season to earn David Healy’s side a fifth title in six years.
The Northern Ireland Under-21 striker announced yesterday that he was leaving Rangers after four years in Glasgow with insiders suggesting a deal to move to Linfield on a permanent basis was close.
McKee, who scored six times in 16 appearances for the Blues after joining on loan in January, posted on Twitter: “Just want to say a big thank you to Rangers FC for the last 4 years, the amazing experiences and friends gained.
“Want to thank the staff within the club for everything they’ve done for me over the last few years.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure but now onto the next chapter.”
Like Blackpool front man Shayne Lavery, the move to Linfield could prove a stepping stone back across the water for McKee.
With quality strikers arriving at Windsor it is likely that Christy Manzinga will be moving on.
Manzinga netted 20 goals this season and was a key performer but was overshadowed in the final weeks by McKee and fellow young gun Ethan Devine.