NEW Dungannon coach Keith Patton has signed seven new players, including former Malone and Ulster captain Bill Harbinson, as he prepares for a real crack at the All-Ireland League Division One title next season.
The addition of the talented 30-year-old will add flair to the Tyrone side's back division, where Irish international Mark McCall will be his midfield partner after missing the entire season through injury.
Also on their way to Stevenson Park are two Ulster Development squad members, Malone's versatile full back Simon Willis, who is equally adept on the wing, and Instonians winger Nicky Moffett.
Indeed there's real quality in all of Patton's signings, with Enniskillen's Colin Farrell, the Ulster Junior hooker, and Mark Maguire, the Banbridge out-half and former Irish Schools' captain, throwing in their lot with Dungannon.
Andrew Hutchinson and Andrew Girvan are no strangers to Stevenson Park, and have pledged their allegiance for next season.
Number eight Hutchinson, who signed on a dual contract from Coleraine towards the end of last season and played in the All-Ireland League although he was ineligible for the cup, is now a fully-fledged Dungannon player.
And Girvan, who left Dungannon to join Portadown two years ago, is back to press for a regular place in the back row.
"We're delighted to have so many talented players come to the club, it will help strengthen the squad," said Patton.
"What Dungannon found last year was that the All-Ireland League is very intense, and an injury or two can create big problems if you don't have depth.
"If Dungannon had had everybody fit for the entire programme last season, they would have done a lot better and would really have competed at the top.
"A rash of injuries made it very difficult, and anything that can be done to strengthen the panel is a positive step."
Patton, who is also Irish Schools' coach, added: "There are very good players here at Dungannon, many of whom were unable to play last year because of injury, so these additional players will certainly help."
And he revealed that he is keen to attract some students who are leaving university to the club, as they are not affected by the transfer deadline.
