By Daniel Noble
Ards FC have secured the signings of Caoimhan Crossan, Fiontan O’Boyle and Jaydyn Withers as the club begins to reshape its squad ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Nineteen-year-old central defender Crossan plied his trade with Institute last season, after making the move from Derry City, while forward Withers, 21, gained his experience with Carrick Rangers, H&W Welders, Dundela and East Belfast.
Versatile 21-year-old O’Boyle, who is comfortable playing as either a striker or left winger, was previously on the books of Ballymena United, Newington and Ballyclare Comrades.
He made a name for himself with Amateur League side Crumlin United, where his fine
scoring form earned him a move to the Sky Blues.
Pre-season is fast approaching, with Ards getting their summer fixtures underway with a derby trip to Ards Rangers on July 10, and the three new additions are looking forward to the new season, aiming to make an impression with their new club.
Speaking after putting pen to paper at his new club, Crossan said: “I have played against Ards several times and know they are a good, organised team.
“I am really looking forward to getting the season up and running in what’s going to be a tough championship season with the new format.”
Meanwhile, O’Boyle is backing himself to come up with the goods for the Red and Blue Army.
“I am excited and looking forward to the challenge at Ards. I have scored goals at every club I have played for and I am confident that will continue here,” he stated.
Withers shared the same selfbelief as his new teammate, adding: “I am delighted to be
joining Ards FC. I am confident in my ability to score goals and am looking forward to getting the season started.”
It is worth noting that two of the three signings that Ards have made in the summer transfer window so far are attacking players – something chairman Warren Patton says the club was keen to address.
“Attacking areas were a priority for us, as scoring goals is always important and it’s an area we lacked in last season. With a bit more at the top end of the pitch, we could have gone up a league,” he stated.
“O’Boyle and Withers have scored goals for their previous clubs and they’re confident they’ll do the same for us, which we think they will.”
It has been busy period for Ards, with all three new additions announced within two days, but despite transfer business becoming a sticking point at the top end of Northern Irish football, Patton wants to assure the club’s supporters that they are not finished there.
“We’re happy with our three new signings. The market is very challenging, financially
challenging, and there’s few clubs that are able to conduct business in the current market,” he added.
“We’re still looking to make more additions to the attack and are talking to a couple of players, one being a Premiership striker, so we want to make it clear to our supporters that we’re still active in the market.”
