ONE of Ards’ most consistent performers this season has left the club and returned to his former side.
News of Paul Donnelly’s surprise departure came on Thursday afternoon before it was confirmed by Newington the following day that the 22 year-old has rejoined the north Belfast club for a second spell.
The midfielder signed for Ards in August and went on to make 22 appearances in red and blue, with both of his goals coming in separate wins over Dundela.
Donnelly had started in all except four games during the current campaign and had been in a good vein of form prior to his exit last week.
While one player has left Ards for Newington, another has made the opposite switch with wide attacker Shea Brennan joining John Bailie’s ranks.
The 20 year-old spent time with Cliftonville, Glentoran, Larne and Crusaders in the early part of his career and has appeared seven times for Newington this season.
Also departing Ards are goalkeeper Adam Ritchie and defender William Francey, who signed from Ballyclare Comrades and Crusaders respectively during the summer.
Ritchie did not feature for the first team during his five-month stay and has followed Paul Donnelly in joining Newington, while Francey made two substitute appearances and is one of seven players to have signed for Dundela so far in the January window.
