We are pleased to announce the signing of defender Neill Byrne for an undisclosed fee from fellow League Two side Tranmere Rovers.
The move comes following news that defender Fraser Horsfall is expected to be out for a minimum of six weeks, after sustaining a foot injury in our win at Walsall a week ago.
Irish centre-half Byrne has signed a deal until the end of the season, linking up with manager Dave Challinor for a third time following spells at AFC Fylde and Hartlepool United.
The 29-year-old began his career in Nottingham Forest’s academy after moving over from Ireland at the age of 14, before leaving to join Rochdale in 2011.
Loan spells at Barrow and Southport in the National League followed before moving on permanently to AFC Telford, where he helped them gain promotion from the National League North as Champions.
He went on to enjoy spells at Macclesfield and Gateshead before first linking up with DC at AFC Fylde, making 44 appearances in his first season as the side missed out on promotion to the Football League in the play-off final. He did however go on to win the FA Trophy at Wembley just a week later.
After a season at FC Halifax, Byrne again signed for Dave Challinor last season, this time at Hartlepool United following their promotion to League Two. He instantly became a key component of their side, making 51 appearances in all competitions last season as the Monkey Hangers retained their EFL status.
His performances were enough to convince Tranmere to pay an undisclosed fee for him in the Summer, and he has since made 19 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring twice.
Neill will join up with his teammates in training for the first time today, but is unavailable for Sunday’s game against Walsall due to being cup-tied. He will wear the number five shirt during his time at Edgeley Park.
First-Team Manager, Dave Challinor, said:
“Neill is a player that my coaching staff and I know well already, and importantly he knows us and what we expect from his time at Fylde and Hartlepool. We have had to act with the injury to Fraser, and Byrner coming in will give us an experienced professional who fits into our style and philosophy, and will undoubtedly add to the group.”
Director of Football, Simon Wilson, said:
“Neill is obviously well known to the staff here on and off the field already, which will help in terms of him settling in quickly, and his addition gives us extra depth going into the rest of the season, particularly following the unfortunate news of Fraser’s injury.”
