Glentoran Football Club have completed the signing of Josh Daniels, who joins the club on a free transfer following the mutual termination of his contract with The New Saints.

The 29-year-old arrives at The BetMcLean Oval on a long-term deal after agreeing personal terms and successfully completing a medical, returning home to Northern Ireland following a highly successful spell in Wales.

A former Northern Ireland U17 and U19 and Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, Daniels informed TNS of his intention to leave the Cymru Premier champions for family reasons, with interest shown by a number of clubs across the NIFL Premiership and LoI Premier Division.

A native of Londonderry/Derry, Daniels began his career in junior football before being recruited by Derry City, where he progressed through the ranks and made 72 senior appearances across three seasons for the Candystripes.

In 2017, he joined Glenavon, enjoying three productive seasons in the NIFL Premiership. During his time with the Lurgan Blues, Daniels scored 15 goals and provided 14 assists in 91 league appearances, performances which earned him a move to the English Football League.

Daniels signed for Shrewsbury Town in 2020, making 50 appearances across League One, the FA Cup and the EFL Cup, scoring twice. He made his competitive debut for the Shrews against Middlesbrough in the EFL Cup.

He joined TNS in 2022 and enjoyed a highly successful spell in Wales, winning three league titles, two Welsh Cups and two Welsh League Cups, while making 119 appearances, scoring 11 goals and registering more than 30 assists.

Daniels also featured regularly in UEFA Champions League and UEFA Conference League qualifying and was part of TNS side that made history by qualifying for the league stage of the UEFA Conference League.

Originally a winger, Daniels has developed into a highly versatile wide player capable of operating as a full-back, wing-back or winger on either side, offering athleticism, creativity and goal threat.

Speaking after signing for Glentoran, Josh Daniels said: “Coming home was really important for me and my family and when the opportunity to join Glentoran came up it felt like the right time and the right club.

“This is one of the biggest clubs on the island of Ireland and one I’ve played against many times over the years. They’d shown an interest in me before I moved to Shrewbury Town and again during my time away, so I’m delighted everything has finally come together.

“Speaking with Paul Millar and Declan Devine was a big part of my decision. They were very clear about the vision for the club over the next few years and where they see Glentoran going and I’m really impressed with their plans for the future.

“When I visited the club and saw the set-up first-hand, I was really impressed by the level of professionalism. From a player’s perspective, everything is in place for you to go out, focus on your football and put yourself in the best possible shape.

“I’d also like to place on record my thanks to TNS for the support they showed me and for facilitating my return home. I enjoyed my time there and I’m grateful for the opportunities I was given.”

“I’ve spoken a lot to Aaron McEneff over the past week and he’s had nothing but positive things to say about the environment here. I’m really looking forward to pulling on the Glentoran jersey, playing in front of the supporters and getting started as we make a push for silverware this season and beyond.”

Declan Devine, Glentoran First Team Manager, said: “Josh is a player I know very well and one we’ve admired for a long time. He brings real experience, athleticism and versatility and he’s played at a very strong level across Ireland, England, Wales and in European competition, proving himself throughout his career.

“He’s a player capable of playing for any team in the North or South of the island and his arrival is another clear statement of where we want this club to go. Josh has the profile, mentality and professionalism we want in the group and we believe he’ll be an important part of what we’re continuing to build here over the coming seasons.

“From a football perspective, his versatility is a real asset. He can play as a full-back, wing-back or winger on either side. He knows how to find the net and he also gives you a real creative outlet, which adds quality, balance and competition within the squad.

“We’re absolutely delighted to bring Josh into the club and his arrival strengthens the squad even further. He was very clear about wanting to come home, but there was strong interest from elsewhere and we had to work hard to secure his signature, which tells you a lot about the calibre of player we’ve brought in.

“We’re very pleased with the business we’ve done during the January window. It’s been important to add real quality in key areas, raise competition and improve the overall level of the group. That work now gives us a strong platform to push on for the remainder of the season, as we focus on making it as successful as possible.”

It has been a busy January transfer window for Glentoran, with Josh Daniels joining fellow new arrivals Aaron McEneff from Shamrock Rovers, Jarlath O’Rourke and Ross Clarke from Crusaders, alongside versatile attacking midfielder Jack Malone from Glenavon and former Dungannon Swifts forward Ben Gallagher.

There have also been a number of departures during the window. David Fisher, Jonny Russell, Christie Pattisson and Shane McEleney have left the club permanently, with several players moving out on loan.

Paul Millar, Glentoran Sporting Director, said: “We were absolutely determined to sign Josh and, once he made it clear he wanted to come home, we worked hard to secure his signature in the face of strong competition from clubs across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Securing a player of his calibre is a major signing for us and a clear statement of our ambition.

“Josh is someone I know very well from my time at Glenavon and a player I came very close to signing for Glentoran almost five years ago, before he moved to Shrewsbury Town. He’s a player we’ve kept tabs on ever since and one I’ve always liked, both as a person and as a footballer.

“He’s a top-class talent, capable of still playing across the water or for any team in the NIFL Premiership or League of Ireland and his arrival strengthens our squad immediately. We’re delighted to get him through the door.

“I’d also like to place on record my thanks to Ali Pour for his continued backing of Declan and myself as we shape the squad for the rest of this season and beyond. His support during this January window has allowed us to bring real quality into key areas and that backing is vital as we continue to move the club forward.”