Glentoran Football Club can confirm that defender Jonny Russell has completed a permanent transfer to EFL League Two side Crawley Town for an undisclosed fee.

The Northern Ireland Under-21 international departs The BetMcLean Oval having joined the Club at the age of 10, progressing through the Glentoran Academy before signing his first professional contract in November 2023.

The 21-year-old made 80 senior appearances for Glentoran after making his debut in the BetMcLean Cup during the 2022/23 season. During the current campaign, he featured on 14 occasions and scored two goals.

Russell was also named Glentoran Player of the Year in the 2023/24 season, becoming the youngest player in the Club’s history to receive the award at just 19 years of age.

The Larne native has also established himself on the international stage, playing a prominent role for Northern Ireland Under-21s during their UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign.

He now joins Crawley Town as he looks to gain his first experience of the English Football League with the West Sussex-based club.

Declan Devine, Glentoran  First Team Manager, said: “Jonny is a player we’re extremely proud of as an Academy graduate who has come through the system and earned his place in senior football at Glentoran. His progression is a real reflection of the hard work being done within our Academy and the pathway we have in place.

“He has shown great professionalism throughout his time at the Club and has always approached his role in the right way. Jonny spoke to me about his desire to continue his development in the English Football League and we respected that ambition.

“This move represents a good opportunity for Jonny and is also a positive piece of business for the Club. He’s a great lad with an excellent attitude and we wish him every success as he takes this next step in his career.”

Speaking about his depature from The BetMcLean Oval, Jonny Russell said: “Coming through the Academy and playing for Glentoran’s first team is something I’m incredibly proud of and a dream come true. This Club has been a huge part of my life from a young age and has played a massive role in my development, both as a player and as a person.

 “This move to Crawley Town is an exciting opportunity for me and gives me the chance to experience the English Football League and continue pushing myself at a new level.

“I want to thank the manager, the coaching staff, my teammates, the supporters and all the Academy coaches who have helped me along the way during my time at Glentoran.

“Glentoran will always mean a lot to me and I’ll be following the Club closely. I wish everyone at the Club all the very best for the rest of the season and beyond.”

Glentoran Football Club would like to thank Jonny for his commitment and contribution as an Academy graduate and first-team player and wish him every success for the future.