In what is the first piece of major transfer news ahead of the 2020 season, Muckamore captain Neil Gill has departed the Moylena side to join Carrickfergus.
The 33-year-old has spent the majority of his senior career with Muckamore but will now hope he can help move Carrick closer to silverware after completing the move last week.
Gill, who has spent most of the last decade as Muckamore’s captain, took 26 wickets last season as the Antrim club were relegated on the final day of their season.
He will be viewed as an important piece of the puzzle as Carrick look to build on the momentum created in recent years and provides experience as well as being a genuine threat with the ball.
Since 2006, Gill has taken 161 wickets in top-flight competitions for Muckamore and in his one season with Derriaghy in 2007, which is a very respectable record when you take into consideration Muckamore’s bouncing between Premier League and Section One.
Muckamore will now need to rebuild after losing their inspirational skipper, and without the lure of Premier League cricket this mightn’t be the last of the departures at Moylena.
While making the decision to leave Muckamore was a tough one, Gill is excited about the new challenge ahead.
“I’m absolutely delighted to have signed for Carrick,” he said.
“It’s a great club that have built a really competitive team that I think can challenge for trophies and I hope I can help them achieve that.
“I’m 33 now and I want to play at the top level for as long as I can.
“It’s obviously tough leaving Muckamore having been there since I was 8 years old, but I think it’s the right time for a fresh challenge and for me to start enjoying my cricket again.
“I wish Muckamore all the best for the future.”
JM Sport 