City have completed the signing of exciting young midfielder JJ McKiernan on a four-year deal.
After an impressive League Two campaign with Morecambe, the 22-year-old Northern Ireland U21 international becomes City’s fourth permanent signing of the summer transfer window.
McKiernan started his career at Watford and enjoyed a successful loan spell with Eastleigh in 2022/23, before joining Morecambe at the start of last season. The 22-year-old had a storming 2023/24 campaign with the Shrimps, scoring seven times in 28 appearances, including netting a hat-trick against Colchester United.
JJ said: “The way this club finished last season showed the direction it’s going in, the head coach likes to play attacking football with high energy which suits me.
“I’ll always give 100% and like to get on the ball and be creative. I can’t wait to get going. I know the fans here really get behind you so I’m really excited to play in front of them and for that whistle to blow on the first game of the season.”
City’s head coach Michael Skubala said: “JJ is a really exciting player and, as he says, perfectly fits the club. He buys into what we are trying to achieve and, most importantly, has a desire to work hard and develop. He has the technical and physical attributes we look for in his position, can create and score goals and I am really looking forward to working with him.”
Director of Football Jez George added, “The length of the contract tells you everything about what we think of JJ. He has huge potential and hits the sweet spot for our recruitment in being ready to contribute immediately plus a really high ceiling. We are really excited to sign him. He is an infectious character, with a real drive and focus for what he wants to achieve in his career, so exactly the mentality we look for in young players.”
The Professional Football Compensation Committee have been asked to determine training compensation to be paid to Morecambe after the two clubs failed to reach an agreement for the out-of-contract player. In my eyes, this means a nominal fee, as they’ve only been training McKiernan for a season. Remember, this isn’t a tribunal the decides a player’s worth, which is what Sean Raggett was subject to – it measures investment in a player’s development.
Having done some research on McKiernan but being unable to ask other fans ahead of the embargo, I see that he impressed Eastleigh massively during his loan spell there.
Now this is promising for #UTS!!
JJ McKiernan was brilliant for #Spitfires last season. They looked a different side in between his loan spells
A well rounded midfielder, one with a lot of promise. Has a lot of senior experience too
Last couple of signings from Morecambe = 👌 https://t.co/YEbOniLtNN
— tomhwilliams23 (@tomhwilliams23) July 1, 2023
He is described as an intelligent player who is good on the ball. In terms of attributes, he’s technically gifted and loves a run at defenders. It feels to me like he’s very much a Ted Bishop alternative but a young player without an injury record.
On paper, as all signings are at this stage of the season, he feels like a great addition. The four year contract is huge; the last player who got a similar length contract was Ethan Erhahon, which I think really underlines McKiernan’s potential in the eyes of the club.
You must be logged in to post a comment.