Portadown swoop for ex-Galway United and Sligo Rovers midfielder Sam Warde

Danske Bank Irish League Premiership side Portadown have unveiled the signing of former Galway United and Sligo Rovers midfielder Sam Warde.

The 22-year-old makes the move up north to Portadown on an 18-month-deal after a recent stint with Galway United in the First Division.

Warde – before joining Galway – was previously with Sligo Rovers after a prior stint Colchester United.

He joined Colchester from Huddersfield where he was part of a Terriers side at under-23 level with Danny Kane, Ronan Coughlan and Tadgh Ryan.

The midfielder is also an Irish underage international at under-18 level.

“I’m delighted to get Sam into the club,” Portadown boss Matthew Tipton said. “He comes with a very good pedigree after starting his career at Huddersfield before a year at Colchester & the last few years playing for Sligo & Galway.

“Sam is predominantly a defensive midfielder who breaks up the play superbly & adds to that with a great range of passing.”

And Warde added: “I’m very happy, excited to be moving up and can’t wait to get started.

“I am a technical player and like to get on the ball and pass it around and hopefully get a few goals too.”