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Crusaders have boosted their squad on the eve of the new Irish Premiership season with the eye-catching capture of Coleraine winger Jamie McGonigle.

The north Belfast side had two bids turned down for the 23-year-old earlier this summer, with tensions rising when Crues boss Stephen Baxter slammed the Bannsiders for sending 'two pathetic text messages' while he tried to get the deal over the line.

However, despite Coleraine boss Oran Kearney having claimed the deal was 'dead' in July, Crusaders have finally got their man.

“After the initial bid from Crusaders last month, we tried to speak to Jamie and convince him to stay at the club like we would with any other player with a year left to run on his contract,” Kearney told Coleraine's club website in confirming McGonigle's departure.

“I have learned from past experiences that keeping a player against his will is a detriment to both parties.

“Jamie is a top person and player and I’ve always had a close relationship with him and his father. I wish him all the best in the future.”

McGonigle joined Coleraine in January 2015 and established himself as a key figure at the Showgrounds, scoring 65 goals in 179 appearances.

He also helped the club to Irish Cup success in 2018 after pushing Crusaders all the way in the league.

He was also the subject of interest from Crusaders last summer but ultimately stayed with the north-west club to help the transition following Kearney's move to St. Mirren.

The former Northern Ireland U21 forward will link up with his new teammates at Seaview on Thursday night ahead of Saturday's home clash with Carrick Rangers.