COLERAINE FC is very pleased to confirm the arrival of Joe Thomson in a move that will see Conor McMenamin complete a switch in the opposite direction to Glentoran, with the Bannsiders also receiving an undisclosed fee as part of the agreement…
Thomson arrives at The Showgrounds on a two-year-deal after making his bow in the senior game at Celtic, where he enjoyed loan spells at Dumbarton, Queen of the South and Livingston during his time at Parkhead.
In 2018, Thomson then moved permanently to Dunfermline Athletic where he was voted as the Fans’ Player of the Year during first season at the Pars.
The former Scotland youth cap, who featured for his country from under-15 level right through to under-21, then signed for Derry City, helping the Candystripes lift the FAI Cup in 2022 under the management of Ruaidhri Higgins.
A spell at Larne quickly followed as he helped the Invermen win back-to-back Gibson Cup titles, as well as competing on the European stage, before he joined Glentoran in January 2025.
“The big attraction to bringing Joe here is that he’s completely different to the other midfielders we have at the club,” said Coleraine boss Ruaidhri Higgins.
“He’s all-action, plays with a serious edge to his game, he’s very driven and can chip in with a goal from midfield.
“He has really good running power, he’s box-to-box and we’re delighted to bring him here.
“He’s won this league so that was another attraction but I know him really well and I feel he’s someone I’ve got the best out of in the past at Derry City.
“It’s a really good addition and if you look at the balance of our squad, I think it’s really strong as we have different types of players in each position, which is really important.”
Higgins also explained the decision behind McMenamin’s departure.
He added: “These things happen in football and I’ve no personal issue with Conor whatsoever.
“Initially part of the plan is that he’d move closer to the north coast which hasn’t happened.
“I think when you do that commute from Downpatrick to Coleraine and back every day, I think it can have a negative impact on your body.
“I didn’t think it was ideal, neither did Conor after a few good conversations, and we’ve decided to come to this arrangement which I think suits all parties.”
Speaking about the latest chapter in his career, Thomson said: “I’m over the moon to be here and I’m looking forward to it.
“There’s such a great squad here and I’m determined to play my part.
“I know Ruaidhri, Kevin and Conor from my time at Derry City and they leave no stone unturned in terms of preparation.
“The sky is the limit for this squad and we want to build on what we achieved last season.”