Ex-Arsenal academy midfielder signs for Larne FC | OneFootball

Former Arsenal youngster Jordan McEneff has signed for Larne FC, after a couple of years playing for Derry City.

Jordan McEneff with Arsenal (Photo via McEneff on Instagram)

23-year-old former Arsenal academy midfielder Jordan McEneff has officially signed for Larne FC, leaving Derry City to move from the League of Ireland Premier Division to the NIFL Premiership.

Larne confirmed the move this week, with manager Tiernan Lynch saying: “Jordan will be a great addition for us in midfield.

“His ability at Derry City has been clear to see and we feel he can bring that ability to what we’re trying to do here.

“We have talked before about not adding players just for the sake of it, they need to fit our culture and enhance what we already have in our changing room and we feel Jordan fits the bill on both counts.”

Jordan McEneff after signing for Larne FC (Photo via LarneFC.com)

McEneff also gave his views on the move, saying: “I’m delighted to be here – I spoke to the manager and chairman over the weekend and the amibitions of the club is really exciting, both in the league and Europe.

“Coming here to play football is a good opportunity for me and I’m excited to get started.

“I’m a player who tries to get from box-to-box and like to assist and scores myself where possible and hopefully I can do that here.”

The Irish midfielder left Arsenal in 2022, and he went on to make 47 appearances for Derry City, scoring nine goals and assisting two.

The highlight of his spell in Ireland was undoubtedly his goal in the FAI Cup final win over Shelbourne back in 2022, earning him his first senior honour.

Jordan McEneff (2nd from right) celebrating Derry City’s FAI Cup win (Photo via McEneff on Instagram)

Derry City boss Ruaidhri Higgins wished McEneff well with his new club, suggesting injuries played a part in the decision for him to move on.

“Jordan picked up an injury early in our season and that really restricted his appearances this year,” Higgins said.

“Age-wise, Jordan’s got time on his side, but we’re at the tail end of the League of Ireland season and this is a great opportunity for him to prepare for a full season, playing at a really good club.

“I want to thank Jordan for his time and effort here. He’s a great lad and player and I want to wish him every success in his career going forward.”

McEneff spent six years with the Arsenal academy, playing a key role for the u23s before injury slowed his progress with the club. It’s certainly encouraging to see him building his senior career now, and he’ll hope for an injury-free campaign with Larne.