James Teelan Set to Join Portadown in January Following Crusaders Release

Winger James Teelan, aged 22, is scheduled to join Portadown on a free transfer when the January transfer window becomes active. He was released by Crusaders in October. The 22-year-old, who previously spent time in Portadown’s academy during his youth, was let go by fellow Irish Premiership club Crusaders in October. Teelan commenced his senior career with Dungannon Swifts. He distinguished himself as a key player for Newry City, participating in 87 matches and netting 27 goals over two seasons with the team. Subsequently, he transferred to the Crues in 2023, where he made only 24 appearances during his 18-month tenure at Seaview. For the latter half of the previous season, he was on loan with Carrick Rangers. Niall Currie, the manager of Portadown, expressed his satisfaction at the prospect of incorporating Teelan into his team next month. “He’s explosive and will carry a real threat. We felt we needed to strengthen our wide areas and James can play right across the front line,” Currie stated on the club’s official website. “He comes after not featuring regularly at Crusaders but we’re confident we can get his career going in the right direction again and give him the platform to get back to his very best.” Teelan also conveyed his eagerness to collaborate with Currie, who has guided Portadown to the second position in the league standings during their inaugural season back in the top division. “I feel as though Niall is the right manager to get the best out of me and I can’t wait to get started and playing in front of the supporters.”