Portadown are delighted to announce that defender Howard Beverland has agreed a new, one year contract with the club.
Beverland (32), joined the club in January 2022 from Ballyclare Comrades and made 15 appearances with his experience and composure being vital for the club in the second half of the season. He of course scored that all important first goal in our 3-2 first leg win over Annagh United in the Promotion/Relegation Playoff and was lauded by supporters for his performances in those two games.
The Ballymoney-native made his first-team debut for Coleraine aged just 17 and went on to captain the club as he became a mainstay in the heart of the Bannsiders defence. He would join Crusaders in 2016 where he lifted the Irish Premiership title as well as Irish Cup and County Antrim Shield medals before returning to the Coleraine Showgrounds in 2020.
On signing his deal Howard said
Portadown has always been a big club and with the fan base to show it, it’s a club rich in history and success with ambition and hunger for more. I’ve enjoyed my time so far at the club and have been made feel welcomed.
I’ve enjoyed the experience under Paul and feel I’ve developed and learned a lot since he came in and it has also enhanced my game. I’m looking forward to the high standards set and hard work for the coming season.
I’ve certainly appreciated the support and backing from the fans. I think fans quickly recognise a player who plays for the badge and knows how much it means to them, hopefully I’ve reflected that so far to the fans and people at the club.
As we saw in the play off games the numbers and support of the fans was massive to pushing us on, playing in front of a big crowd is something I really enjoy and players thrive off.
We would ask for more of the same this coming season and hopefully we can produce on the pitch to bring them back each in their numbers each week.