Heatley, 37, returns to the ‘Gers following a 12-year tenure at Crusaders where he achieved legendary status, winning both the League and Irish Cup three times each while amassing an impressive record* of 486 appearances, 214 goals and 138 assists for the Hatchetmen.
Prior to his time at Seaview, Heatley enjoyed a two-year spell with Carrick, notably scoring the winning goal in the dying minutes of the 2011 Intermediate Cup final which secured a double alongside the Championship title.
The impact he made in his first stint at the Club was recognised in 2014 with his inclusion in the Greatest Ever Carrick Rangers XI which had been selected as part of the Club’s 75th Anniversary celebrations.
Despite having initially decided to retire at the conclusion of the last campaign, Heatley will now continue his illustrious career at Taylors Avenue this season where he will add to his existing tally of 73 appearances and 29 goals.
On his return to Taylors Avenue, Paul Heatley said,
“I am delighted to come back to where it all started and hopefully see out my career here, which would be really special for me personally.
“The Club were perseverant but respectful in their approach and they were very keen from the start for me to come on board and return to where it all started – it’s fantastic for me to be able to do that full loop.”
“Paul is a massive signing that I’m sure will excite everyone at the Club,” commented ‘Gers boss Stuart King.
“We were in the market for a winger and Paul has been the best winger in the Irish League for the last ten years.
“I know a lot of clubs were chasing him after the news broke that he was reconsidering his retirement, so those from our Club who worked really hard behind the scenes to make this happen deserve massive credit.
“He has trained with us already and really enjoyed it. He will add goals and excitement to our team and I know the squad will thrive off his arrival and raise their standards.”
*Statistics courtesy of Marshall Gillespie.
