Nacho Novo signs for Glentoran on one-year deal

Former Rangers striker Nacho Novo has agreed a one-year deal with Danske Bank Premiership outfit Glentoran.

Nacho Novo celebrates a goal for Rangers against Maccabi Haifa in the 2006/07 UEFA Cup. Picture: SNS Group

The 37-year-old, who was most recently with North American Soccer League (NASL) side Carolina Railhawks, was brought to east Belfast by former Republic of Ireland international Alan Kernaghan, who was a coach at Rangers during Novo’s six-year spell at Ibrox.

Kernaghan told glentoran.com: “I have always admired [Novo’s] work ethic and professionalism both on and off the pitch.

“We need experience and leadership in the changing room and off the pitch and I’m confident Nacho’s obvious enjoyment of being part of the team unit will be crucial in helping us push forward this season and to secure the progress we all want to to see.”

Novo, whose signing was part-funded by supporters groups and club sponsors, added: “I would like to thank the chairman and directors of Glentoran for giving me this opportunity to play for such a famous club with a long and proud history in East Belfast and beyond.

“I look forward to helping Glentoran FC become successful again.”

Novo - who started his career at hometown side Racing Ferrol - has had spells with Huesca, Raith Rovers, Dundee, Rangers, Sporting Gijon, Legia Warsaw, Morton and Carlise United.

Arguably his best years came during his time in Scotland, during which he netted 18 goals in 33 for Raith; 26 in 71 for Dundee and 47 in 179 appearances for Rangers over a six-year period.