EFL League One side Exeter City have signed Northern Ireland striker Josh Magennis on a one-year deal following his release from Wigan Athletic at the end of the season.
The experienced 33-year-old forward, who made his 79th appearance for Northern Ireland in the 2-0 win over Andorra earlier this month, was pleased to get the deal completed early ahead of the new season despite there being plenty of interest from other clubs.
“This has been in the works for a while,” Magennis admitted in an interview for Exeter's club website. “The communication has been nothing but positive throughout, so it feels really good to get it over the line.
“There’s a lot more that goes into football matches than the 90 minutes, and the manager reiterated the dynamic he expects from me in the dressing room whether I’m playing or not. That's me helping the youngsters and pushing others forward, as well as helping my own career.”
The former Glentoran youth, who began his professional playing career as a goalkeeper with Cardiff City, is hoping his move to the Devon outfit will also help him continue his international career and realise his ambition of becoming only the fifth player to reach the magical 100-cap mark for Northern Ireland.
“My aim is to get to 100 and I fully think I will be able to achieve that here at Exeter City," added the Bangor native.
“But in football nothing is a given, so first and foremost I have to stake my claim in the team here and put in performances that warrant a call-up to the national team.”
Exeter City will be the 10th club of Magennis’ career. He has previously played for Cardiff City, Grimsby Town, Aberdeen, St Mirren, Kilmarnock, Charlton Athletic, Bolton Wanderers, Hull City and Wigan Athletic.
