Cork keeper David Harrington switches to Bolton Wanderers

Cork native David Harrington has officially joined EFL League One side Bolton Wanderers.

The goalkeeper has moved to the Toughsheet Community Stadium for an undisclosed fee, on a deal running until June 2028. It is understood that Harrington is looking to boost his international profile as he chases down future call-ups with Wales, the country he declares for through his father.

Harrington moves to a Bolton side that is sitting in sixth place in EFL League One, and fighting to get into the play-offs under head coach Steven Schumacher. The goalkeeper has played football in England since 2023, when he transferred to Fleetwood Town from Cork City.

Harrington will now be ply his trade in League One, a step up from what he was used to at Fleetwood, and he is excited to get started at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.

“It’s a challenge I want to take on,” he told the club’s media team.

“I think it's just such a big club. Coming in and looking at the ground, it's an unbelievable ground, with unbelievable facilities,” said Harrington, who spent three years with Fleetwood after signing from Cork, where he was an Irish League First Division winner, in January, 2023.

The club is looking to go on an upward trajectory and I think it's definitely something I want to be a part of.

Every time I pass the stadium, even when you're going down the motorway and you see the size of the ground, you're in awe. Now that I'm actually here, I'm delighted.” 

CONNECTION

Key for Harrington is Bolton’s goalkeeping coach Owain Fon Williams, as they previously worked together at Fleetwood Town.

“I've known Owain since I signed for Fleetwood and he's been a massive part of my development - probably one of the biggest influences on my development,” Harrington added.

“Working with him every day, extra sessions and this and that, I think the time and effort he's put into me and the amount that I listen and take off him, I think it's a really good connection we have.

“But he also pushes me. Just because he's worked with me before doesn't mean he's easy on me. He's the opposite. That's also what I'm looking forward to, being worked hard and pushed to the max.” 

Harrington came through at Douglas Hall before moving to Cobh Ramblers, where he played in the Underage National Leagues. The goalkeeper moved across the county to sign for City in January 2018 and his first experience of senior football at the Rebel Army was during a 2-1 victory over Mayfield United in the quarter finals of the Munster Senior Cup in March 2020.

Harrington made his league debut in a 0-0 draw with Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds on October 1st 2021 and was the starting goalkeeper during the 2022 season.