St Pats make move for Scottish midfielder Billy King

St Patrick’s Athletic have confirmed the acquisition of Scottish midfielder Billy King ahead of the 2020 Premier Division campaign.

King joins the Saints after a recent stint in Scotland with Morton, having played with Hearts and Dundee United once previous.

The 25-year-old winger joins Stephen O’Donnell’s charges who have been active in the off-season transfer market.

Jason McClelland and Conor Kearns have both come in the door from relegated UCD, while Robbie Benson has also made the move to the Athletic from Dundalk.

“I was playing in Scotland with Morton and my contract was coming to an end in January, so I met with the gaffer and Padge over in Edinburgh airport and they obviously wanted to get me in,” King told the Saints media team.  

“So, I looked up the club a little bit and reviewed my options. I liked what the gaffer and Padge (Patrick Cregg) had to say. From what they were saying it was a really good squad, so I was delighted to sign.

And with this being King’s first interaction with the League of Ireland he added; “I’ve spoken to a lot of people about it, mainly the gaffer and Padge (Patrick Cregg).  

“They told me what their vision was for the team and it was something I wanted to be a part of and I’m looking forward to playing in the league.”