Coleraine FC have announced the signing of striker Adam Brooks from Crusaders on a long-term contract. The 22-year-old forward joined the Bannsiders on 1 September 2026 for an undisclosed fee, as confirmed by the club's official report.
This move bolsters a Coleraine attack that has already fired the team to the top of the Premiership table. Ruaidhri Higgins's side currently sits first with 10 points from four games, holding a one-point lead over Carrick Rangers. Their strong start is built on a solid defence, having conceded just one goal while scoring eight.
Who is new signing Adam Brooks?
Adam Brooks is a Scottish youth international who began his career at Celtic. He spent nearly a decade at Parkhead, where he featured in the Lowland League and scored in the UEFA Youth League against clubs like Real Madrid and Shakhtar Donetsk. Brooks gained senior experience with Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Queen of the South before moving to Northern Ireland last summer. He joined Crusaders in 2025 and arrives at The Showgrounds in sharp form, having scored a hat-trick against Portadown just two weeks ago.
Why did Coleraine manager Ruaidhri Higgins want him?
Manager Ruaidhri Higgins has been a long-term admirer of Brooks and sees him as a different profile of striker to current option Matthew Shevlin. Higgins believes the club's investment is justified by the player's age and potential for growth. "Adam is a natural centre-forward and he’s a different player to Matthew (Shevlin)," Higgins said. The manager added, "We’ve invested in this signing but we feel it is a worthy investment because he’s only 22-years-old, he’s signing a long-term contract and I think he can go to another level."
Where does Brooks fit into the current squad?
Brooks adds a new dimension to a Coleraine forward line that has been effective this season. His arrival provides competition and cover for Matthew Shevlin, offering Higgins more tactical flexibility. The signing is a statement of intent from a club leading the league and looking to maintain its momentum. Fans can view the updated squad list online.
What is the context of Coleraine's season?
Coleraine's strong early-season form, with three wins and a draw from their opening four matches, has created a positive platform for new signings. The team's next challenge is an away fixture against Cliftonville FC, who are seventh in the table, on 12 December 2026. Supporters can track the team's progress and upcoming matches on the standings and fixtures pages. Adam Brooks's first opportunity to feature for his new club will come as Coleraine aim to extend their unbeaten run.
