Former Larne defender Shaun Want has signed a one-year contract with Scottish League One club Queen of the South. The 29-year-old's move was reported this week by the Newsletter, bringing his experience to a Doonhamers side currently bottom of the table after three straight defeats.
Shaun Want spent three successful years at Inver Park, making 77 Premiership appearances and starting five League Phase matches. During his tenure, Larne secured back-to-back league titles and qualified for the Conference League's League Phase, a campaign that included a famous December 2024 victory over Belgian side KAA Gent at Windsor Park. Want departed Larne in the summer of 2024 for family reasons, initially joining Ayr United where he made 10 Championship appearances before this latest move.
What does Shaun Want bring to Queen of the South?
Queen of the South manager Nicky Clark, the former Rangers striker, identified a pressing need for seasoned professionals. "We are delighted to welcome Shaun to the squad," Clark said. "We’ve seen over the past few weeks that we need experience within the side." Want's primary role will be to solidify a defence that has conceded heavily in the early season. He describes himself as a defender who relishes the fundamental aspects of the game. "I’m a defender who enjoys defending, doing the dirty side of the game and I take pride in keeping clean sheets," Want stated.
His arrival comes at a critical time for the Dumfries club. Queen of the South sit at the foot of League One with zero points from their opening three fixtures. Want hopes to play as many games as possible and intends to use his knowledge to guide the team's younger players through a difficult period.
How does this relate to Larne's current season?
While Larne fans will remember Want's contributions to their recent golden era, the club's focus is firmly on the present campaign. As of 29 August 2026, Larne find themselves ninth in the Premiership table with just one point from their opening match, a draw. They have yet to score or concede a goal this season. The title race already presents a challenge, with Tiernan Lynch's side trailing early leaders Coleraine by nine points. Fans can track the team's progress on our standings page.
What's next for Larne after this transfer story?
Larne's immediate attention turns to their next fixture, a home match against Crusaders FC on 12 December 2026. Crusaders currently occupy fourth place, making it a significant early test. The full schedule of upcoming matches is available on our fixtures page. The club will be looking to build momentum and improve their league position, drawing on the winning mentality cultivated during the period when players like Shaun Want were key figures in the squad.
