ARTHUR DUFFY reports

At the end of last season, both players had been told they could leave the club if they wished - but both opted to remain in place.

And, for Brandywell boss, Stephen Kenny, their continued presence certainly helped him make up his mind when returning to the eircom League from Dunfermline.

“Players here are expected to be proud to play for Derry City and both Mark and Gareth epitomise that fact,” he said. “Derry City is their club, they’ve had opportunities to leave yet declined. In fact, I’ve been informed that, at the end of last season, both Mark and Gareth had been informed that they could leave if they wished.

“But that’s football - doctors differ, patients die,” laughed the Derry boss. “Personally, I’m delighted that they remain here. They have excellent attitudes which will be adopted by the young players we bring in. They can learn from both Mark and Gareth by taking on they values the senior players hold and, ultimately, develop into better players,” he maintained.

Signalled intentions

Kenny feels the club has now made its intentions known. “I think Derry City have clearly signalled its intentions for the future. The club will remain a full-time entity, the club remains ambitious and we have high hopes of returning to European football next season.

“It hasn’t been plain sailing for either player but their loyalty and dedication to Derry goes without question. Mark, for example, struggled with injury for quite some time before emerging the top scorer in the league in 2006. This season he has netted 10 league goals to date - 14 in all competitions - and he’s on course to repeat that feat this season.

“There are times when I don’t think Mark realises how good he is. In fact, he’s extremely self-critical. But, when he feels good about himself, he can be devastating. The sheer pace that he possesses is difficult to contain, he’s a very good finisher and his workrate for the team is exceptional.

“Gareth has also come through the ranks. He’s an extremely hard-working player and this year I think he has flourished in so many ways. He’s now a player of substance and has captained the team in the absence of Peter Hutton. He’s versatile as he’s played in so many positions, but he has also had his setbacks. When we signed Paddy McCourt and Brian Cash in one season, people felt that Gareth was on his way out of the club - which couldn’t be further from the truth.

“But, rather than complain or sulk, he’s met the challenges presented to him head-on and has served the team so well. He’s had an excellent 2008 season, he’s played in almost every game and, in my view, these are important players for the future of Derry City,” insisted the Dubliner.

Kenny has ruled out even attempting to compete with clubs such as Bohemians, St.