DERRY CITY'S latest signing was not simply a name picked out of a list of players who became available for release following the opening of the current transfer window, according to Brandywell boss, Stephen Kenny.
ARTHUR DUFFY reports
On the contrary, Tralee native, Billy Dennehy was well known to the Dubliner given that Kenny had spoken to Sunderland boss, Roy Keane, when the Derry manager held the reins at Dunfermline.
“I spoke to Roy Keane in relatio
n to signing a left winger on loan and Roy said it was possible that Billy could fill the role and he said he would consider letting him out on loan last season. However, I subsequently secured the services of Liverpool’s Adam Hamill on loan and the negotiations with Sunderland were not followed through,” admitted Kenny during last Wednesday’s Press Conference at the Brandywell.
“But his name remained in my mind. I was aware that he had stayed at Sunderland but when they signed a load of new players over recent weeks, I don’t think it was any disgrace to see Billy opt to return home.
“Once I became aware of the situation, I made contact with him and invited him to come to Derry for a week or two, do a bit of training with us and see what would materialise. I must say, I was happy at what I saw and I’m delighted that we’ve come to an agreement on a contract,” smiled Kenny.
“To be fair, he hasn’t done much in a while so he probably needs a few matches to bring him up to speed. He turned 21 earlier this year, he’s got a very good attitude and I think he wants to establish himself. He’s hungry and basically wants the opportunity to try to do well which is very important as far as we are concerned.”
Therefore, the Co. Kerry man arrives as a free agent and, indeed, is one of few players who can actually join a club after the eircom League Transfer Window has closed.
“Billy’s contract has expired at Sunderland so he’s basically an out of work player, we can take him on board which is good for us.
“He’s a left-footer, something we don’t have a lot of at the club. He plays naturally on the wing and he can switch inside if situations present themselves. He likes to make runs and he’s something that we don’t have at the moment.
“In fact, Derry City haven’t had a proper left-sided player since Killian Brennan left us and before that it was always a problem area for the club.
The full article contains 457 words and appears in Journal Friday newspaper.
