Patterson, Madden thrilled to join Devine’s Derry City
�/Lorcan Doherty Photography - January 27th 2012. Derry City FC sign Rory Patterson and Simon Madden. Photo Lorcan Doherty Photography
NEW Derry City striker Rory Patterson has paid tribute to Linfield boss David Jeffrey for allowing him to join the Brandywell club.
The 27-year old Strabane born striker was unveiled at the weekend alongside former Dundalk right-back Simon Madden (23) as Declan Devine continues to build his squad.
“I was happy at Linfield but when I heard that Declan was interested in signing me I was immediately interested,” explained Patterson, who has been capped five times by Northern Ireland.
“I was spending four hours on my own in the car every time I drove to Belfast. The long journey was starting to take its toll. I know that Linfield is perceived in a certain way but believe me they were fantastic to play for and to deal with.
“When I explained to David Jeffrey why I wanted to join Derry he said he understood and was fully supportive of me. He’s a top professional and a top man.”
Patterson, who scored in his first pre-season outing for the Candy Stripes last week against Dungannon Swifts claims he is looking forward to playing with his new team mates.
“A few of my mates go to the Brandywell to watch Derry City and they told me that it’s a team that provides plenty of great service. If strikers get great service then the goals will follow.
“I can play in any position Declan Devine wants me to. I’m really looking forward to the start of the new season. I’ve already trained a few times already with the lads and it’s been great craic. I know the likes of Ruaidhri Higgins and Kevin Deery from when I was younger and I have heard nothing but good things about the two McEleney brothers.
“I am just happy to be a Derry City player. It’s been a long drawn out process and then there was a chance the deal might not go through but thankfully it’s all done and dusted.”
Madden joins Derry on a one year deal from Dundalk FC and is a former Leeds United, Darlington and Shamrock Rovers player.
“Yeah, I’ll be staying up in Derry. I’m looking forward to playing for this great team,” said Madden.
“I have played here a few times and it was always a tough shift coming to the Brandywell to try and get a result.
“I’ve been keeping myself in shape by doing a bit of training on my own. I’m really excited about playing for the club and I am looking forward to my return to Dundalk. I am taking nothing for granted - the hard work starts now.”
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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