The Doc’s Prescription - A Fond Farewell to Derry’s Daniel

AS IS the case with the vast majority of Derry City supporters, I have mixed feelings following the news that Daniel Lafferty’s move to Burnley appears to have finally gone through.

I will be very sorry to see the best left-back in Irish football leave Derry but, on a personal level, I’m delighted that someone who has worked so hard with his game is getting the opportunity to to play football at a higher level.

Daniel has, I’m delighted to add, realised his dream following his return from Celtic and he certainly deserves the opportunity given his loyalty to his home town football club.

Indeed, some of Daniel’s displays last season were out of the top drawer, therefore, it’s not a major surprise that his performances had attracted the attention of several English clubs.

I think it’s also important to note - and for young players to realise - that Daniel, like James McClean, worked non-stop in attempting to improve themselves as players. They both maintained superb levels of fitness, in and out of season, and the bigger full-time clubs now demand that as a minimue requirement.

Of course it leaves Derry City’s new management team of Declan Devine and Paul Hegarty with another major problem prior to the start of the new season. No fewer than SEVEN members of last season’s squad - some of whom were considered top quality personnel - have now left the club.

It’s difficult enough attempting to bring in one or two players to freshen up the squad, but having to replace so many quality players will, without doubt, prove to be extremely difficult.

That said, Derry’s two recent signings, Rory Patterson and Simon Madden, are top grade players and it’s a great boost for the Brandywell club to have them on board for the 2012 campaign at least.

So it’s a fond farewell to Daniel who leaves us with our best wishes for the future and, of course, a huge welcome to Rory and Simon.Roll on the new season.